Middle East
Kuwait
Few tourists and few sights; most visitors come for work or family. Malls, museums and a good food scene, but dry, car-dependent, scorching in summer, and hit by 2026 regional strikes.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa5 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyKWDUS$1 ≈ KD0.31Details
- Price level57%of US prices (World Bank PPP)
- English3/5Common in tourist areas
- PlugsType G, C240 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112All emergencies 112
- Tap waterFilter or boilDesalinated tap water is treated, but storage tanks vary; most people drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedVery conservative; discretion essential.Details
- Internet230 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 373 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightVisitors can usually drive on their home photocard licence; paper licences need an IDP.
Where to go in Kuwait
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuwait CityCapital city | 3/5 | $2,910–4,860 | Nov–Mar | 3/100 |
When to visit Kuwait
November–March is mild; May–September regularly passes 50 °C, with dust storms in spring and early summer.
Good to know
Entry
- Eligible nationalities get a visa on arrival or an eVisa from the Ministry of Interior's Kuwait Visa platform.
- Bring a return ticket and hotel booking; passport valid six months.
- Israeli entry stamps may lead to visa refusal.
- Alcohol, pork, narcotics and pornography are banned imports; declare cash over KWD 3,000.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Alcohol is banned: buying, carrying or being drunk can mean prison and deportation.
- Unmarried couples may not share a hotel room or home.
- Even residual amounts of drugs can bring five to ten years in prison.
Etiquette
- Dress conservatively; cover shoulders and knees, and cover visible tattoos at religious sites.
- In Ramadan, don't eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public by day.
- Never photograph government, military or oil sites, or people without permission.
- Insulting gestures, including in traffic, are a criminal offence.
Tipping
Not expected; about 10% in restaurants is generous. Round up taxis and tip delivery riders.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Kuwait
- Kuwait Visa (Ministry of Interior)
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.