Kuwait
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Kuwait
Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Kuwait.
Terrorists have threatened to carry out attacks in the Gulf region, including on:
- residential compounds
- restaurants and hotels
- beaches
- shopping centres
- mosques
- military, oil, transport and aviation interests
Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Examples of recent significant incidents include:
- in 2020, 6 minors were arrested in Kuwait on suspicion of links with ISIS
- in 2024, 3 individuals were arrested on suspicion of an alleged ISIS plot against a place of worship
- Red Sea military activity
There is a military response to Houthi militants’ attempts to disrupt international shipping in the Red Sea. The military activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, but travel advice for Kuwait could change at short notice. You should monitor travel advice and follow instructions from local authorities.
Political situation
Recent developments in the Middle East have heightened tensions in the region. Planned and pre-approved peaceful protests are legal, however these are for Kuwaiti citizens only.
There have also been minor, isolated cases of vandalism aimed at some international companies, or calls for them to be boycotted.
Be mindful of local sensitivities on these issues, stay away from demonstrations or developing crowds and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Crime
Violent crime against foreigners is rare. However, take care if you plan to travel to Jahra or Jleeb Al Shuyoukh, where there have been incidents of robberies, petty theft and road rage.
Border crossings
It is illegal and dangerous to go near Kuwait’s borders without authorisation. Armed guards regularly patrol these areas.
Kuwait-Saudi Arabia border
It is easy to miss the border posts between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. You must only use an authorised land border crossing and make sure to get an exit or entry stamp before you continue your journey.
Kuwait-Iraq border
If you plan to cross the border from Kuwait into Iraq, make sure you have the correct paperwork. See the Iraqi Embassy to Kuwait website for more information.
Landmines and unexploded weapons
There are landmines and other unexploded weapons in Kuwait.
You should:
- avoid off-road driving
- stay on clearly marked identifiable tracks if you travel off-road
- take great care even if an area has been officially cleared
- not pick up metal, plastic or other objects
Laws and cultural differences
Kuwait is a Muslim country. Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas.
Personal ID
As a visiting foreign national, you must always carry your passport. If you are resident in Kuwait, you must always carry your Kuwaiti civil identification card.
Keep copies of your passport photo page and your visa or entry stamp in a separate place.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Ramadan in Kuwait started on 10 March in 2024 and will last for 29 to 30 days. During this time, do not:
- eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
- play loud music or dance
- swear in public
Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
You should also:
- check opening hours of shops and restaurants
- be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
- follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
- be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
- be patient and show tolerance
Dress code
Dress and behave modestly in public, particularly in downtown or conservative areas. Women should avoid wearing shorts or tight-fitting or revealing clothing.
Do not expose body piercings or tattoos that may be perceived as extreme or offensive – for example, you could be accused of violating religious sanctity for a tattoo of verse from the holy Quran in Arabic.
Relationships outside of marriage
It is illegal for an unmarried couple to live together in the same house or stay in the same hotel room. You will be asked to provide a marriage certificate if sharing a hotel room.
Public behaviour
It’s illegal to insult or humiliate any person verbally or through obscene gestures in a public place, including a police officer, public official or private individual. Police may arrest you and conviction may lead to prosecution, imprisonment, or immediate deportation.
It is frowned on for men and women to show affection in public.
Alcohol laws
Buying, selling or carrying alcohol and drunken behaviour in public is punishable by a fine or imprisonment and can result in deportation.
Illegal drugs penalties
Penalties for drug trafficking include the death sentence. Possession or use of illegal drugs can lead to a prison sentence of between 5 and 10 years, and a heavy fine. Bail is not usually given and even if found not guilty, you can expect to spend several months in detention while the case progresses through the judicial system.
Using cameras in secure areas
It is illegal to photograph or take videos of:
- government buildings
- military buildings
- industrial buildings or oil-related infrastructure
- other restricted areas such as borders and oil fields
- record people without their knowledge or consent
Unpaid fines and bills
All foreign nationals must pay traffic fines, phone bills and utility bills before they leave Kuwait. The Kuwaiti authorities may:
- stop you from leaving the country
- arrest you, or send you to prison
- fine you
- deport you, and not allow you to return to Kuwait
- refuse renewal of your residency card or re-entry visa
Financial crimes
Bouncing cheques is illegal and the law does not provide for offenders to be released from custody on bail.
Commercial disputes
If you’re involved in a commercial dispute with a Kuwaiti company or individual, the Kuwaiti authorities may prevent you from leaving the country until it is resolved.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex activity is illegal.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Kuwait, see information on driving abroad.
If you have a visit visa, you can drive in Kuwait using a UK photocard driving licence. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
There is also guidance on driving if you live in Kuwait.
Car insurance
You must get third-party insurance in Kuwait before you drive.
If you hire a car, you can usually get insurance through the hire company. If you drive a relative or friend’s car, you’re responsible for getting insurance. You must always keep the insurance document with you while driving.
Car accidents
If you have a major accident, where there are serious injuries or a vehicle is not drivable:
- stay with your vehicle if it is safe to do so
- call the police on 112
- do not move the vehicle before the police arrive
If you have a minor accident, where there are no serious injuries:
- take pictures of vehicle damage if it is safe to do so
- record licence plate numbers of vehicles involved
- move your vehicle to avoid blocking traffic if it is drivable - you can get a fine if you do not do this
- call the police on 112 and follow their instructions
Drink-driving
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Kuwait. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine, imprisonment, or deportation and the withdrawal of your driving licence.
Driving conditions
Driving conditions are hazardous. Many drivers pay little attention to other road users and may:
- drive faster than speed limits
- switch lanes without warning
- ignore traffic lights
- use mobile phones while driving
Sea travel
Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near:
- maritime boundaries
- Bubiyan and Warbah, northern Gulf islands
- Abu Musa and the Tunbs, southern Gulf islands
The area of the northern Gulf between Iran, Iraq and Kuwait has not been demarcated, and vessels entering this area have been detained and inspected. There have been occasional arrests. Make careful enquiries before entering these waters or visiting ports.
Take extra care when sailing in Kuwaiti waters – regional tensions may affect your planned route. There may be an increased risk of attack on vessels in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions.
Take care when travelling by dhow, as the safety of these sailing vessels may not be up to UK standards. Make sure life jackets are available.