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Before you go to Kuwait: what to know

Must know

  • Check current regional-security advice and flight availability.
  • Alcohol is illegal; drone import and use require permission.
  • Some British citizens are excluded from visas on arrival because of country of birth.

Entry and visas

Kuwait's official tourist-visa portal lists US, UK, EU, Ukrainian, Chinese and Turkish citizens among those eligible online or on arrival, subject to checks. Tourist stays may be up to 90 days as granted. FCDO says British citizens born in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria or Yemen need an embassy visa before travel. Confirm eligibility and carry return travel and accommodation proof.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • Kuwait tourist visa ↗ optional
    Before travel if applying online; use the visa within its validity period · Eligible nationalities or qualifying GCC residents

Passport validity: At least six months from entry.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Carry a return or onward ticket and accommodation confirmation.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw ↗, kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw ↗, gov.uk ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted; ATMs are available.
  • Some taxis require cash; confirm the fare before departure.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Alcohol purchase, possession and sale; public intoxication.
  • Illegal drugs, including small or residual quantities.
  • Drone import or operation without authorisation.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Respect public decency rules.
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke publicly during Ramadan daylight hours.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Kuwait is a Muslim country; respect Islamic religious customs.

Clothing: Dress modestly in public; avoid revealing or tight clothing, particularly in conservative areas.

Etiquette

  • Respect Ramadan observance and check opening hours.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Desert climate with long, hot summers, dust and humidity; short cooler winters bring occasional rain. Seasonal boundaries vary, so check current forecasts.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Cool winter; occasional rain
  • February: Feb: Winter-to-spring transition
  • March: Mar: Moderate spring; storms possible
  • April: Apr: Spring; rain and weather changes
  • May: May: Summer heat develops
  • June: Jun: Hot summer; dust possible
  • July: Jul: Extreme summer heat
  • August: Aug: Extreme summer heat
  • September: Sep: Hot summer conditions
  • October: Oct: Summer heat persists
  • November: Nov: Autumn; cooling and possible rain
  • December: Dec: Winter develops; cooler nights

Best season: The cooler winter and transition seasons avoid peak summer heat; security advice takes priority.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: e.gov.kw ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Modest, breathable clothing
  • Sun protection
  • A layer for cool winter evenings
  • Type G adapter

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Alcohol
  • Drones without prior authorisation
  • Illegal drugs

Practical

Plugs: Type G; 240V, 50Hz.

Water: US advice says tap water is generally safe; sealed bottled water is also available.

Traffic: drives on the right

Health: Dust storms and air pollution can aggravate respiratory conditions; plan around forecasts.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk ↗, e.gov.kw ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.