Risk level

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism.

Despite heightened security measures and counter-terrorism operations led by Kuwaiti authorities, there is an ongoing threat of attacks at or near foreign military installations and places of worship, particularly mosques. Heightened security measures, such as increased police presence and checkpoints, are typically employed during significant religious events at Shia sites.

Targets could also include:

• government buildings
• schools
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime occurs sometimes, including:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching
• ATM and credit card theft

Theft particularly occurs in crowded public areas such as:

• popular tourist areas, including lookouts
• buses, trains, bus and train stations, and airports
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants, including outdoor seating areas
• outdoor markets and shopping malls

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• do not show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
• be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs
• stay in accommodations with adequate security measures

Violent crime

Although rare, violent crime has occurred, namely:

• burglaries
• murders
• sexual and physical assaults
• vehicle break-ins

Be extra cautious in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area due to the high crime rate. The area is densely populated and characterized by poorer economic conditions compared to other areas of Kuwait City, which can lead to violence and street crime.

During your stay:

• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• avoid walking alone out after dark
• avoid isolated areas
• pay attention to people walking behind you
• do not resist an attack

Fraud

Cybercrime

Cybercrime, malware attacks and online extortion occur frequently in Kuwait.

Criminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal personal data or credit information.

Criminals can monitor social media and listen to your phone conversations.

• Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
• Be cautious when posting information or photos on social media
• Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known only over the Internet

Telephone scams

There has been a significant increase in foreigners and locals receiving calls from scammers claiming to be local authorities or financial institutions. Scams may be quite sophisticated, and the caller may try to collect personal information or request a fund transfer to resolve administrative or customs issues.

Do not send any money or personal information in this type of situation.

Useful links

• Overseas fraud
• Cyber security while travelling

Unexploded ordnance

Unexploded ordnance from the 1991 Gulf War poses hazards in the desert region near the border with Iraq.

• Be extremely vigilant in remote areas
• Stay on main and paved roads
• Only cross at official border crossings
• Pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of unexploded ordnance

If you encounter unexploded ordnance:

• do not get close to or touch them
• move away immediately
• contact local authorities

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are permitted and occur in Kuwait, but demonstrators must obtain prior authorization from local authorities. They may take place in response to local or regional developments. Demonstrations are only authorized at Al Irada Square in Kuwait City.

It is illegal for foreigners to take part in demonstrations. You could be arrested and face deportation for participating in demonstrations.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Border crossings

You must obtain a “green permit” from the border control department of the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait to be authorized access to the border area with Iraq.

The border between Kuwait and Iraq is heavily guarded and there are several checkpoints.

You should only use official border crossings to and from Kuwait. Kuwaiti officials consider other crossings illegal.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons are frequently discriminated against and harassed based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

2SLGBTQI+ persons have been verbally, physically and sexually abused, including by police officers.

If you are detained by local authorities due to your actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or any other sexual characteristic, you should report it immediately to the Embassy of Canada to Kuwait, in Kuwait City.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Kuwait.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment, verbal abuse or physical assault.

Local authorities may not respond adequately to reports of sexual violence and harassment. The notion of sexual consent may differ substantially from the Canadian context.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you should report it immediately to the Embassy of Canada to Kuwait, in Kuwait City.

• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark
• Avoid dark alleys and isolated areas
• Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location 

Advice for women travellers

Roads

Road conditions

Road conditions vary across Kuwait.

Roads can be dangerous due to:

• uneven surfaces
• a lack of infrastructure maintenance
• potholes

Pedestrians sometimes walk on the street due to the absence of sidewalks, and vehicles don't always stop at crosswalks.

Sandstorms and heavy rains may reduce visibility and cause accidents.

Driving habits

Road accidents are rising in Kuwait. Fatal accidents are common, especially due to:

• speeding
• drivers overtaking other cars on road shoulders
• cars circulating with no headlights after dark
• distractions such as cellphone use while driving
• racing against other drivers
• road rage

In the event of an accident, you should contact the police immediately and, if possible, move your vehicle on the road shoulder to avoid blocking traffic and getting a fine.

If you choose to drive in Kuwait:

• exercise caution
• always drive defensively
• do not engage with drivers showing signs of road rage
• always carry a cellphone and a charger

Public transportation

Public transportation options are limited to buses and taxis, especially outside major cities.

Buses

Buses are often behind schedule and most services do not operate at night.

Taxis

Official and unofficial taxis operate in Kuwait, but it’s difficult to differentiate them. Drivers may not always use meters and usually only accept payment in cash. Vehicles are not always equipped with safety features like seatbelts.

• Only use officially marked taxis or trusted ride-share services
• Arrange your pickup with your hotel before arrival when travelling by air or use authorized cabs at the airport
• Never share a taxi with strangers
• Confirm the fare in advance
• Have small bills available for payment

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robberies against ships occur in coastal waters. Travellers should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Kuwaiti authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into Kuwait.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Travel documents with an X in the "sex" field

The Kuwaiti authorities will deny you entry if your passport shows an X in the “sex” field or if it includes an observation to that effect.

Visas

Tourist visa: required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

You can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival. If you need a business or student visa, you must get it at an embassy or consulate of Kuwait before arrival.

You should apply to obtain an electronic visa prior to arrival to avoid delays or complications upon entry.

If you’re applying for a residency visa, your passport must be valid for at least 2 years. Your employer in Kuwait should not keep your passport.

E-Visa

Canadians travelling with a regular passport can also get a tourist visa online. You must present a copy of this visa for verification on arrival.

You must be able to show:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of accommodation

Electronic Visa Application – Ministry of Interior of the State of Kuwait

Employment

If you intend to work in Kuwait, you must obtain a certified criminal record check for each individual or dependent family member over the age of 18 who will be residing in the country.

The certified criminal record checks must come from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and be authenticated to be used in Kuwait. The authentication process can’t be completed more than three months before your date of arrival in Kuwait.

• Authentication of documents
• Work visa requirements – Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Ottawa
• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Regional travel

Canadians have been denied entry into Kuwait because their passports bore an Israeli visa or border stamp, or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel, since such a stamp would indicate entry from Israel.

Exit bans

Kuwaiti authorities may place an exit ban on certain individuals to prevent them from leaving the country.

An exit ban can relate to investigations into:

• an individual, their family or an employer
• criminal and civil matters, including commercial disputes
• employment without a valid work permit
• unpaid financial debts, such as traffic fines

An exit ban can be requested by people involved in any of these circumstances or after a judicial decision. You may not be aware that authorities have placed an exit ban on you until you try to leave the country.

Your passport may be seized until the case is fully investigated and settled.

If you face an exit ban, you should seek legal advice.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medication

Certain prescription medications are only available to Kuwaiti citizens. In some cases, alternative medication may be prescribed to foreigners.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality and availability in Kuwait.

• Bring enough medication for your stay 
• Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions  
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage 

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is available across the country. However, immediate payment is often required.

Tourists in Kuwait can only seek medical care in private hospitals and clinics, which are more expensive than public medical centers.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Dress and behaviour

Kuwaiti customs, laws and regulations reflect the conservative interpretation of traditional and Islamic practices and beliefs adhered to by the Kuwaiti authorities.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

While tolerated, revealing clothing such as shorts, skirts or tight clothing may be considered inappropriate for both men and women. Western women are not required to cover their head in Kuwait.

Verbal insults and obscene gestures may be considered a criminal offence and, if found guilty, you could face deportation, fines and/or a prison sentence.

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 you share a hotel room with a person of the opposite sex.

Avoid public displays of affection.

Ramadan

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Kuwaiti law criminalizes sexual acts and relationships between persons of the same sex. Convicted offenders could face up to 7 years of imprisonment.

In 2022, the Constitutional Court of Kuwait decriminalized the “imitation of the opposite sex.” However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be arrested or deported for violating public morals or the public interest.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Kuwait.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Driving

Authorities may detain suspects as well as witnesses to incidents for lengthy periods with severely limited, or no access to, legal counsel or consular officials. They may also confiscate the passport of an individual involved in legal proceedings, pending resolution of the case.

Local authorities have increased their use of cameras and radars to enforce traffic regulations. You could face a two-month jail sentence if you exceed the speed limit.

If you use a handheld electronic device like a cell phone while driving, you could face a three-month jail sentence and a fine.

Kuwait has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Penalties include:

• heavy fines
• imprisonment
• deportation

You must carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Drugs and alcohol

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, lengthy jail sentences or even the death penalty.

Possession and consumption of alcohol is illegal in Kuwait.

Alcohol cannot be legally purchased or imported into Kuwait, and the penalties associated with the possession of alcohol include heavy fines, imprisonment or deportation.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Illegal activities

Blasphemy and lèse-majesté

Kuwaiti law prohibits:

• criticizing or defaming the Amir, the royal family, Islam and its symbols
• jeopardizing national security

These prohibitions extend to your online activity, including what you post, share or like on social media.

Other illegal activities

It is also illegal to:

• engage in religious proselytism
• import and consume pork products
• import and possess pornographic material
• take photos of government buildings and military or industrial sites, particularly oil fields
• take photos of people without their permission

You could face fines and/or jail sentences.

Writing cheques without sufficient funds is considered a serious offense and may result in imprisonment and fines.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Kuwait.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Kuwait, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Dual citizens

Family law

Kuwait’s family law is applied by religious courts, which interpret the Islamic Shariah. It covers matters related to:

• marriage
• divorce
• child custody
• inheritance

You should seek legal advice in Canada and Kuwait to understand how Kuwait’s law may affect your family matters.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Kuwait.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Kuwait by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Kuwait to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Money

The currency of Kuwait is the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD).

It is easily convertible to U.S. dollars.

Credit cards and U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and ATMs are available nationwide.

Foreign currency declaration

You must declare all currency in your possession if it is greater than 3,000 KWD or its equivalent in any foreign currency:

• upon arrival
• upon departure

Currency Form – General Administration of Customs of Kuwait

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Kuwait. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Heat waves

Kuwait faces extreme heat, especially in the summer between June and August, with temperatures well above 40°C. The humidity is also high.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

During heat waves:

• stay hydrated
• avoid sun exposure
• monitor weather reports

Sun and heat safety tips for travellers

Heavy rains and flooding

The rainy season extends from November to April. Heavy rains occur occasionally and may cause major flooding. This can severely affect overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services, including:

• transportation
• power distribution
• water and food supply
• telecommunications networks
• emergency services
• medical care

In the event of flooding:

• exercise caution
• monitor local news and weather reports
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Sand and dust storms

Sand and dust storms may occur during the summer months, especially between May and August.

Sand-laden winds may significantly reduce visibility and create difficult and dangerous driving conditions. These storms can cause respiratory problems, which can be fatal for some individuals.

During a sand or dust storm:

• stay indoors, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• keep windows closed
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice
• monitor local media for the latest information