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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.
*this will be downloaded as a PDF.Price
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Passport/Visa
The guide was updated:Visitors to Kuwait typically need a visa unless they are from a visa-exempt country or eligible for a visa on arrival or eVisa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Most visitors can obtain a visa valid for 3 months upon arrival by air or apply for an eVisa prior to arrival. Gulf Cooperation Council citizens are exempt from visa requirements.
Those arriving by land or sea are required to obtain a visa in advance. Nationals of some countries may be entirely barred from entry (Israel), or have significant difficulty obtaining a visa.
Useful Information
- Website: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Kuwait
Digital Travel Guide Download
Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.
*this will be downloaded as a PDF.Price
€4,95
Prior to visiting Kuwait, be sure to familiarise yourself with the social norms and legal regulations in place in the country.
Modesty in behaviour and clothing is generally advised, and women are discouraged from wearing tight-fitting and/or short garments anywhere in the country. Bikinis may be acceptable at hotel pools, but conservative swimwear is expected in public places.
Alcohol sale and consumption is illegal, and attempts to import alcoholic beverages, as well as drugs, pork products and pornographic material, may lead to fines and imprisonment. Public displays of affection of any kind, especially by same-sex couples, are not allowed and must be avoided. Cohabitation between unmarried partners is also considered illegal.
Travellers must be especially careful when photographing local landmarks. Taking pictures of government buildings, including military and industrial complexes, is punishable by law. This applies especially to anything that concerns oil production.
During the month of Ramadan, no eating, drinking or smoking in public is allowed for anyone regardless of religious convictions. Fines and imprisonment may follow for violating any of the above mentioned restrictions.
There is an ongoing terrorism threat in Kuwait. Travellers must exercise precaution in public places.
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Passport/Visa
Visitors to Kuwait typically need a visa unless they are from a visa-exempt country or eligible for a visa on arrival or eVisa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Most visitors can obtain a visa valid for 3 months upon arrival by air or apply for an eVisa prior to arrival. Gulf Cooperation Council citizens are exempt from visa requirements.
Those arriving by land or sea are required to obtain a visa in advance. Nationals of some countries may be entirely barred from entry (Israel), or have significant difficulty obtaining a visa.
Read more
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
The Kuwait International Airport is the only civil air hub in Kuwait, with several local and international carriers connecting the country to destinations worldwide.
Visitors who require a visa on arrival should obtain one before exiting into the baggage claim area. Get a ticket and wait in line till your turn is called.
The airport has its own taxi service, and regular cabs operating in the city are not allowed to pick up passengers for fear of hefty fines. Some hotels arrange shuttles for guests, but reaching the city by public bus is possible, too. Route 501 connects the airport to the main bus station of Kuwait City and makes several stops along the way. The bus stops outside the arrivals area.
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Best Time to Visit
The summer months between April and September can get extremely hot and humid, especially so in August. Try and plan your trip to Kuwait somewhere between September and May (ideally, September to October or March to May), when temperatures are comfortable and some refreshing rainfall is to be expected.
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Public Transport
Kuwait City has a fairly extensive bus network covering the metropolitan area. The buses run at regular 10-minute intervals and stop at designated bus stops. Tickets are fairly inexpensive and may be bought on board.
Even though the public bus system was established primarily to fit the needs of residents rather than visitors, most Kuwaiti landmarks may be reached by walking 10 to 20 minutes from the bus stops. Consult the website for routes, or pick up a schedule from the main bus station.
Ferries circulate between Ras Al Ard in the district of Salmiya and Failaka Island. There are also sea routes connecting Kuwait to Iran and several other Gulf nations.
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Taxi
Taxis are a convenient way to get around, with several varieties to choose from. It's common for taxis not to use meters, so it's recommended to agree on the fare before boarding. General pricing is usually based on the distance and area.
"Call taxis" are often found near hotels and are usually white. As the name suggests, they can be ordered by phone, with fares typically announced by the taxi dispatcher during the call.
Another type of taxi, orange in colour, typically runs along specific routes and can be shared with others heading in the same direction. These taxis are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers along the way, which can make the journey longer, but fares are usually lower than those of call taxis.
The airport operates its own taxi service with fixed fares, usually indicated inside the vehicle.
Careem, a Dubai-based ride-hailing app, operates in Kuwait.
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Post Office
There are a few post offices in and around Kuwait City, but most are difficult to locate due to the lack of exact address. Like most government establishments, post offices open and close early.
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Pharmacy
Pharmacies are widely available and marked by a green cross. Hospitals often have 24-hour pharmacies on their premises.
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Telephone
Country code +965
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Electricity
In Kuwait, the standard plug type is Type G, with three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern, same as in the UK. Kuwait operates on a 240V supply voltage with a frequency of 50Hz.
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