U.S. Embassy Kuwait

Bayan, Block 13,
Masjed Al-Aqsa Street,
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Fax: +(965) 2259-1438
Email: KuwaitACS@state.gov

Review the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Kuwait for information on U.S.- Kuwait relations.

Kuwait issues visas or visas on arrival to U.S. citizens visiting Kuwait. The visas on arrival are free for U.S. citizens and allow the visa holder to stay up to three months in Kuwait. To obtain a visa on arrival, U.S. citizens arriving in Kuwait must:

• Have a return ticket
• Not be restricted from entry to Kuwait
• Have a passport valid for at least six months after the date of arrival in Kuwait
• Provide the address of the place they will stay in Kuwait

Visit the Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority website for more information.

Visit the website of the Embassy of Kuwait in Washington, DC, and its Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York City for the most current visa information.

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Kuwait. Residency permits require an HIV/AIDS test and permits may be denied if applicants test positive. If HIV-related illness becomes known, the resident must leave the country or be deported.

Please see the CDC's travel page for more travel-related health information.

Residence Permits/Civil IDs: U.S. citizens seeking residency in Kuwait should have all the required legal documents authenticated by the Department of State Office of Authentications and attested by the Embassy of Kuwait in Washington, DC, or the Consulates General in Los Angeles or New York before arriving in Kuwait. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait cannot provide this service.

If you are a resident and lose your new Civil ID and/or U.S. passport while outside of Kuwait, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Kuwait to enter as a resident since losing your U.S. passport invalidates your Civil ID. You may enter using a U.S. emergency passport.

Department of Defense Travelers: The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait strongly advises active members of the U.S. military and military contractors arriving or departing on military air to contact the Theater Gateway office at +965-2221-6340 to ensure they go through the proper entrance or exit procedures in Kuwait.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our website.

Potential for Terrorist Activity: Kuwait continues to face the threat of terrorism. Terrorists may target U.S. citizens and interests in the Arabian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula.

For more information see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Criminal activity is low. Nonetheless, reported incidents include petty theft, car break-ins, and harassment or sexual assault of women traveling alone.

The Embassy recommends that U.S. government personnel exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City due to crime. See the Kuwait Travel Advisory for more information.

Desert Region Near the Border of Iraq: U.S. government personnel are prohibited from personal travel in the desert region within five kilometers of the Kuwait-Iraq border. See the Kuwait Travel Advisory for more information.

Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Kuwait. Review the Department of State and the FBI pages for more information.

Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/online dating
• Money transfers

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.  

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.  

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the Embassy at +965-2259-1001. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: Victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated according to best practices and safety inspections and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, adequate medical treatment is available throughout the country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. Individuals who violate local laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits and licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Alcohol and Drugs:

• Possession or importation of alcohol, narcotic drugs, and marijuana is illegal.
• Convictions for possession, use, and trafficking of drugs may include heavy fines, long jail sentences, or the death penalty.
• Transporting, holding, or accepting a package containing drugs on behalf of another individual can result in arrest and conviction, even if you are unaware of the package contents.

Illegal Activities: The following actions are illegal and may also lead to prosecution, imprisonment, and immediate deportation:

• Humiliating or insulting any person verbally or through obscene gestures in a public place, including a police officer, public official, or private citizen.
• There are limitations on freedom of speech and political expression in Kuwait, especially on social media.  Insulting the Amir is a crime.
• Taking pictures or video clips of government buildings, military installations, and oil-related infrastructure or of people without the subject’s knowledge or consent.
• Having unpaid debts.
• Driving without a Kuwait driver’s license after obtaining a residence permit.
• Possession of firearms, ammunition, or other weapons.
• Gambling.
• Prostitution and pornography.
• Sexual relations outside of marriage.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Review our webpage for further information. 

Travel Bans: Business disputes, court orders to pay a settlement, immigration violations, or government investigations into both criminal and civil issues may result in the imposition of a travel ban, which will prohibit departure from Kuwait until the issue is resolved and the travel ban is lifted. U.S. citizens in Kuwait who are involved in disputes or investigations can check whether they have a travel ban by entering their civil ID number on the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior website, found here. Since multiple Kuwaiti government agencies can impose travel bans, this database is not exhaustive. More information on travel bans in Kuwait is available here. 

Children Born Out of Wedlock: Engaging in sexual relations outside of marriage is a criminal offense. Parents may not be able to obtain a Kuwait birth certificate or residence permit for a child born out of wedlock and may be subject to prosecution and/or fines to document the birth of the child.

Customs: Alcohol, pork products, and pornography are prohibited.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws.  Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States.  Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: Review the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Gay and Lesbian Travelers: 

• Consensual same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal. 
• The law punishes consensual intercourse between men of full age (21 and older) with imprisonment of up of to seven years. 
• Men of full age who engage in consensual intercourse with men under age 21 may be imprisoned up to ten years. 
• No laws criminalize same-sex sexual activity between women. 
• Some LGB travelers have reported difficulties entering Kuwait on a passport bearing a name and photo that do not correspond to their sex at birth, including harassment, detention, abuse, and assault by security forces. 
• Societal discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation is common.

Review our LGB Travel Information and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: Accessibility and accommodations in Kuwait are different from those in the United States. The Kuwaiti laws prohibit discrimination against persons with permanent physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities in employment, education, air travel and other transportation, access to health care, or the provision of other government services. The law also mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities.

Public transportation is generally inaccessible for patrons with disabilities. Accessible parking spaces are marked, but often unavailable. Most medical facilities and public buildings have wheelchair ramps and elevators. Access to sign language interpretation is limited; U.S. citizens needing American Sign Language interpretation should plan ahead and have contact information for companies offering distance interpretation services through mobile phone apps, video phones, and other modalities. Read our Accessibility Needs for Travelers page.

Students: Read our Students Abroad  and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: Many public places have dress codes for women requiring shoulders and knees to be covered. Women, especially those traveling alone, should exercise particular caution on public transit, when traveling via taxi, and in conservative or isolated areas. See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

• For emergency services in Kuwait, dial 112.
• Ambulance services are widely available in certain areas, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

Healthcare is adequate and accessible both in the government-run system and many private institutions. Government facilities provide services for foreigners at reasonable costs, and payment for all services is expected in advance. Government facilities offer more specialty care services, though wait times are often long and difficult to access for non-nationals. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions. Some medical services are below U.S. standards. Most prescription and over-the-counter medicines are readily available at pharmacies. Emergency services are generally very responsive.

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers in Kuwait will accept cash or credit card payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Prescription Medications: Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Some prescription drugs which are legal in the United States are not legal in Kuwait, and bringing them in your luggage could result in denial of entry or criminal penalties.  Check with the Embassy of Kuwait in Washington, DC, the Consulate General of Kuwait in Los Angeles, the Consulate General of Kuwait in New York City, or the Kuwait General Administration for Customs: https://customs.gov.kw/ContactUs (Email: info@customs.gov.kw , Telephone: (+965) 24955000, Fax: (+965) 24838056) to ensure the medication is legal in Kuwait.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Kuwait Ministry of Health. Please note that Kuwait’s vaccination requirements for residents are different and may require more inoculations than recommended by the CDC.

Further Health Information:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: 

 Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses AI, historical data, and global pollution models to create a 3-day air quality forecast for [destination].
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of private medical and dental clinics, and the Kuwaiti government maintains a list of hospitals and pharmacies. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Kuwait is extremely hazardous due to excessive speeding, distracted driving, road rage, lax enforcement of traffic regulations, and a high volume of traffic. All major highways in Kuwait are dangerous due to excessive speeding. Roads have adequate signage. Passersby and emergency personnel react to accidents appropriately. Exercise increased caution when driving at night as some drivers do not use headlights. Drivers should avoid driving after heavy rainstorms or through standing water, be alert for flooded areas, and monitor local media for road closures and weather updates.

Traffic Laws:

• You are required to have your driver’s license with you at all times when operating a vehicle. There are no exceptions.
• Driving while intoxicated can result in fines, imprisonment, deportation, and/or revocation of your Kuwait driving license.
• It is against the law to use cell phones or text while driving.
• Use of seat belts is mandatory.
• Requests for bribes are uncommon.
• In case of emergency or traffic accident, call 112.
• Involvement in an accident, whether or not you are at fault, can lead to arrest and detention. Immediately notify the police and remain at the scene until the police arrive.
• If you are injured in an accident that may result in a legal claim against you or that you wish to file against another party, you must seek medical attention at a public hospital. At the public hospital, an investigator will document your injuries. Failure to do this will limit your ability to seek legal remedy for any injuries you have suffered.
• At-fault accidents can result in arrests, demands for financial restitution, and/or travel bans preventing you from leaving Kuwait. Police at checkpoints may fine motorists arbitrarily.
• Traffic cameras capture stop light and speeding violations.
• Nonpayment of traffic and parking fines can result in seizure of your vehicle and/or a travel ban. This means you may not be able to leave Kuwait until all fines and penalties are paid. You can pay traffic fines online through the MOI’s online portal, which may require a local bank or KNET account.

Public Transportation:

• Use only marked and licensed taxis. Taxis are available at major hotels and by telephone.
• Do not sit in the front seat of taxis with the driver.
• Do not allow the driver to pick up unknown passengers or enter a taxi occupied by someone in addition to the driver.
• Be aware of the route driven by the taxi driver and ensure that the driver does not take you to an unfamiliar area.
• As with driving personal vehicles, remember to vary routes and times when utilizing taxis.
• Women should exercise increased caution when riding public buses due to sexual harassment.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.  

For more information on aviation notices, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Maritime Travel: Mariners and passengers planning travel to Kuwait should check for U.S. Maritime Advisories and Alerts. The NGA Navigational Warnings website may also provide relevant information.