Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. There is an increased risk of attacks in or near places of worship, particularly Shia places of worship, and heightened security measures have been put in place at these sites. On June 26, 2015, 26 people were killed in an attack on a mosque in Kuwait City, for which Daesh has claimed responsibility. Be particularly vigilant in or near places of worship.

Targets could also include government buildings, schools, transportation hubs and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets and hotels, as well as sites frequented by foreigners.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places.

Crime

The crime rate is low and violence is rare, including against foreigners. However, you should avoid secluded places or non-residential areas after dark.

Locals have sometimes followed Westerners home after dark and then vandalized their parked vehicles. If you suspect you are being followed or you witness suspicious loitering, report it to the local police.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur and, on occasion, have a potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Border crossings

Use only official border crossings when crossing from Iraq or Saudi Arabia into Kuwait. Other crossings are considered illegal by Kuwaiti officials. Borders are patrolled by armed guards and there have been exchanges of gunfire in the recent past.

Women’s safety

Women have been physically and verbally harassed. Do not travel alone, especially after dark. See Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide for travel safety information for Canadian women.

Road safety

Accidents are common and due mainly to unsafe driving practices such as reckless driving. Exercise caution when driving after dark.

Off-road driving can be hazardous. Undertake off-road driving in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide only. Leave a travel itinerary with a family member or friend. Be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food and a cellular phone.

Public transportation

Use only officially marked taxis, and pre-negotiate fares.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Sea travel

Consult the Ministry of Interior of the State of Kuwait for instructions and regulations for sailing in Kuwaiti waters.

Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report, published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Persian/Arabian Gulf, particularly around the islands of Abu Mousa and the Tunba(s), as both Iran and the United Arab Emirates have claimed sovereignty over the islands.

General safety information

Leave your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes at all times.

Unexploded munitions from the 1991 Gulf War pose hazards in rural areas, picnic spots and beaches. Monitor children closely. Do not touch suspicious unfamiliar objects.

Weapons are readily available, and accidental shootings have occurred.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Kuwaiti authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the State of Kuwait for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Kuwait, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Kuwait.

Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required

You can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival. Business and student visas must be obtained an embassy or consulate of Kuwait before arrival. Arriving without a visa could lead to refused entry or a lengthy delay.

A round-trip or onward travel ticket is required to obtain a transit visa.

The expiry date of a residence permit cannot exceed that of a passport. In order to ensure the longest possible permit validity period, renew your passport before your residence permit expires.

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. Certified criminal record checks must be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada and by the Embassy of the State of Kuwait before travelling to, but no more than three months before arriving in, Kuwait.

Canadians who intend to work in Kuwait must also obtain a police clearance from Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) upon their arrival. Visit the Embassy of Canada to Kuwait to obtain the letter required to apply for the MOI’s police clearance.

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 (such a stamp would indicate entry from Israel).

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Modern medical care is available through government-run clinics and hospitals. Immediate cash payment is often required.

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 & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

The work week runs from Sunday to Thursday.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required.

In the event of an accident, do not attempt to move the vehicle, even though it may impede traffic. Kuwaiti law states that the driver must wait for the police to make an official report. Digital cameras register traffic violations.

Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. If access is granted, it may be severely limited by Kuwaiti authorities. Authorities may withhold the passport of an individual involved in legal processes, pending resolution of the case. This could result in the delay of a planned departure.

There is a zero tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving. Consequences include heavy fines, imprisonment or deportation.

Illegal activities

Defamation of the emir, any member of the Royal family or any local authority is prohibited by Kuwaiti law.

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

The laws of Kuwait prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Kuwait. See Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender travel for more information.

Penalties for possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, lengthy jail sentences or even the death penalty. The possession of illegal drugs, even a very small amount, could result in arrest and imprisonment.

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.

The import and consumption of pork products is illegal. 

It is illegal to possess pornographic material.

Photography of government buildings and military or industrial sites, particularly oil fields, is forbidden. Do not photograph people without their permission.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Kuwait. If local authorities consider you a Kuwaiti citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Kuwaiti passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Fraudulent practices

Fraudulent practices, for example, writing cheques without sufficient funds and non-payment of bills, are regarded as extremely serious offences and may result in imprisonment and fines. Temporary release pending legal action may be granted in minor cases if the passport of the accused and the passport of the guarantor are surrendered to the authorities.

Dress and behaviour

Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Men and women should dress conservatively. Men must wear pants and a shirt in public. It is uncommon for Western women to cover their head in Kuwait. Dresses and skirts are permitted, provided they cover the shoulders and knees. Shorts and short skirts are considered inappropriate.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2017, Ramadan is expected to begin on or around May 27.

Exercise particular care in your behaviour with others, especially officials, to avoid offending local sensitivities. Verbal insults and obscene gestures may be considered a criminal act and, if found guilty, you could face deportation, fines and/or a prison sentence.

Avoid physical contact, such as holding hands, in public.

Family law

Family law matters, including child custody and divorce-related decisions, are settled according to Sharia law. If you are involved in custody or other family disputes, consult a lawyer for advice on how religious law in Kuwait may affect your family situation.

Money

The Kuwaiti dinar (KWD) is readily convertible to U.S. dollars. Credit cards and U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and automated banking machines are available nationwide.

Natural disasters & climate

The rainy season extends from December to January and often results in flooding.

High levels of humidity and severe heat occur from June to September.

Severe sand and dust storms can occur throughout the year.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.