Kuwait
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Kuwait’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Around 5,0008,000 British nationals live in Kuwait and a further 10,000 visit each year. Most visits to Kuwait are trouble-free.
There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests, including against UK citizens. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice.
Terrorist attacks in Kuwait can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism
You must carry your passport or a Kuwait civil identification card at all times. See Local laws and customs
Take care if you plan to travel to conservative areas such as Jahra. There are high levels of crime, particularly robberies, in Jleeb Al Shuyoukh. See Local travel
Following maritime restrictions issued by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior in 2011, you should also take care when sailing in Kuwaiti waters. See Sea travel
You can contact the emergency services by calling 112 (fire, police and ambulance).
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
The FIFA World Cup will take place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022. If you are attending the tournament, you should check the travel advice in full for each country you plan to visit or transit through. Rules and requirements will vary from country to country. If you are travelling from Kuwait to Qatar during the World Cup period, you must ensure you have a Hayya Card (form of Fan ID). See Qatar World Cup 2022 for more information.
Update history
2025-06-13 12:39
Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region (‘Safety and security’ page).
2025-01-24 16:07
Updated information on visa requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-12-18 10:30
New information on visa requirements and updated information that terrorist attacks in Kuwait cannot be ruled out (‘Entry Requirements’ and ‘Safety and Security’ pages).
2024-10-26 08:22
On 26 October Israel carried out military action against Iran (‘Safety and security’ page)
2024-09-28 23:58
Updated information on the Conflict affecting Lebanon (Safety and Security Pages)
2024-09-28 22:51
Updated information on the Conflict in Lebanon (Safety and Security Pages)
2024-04-26 12:36
Removal of some language on military activity in the region (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-04-19 15:01
Information on explosions in Iran, and unconfirmed reports of explosions in Syria and Iraq (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-04-14 09:19
13 April 2024 – drones and missiles fired from Iran into Israel (‘Warnings and Insurance’ page)
2024-04-12 20:04
Information on regional risks (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-03-20 16:26
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2024-02-21 11:02
Updated assessment that terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Kuwait (‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages)
2024-01-12 00:22
Update to Safety and Security page
2023-10-29 14:21
Updated assessment that the risk of terrorist attacks happening in Kuwait is very likely (‘Terrorism’ page). Updated information on public demonstrations based on wider regional tensions (‘Political Situation’ page).
2023-09-07 11:17
New information that it is now mandatory for all non-Kuwaitis to settle any traffic fines and unpaid utility or telecommunications bills before leaving Kuwait (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-06-22 11:03
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages
2023-04-17 13:52
Updated information on E-visas (‘Entry Requirements’ page).
2022-10-19 13:49
New information about the FIFA World Cup taking place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022 (‘Summary’ page).
2022-05-12 11:35
Updated information on entry requirements for passengers; the Kuwaiti authorities have lifted all travel restrictions that were implemented in response to the COVID-19 (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-02-18 15:49
Updated information on entry requirements for passengers who have been fully vaccinated or infected with COVID-19 in the 3 months prior of their arrival to Kuwait (‘Entry requirements’ page)