£1 KWD 0.419
Today
8:53 pm
+3h from you
Travel warning
There are active missile and drone attacks targeting military facilities, and the wider regional conflict is causing serious security risks and travel disruption.
Weather & climate
Weather in Kuwait
Kuwait
29°
Overcast
Thu
21°
29°
Fri
23°
28°
Sat
22°
28°
Sun
24°
30°
Mon
24°
26°
Tue
23°
29°
Wed
21°
26°
SPF level in Kuwait
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Kuwait
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to visit Kuwait, which you can get on arrival or online.
To enter Kuwait, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
You must be able to show a ticket for return or onward travel at border control.
You must be able to show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking, at border control.
If your passport contains an Israeli stamp, you may be refused a visa or entry to Kuwait.
Good to know:
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 3000 Kuwaiti dinars (£7,500) or more when entering to avoid seizure when leaving.
It is illegal to import alcohol, pork and pork products, or pornographic material into Kuwait.
Safety in Kuwait
Tips when travelling
Kuwait is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport with you as a visiting foreign national.
During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public during the daytime.
Unmarried couples cannot share a hotel room and may be asked for a marriage certificate.
It is illegal to drink, buy, sell, or carry alcohol in Kuwait.
Dress modestly in public, with women avoiding shorts or tight, revealing clothing.
Bonus tips:
Be aware that drivers often ignore traffic rules, switch lanes without warning, and use mobile phones.
Pay all traffic fines and utility bills before leaving the country or you may be prevented from departing.
More information
Driving in Kuwait
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Kuwait for a short visit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
45-70 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Kuwait drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Kuwait
As a British tourist, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. While the GHIC/EHIC card is not applicable in Kuwait, good travel insurance is essential.
Consult your doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions before travelling to Kuwait. Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach upsets and maintain good hygiene to prevent illness.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Kuwait
Tipping is not obligatory in Kuwait, but it is becoming more common, especially in the service industry, as a way to show appreciation for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included
Bar/Café
5-10% of the bill if service is not included
Taxi
Round up the fare or a small tip for good service
Hotel Porter
0.5-1 KWD per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 KWD per day
Tour Guide
5-10 KWD depending on the length and quality of the tour
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for their roaming charges in Kuwait. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 3 KWD (~£7.80)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Kuwait
Voltage
240V / 50 Hz
Plug types
Type G
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas, especially in Kuwait City.
Average speed
30 Mbps
Internet access is generally good in Kuwait's urban areas. Many hotels and cafes offer free WiFi, but the quality may vary. Purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan can provide a reliable internet connection.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Kuwait
Country code
+965
To call the British Embassy in Kuwait, dial 00 965 2259 4320 from the UK.
The country code for Kuwait is 965. When calling Kuwait from abroad, dial your country's exit code, followed by 965, and then the local number.
UK Embassy
British Embassy Kuwait
British Embassy, Al-Khaledia, Arabian Gulf Street 4, Kuwait City
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
1 day ago
Safety
- The statement on Iranian strikes has been updated. It now says: 'Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure across the region... have decreased. However, the risk of renewed strikes remains, and further attacks could occur at short notice.'
Warnings and insurance
8 days ago
Entry into Kuwait from Saudi Arabia
- There is a new section 'Crossing the Saudi-Kuwait border'.
- UK nationals must now contact the British Embassy in Kuwait 24 hours in advance to cross into Kuwait from Saudi Arabia.
Warnings and insurance
15 days ago
Security risk updates
- Iran has now publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel.
- Advice now specifically warns to stay away from 'US-linked locations', not just facilities and institutions.
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.