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2,884 mi away
£1 KWD 0.419
Today
2:03 pm
+3h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Kuwait
Kuwait
46°
Clear sky
Thu
36°
46°
Fri
35°
44°
Sat
34°
47°
Sun
36°
47°
Mon
38°
47°
Tue
36°
45°
Wed
37°
46°
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.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date.
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, such as 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 on arrival.
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:
You must always carry your passport as a visiting foreign national.
It is illegal for an unmarried couple to live together or share a hotel room, so be ready to show a marriage certificate.
Alcohol is completely illegal, and buying, selling, or being intoxicated in public can lead to fines, jail, or deportation.
Dress and behave modestly in public, particularly in downtown or conservative areas, and avoid wearing shorts or tight clothing.
It is illegal to photograph government buildings, military installations, industrial sites, or people without their consent.
Bonus tips:
If you have a minor car accident with no serious injuries, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid a fine after taking photos and recording details.
Traffic offences like speeding or using a phone while driving now carry significantly increased fines, imprisonment, or even deportation.
Stay connected on your trip
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.
No vaccinations required
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
No UK adapter needed
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.
Languages in Kuwait
UK Embassy
British Embassy Kuwait
British Embassy, Al-Khaledia, Arabian Gulf Street 4, Kuwait City
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Safety and security
about 11 hours ago
Safety
- The assessment for Iran-aligned militia attacks in Kuwait has changed from 'very likely to continue' to 'likely to continue'.
- The assessment for general terrorist attacks now states they 'cannot be ruled out', whereas before it said terrorists 'may try to carry out attacks'.
Warnings and insurance
6 days ago
Regional risks
- Iran has carried out further attacks on Kuwait since the ceasefire MOU was agreed, and could do so again at short notice.
Health
12 days ago
Health
- Information on poor outdoor air quality being a risk in Kuwait has been added.
- References to the World Health Organization and World Air Quality Index for further advice have been added.
Safety and security
27 days ago
Safety
- Kuwait has now introduced stricter traffic laws with significantly increased fines and penalties.
Entry requirements
27 days ago
Regional risks
- The entire section about crossing the Iraq-Kuwait (Safwan) border and advance Embassy notification requirement has been removed.
Border procedures
- A new section 'Additional processing at airports' warns that British nationals born outside the UK, especially from parts of the Middle East or South Asia, may face additional checks, questioning, delays, or refusal of entry.
- The previous section on entry to Saudi Arabia for travellers on certain documents has been removed.
Airports in Kuwait
Beaches in Kuwait
Frequently asked questions
British citizens typically require a visa to enter Kuwait. You can obtain a visa in advance from the Kuwaiti Embassy in London or apply for an e-visa online if eligible. Check the latest visa requirements before your trip, as regulations can change.
Kuwait is generally considered a safe country for tourists. However, it's essential to be aware of your surroundings, avoid political gatherings, and respect local laws and customs. Petty crime can occur, so take precautions against theft.
The best time to visit Kuwait is during the cooler months, from November to March. The weather during this period is more pleasant, with temperatures ranging from mild to warm. Summers in Kuwait are extremely hot, making outdoor activities uncomfortable.
Kuwait is a conservative country, and modest dress is recommended, especially in public places. Women should avoid revealing clothing. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is advisable due to the hot climate. During Ramadan, even more conservative dress is expected.
Alcohol is not widely available in Kuwait, as it is a dry country. The sale and public consumption of alcohol are prohibited. Visitors should respect local laws regarding alcohol.
Kuwaiti culture is based on Islamic traditions. It's important to respect local customs, especially during Ramadan. Public displays of affection are discouraged. When interacting with locals, particularly elders, show respect and use your right hand to give or receive items.
While Kuwait is generally safe, tourists should be aware of potential scams, such as overcharging by taxi drivers or vendors. Agree on a fare before taking a taxi and be cautious of unsolicited offers or overly friendly strangers. Keep your belongings secure to avoid theft.
Kuwaiti cuisine features a blend of Middle Eastern and Indian flavors. Try Machboos (a seasoned rice dish with meat), Mutabbaq (a stuffed fried pastry), and Harees (a wheat and meat porridge). Many restaurants offer traditional Kuwaiti dishes, providing a taste of local culture.
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.