Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Kuwait. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2022 ranks Kuwait 39 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a High state of peace.
Crime Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kuwait City as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kuwait, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
The crime emergency line in Kuwait is 112. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Crime does occur in Kuwait but can often be mitigated through sound personal security practices. Crime victims have reported various types of immigration and residency fraud, ATM/credit card theft, white-collar fraud, embezzlement, and property theft.
It is probable—particularly among non-Kuwaiti crime victims of lower income/economic status—that a high percentage of crimes go unreported. Violent crime occurs between Kuwaitis and/or by Kuwaitis against foreign workers (e.g., domestic staff), but often goes unreported or lacks full police investigation.
Violent crime against U.S. citizens and other Westerners is rare, but does occur. In May 2020, a U.S. Embassy employee was a victim of road rage and assaulted on the roadway. The assault appeared to be random and not linked to the nationality of the victim, who escaped with only minor injuries.
The Global Organized Crime Index is a tool designed to measure levels of organized crime in a given country and assess its resilience to organized criminal activity. The most recent index ranks Kuwait 81 out of 193 worldwide for criminality, with 1 being the worst possible ranking; and 55 out of 193 worldwide for resilience, with 1 being the best possible ranking.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Petty theft occurs occasionally in the popular outdoor markets and shopping malls. Although several districts in Kuwait City may have high incidences of crime, only the J’leeb Al Shuyoukh area (near the airport) is of enough concern that the Regional Security Office recommends that U.S. government personnel not visit.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kuwait. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
International parental child abduction can be a concern. Kuwait is not party to The Hague Abduction Convention or a U.S. Treaty Partner on International Abduction, and this can prove problematic if a Kuwaiti national travels to the country with a U.S. citizen child without permission of the other parent. Once in Kuwait, U.S. citizens are subject to the jurisdiction of the Kuwaiti legal system.
Drug Crime
Media outlets continued to report government seizures of large quantities of illegal narcotics at the maritime ports, the airport, and private residences.
It is illegal to possess or use alcohol in a public place or in the company of others. It is also illegal to distribute, provide, or sell alcohol to others.
Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.
Terrorism Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kuwait City as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kuwait. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Kuwait.
The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2022 ranks Kuwait 93 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having no impact from terrorism.
Terrorism: General Threat
The U.S. Embassy often receives threat information indicating possible targeting of official and private U.S. citizens for terrorist attacks. Soft targets are vulnerable to terrorist attack, although many are making improvements to their perimeters and internal security. There have been no terror incidents in Kuwait since 2016.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kuwait City as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kuwait. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Political gridlock between parliament and the government continues, which typically leads to a dissolution of parliament and/or cabinet reshuffle. Political infighting has historically led to difficulty in securing investment and reform, rather than unrest.
Protest & Demonstration Activity
Kuwaiti law permits freedom of assembly for its citizens if organizers of demonstrations and public gatherings of more than 20 people obtain advance approval from the Interior Ministry (MOI). Foreign residents in Kuwait may not participate in demonstrations.
There are many protests in Kuwait, the vast majority are peaceful. At times, Bidoons (stateless Arab residents) hold unlicensed demonstrations demanding Kuwaiti citizenship.
For more information, review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies
Police have sole responsibility for the enforcement of laws not related to national security, while the Kuwait State Security oversees national security matters. Both police and Kuwait State Security personnel report to the Interior Ministry, as does the Coast Guard. The Kuwait National Guard is independent of the Interior and Defense Ministries. The Kuwait National Guard reports to the prime minister and the amir. The Kuwait National Guard is responsible for critical infrastructure protection, support for the Interior and Defense Ministries, and the maintenance of national readiness. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There have been credible reports that members of the security forces have committed some abuses.
Police Response
Police response to requests for assistance to U.S. citizens is generally good. Those who do not speak Arabic should request assistance from a bilingual switchboard operator. Emergency switchboard operators do receive prank calls and may hang up if they do not understand the caller. The Embassy advises callers to call again in such cases.
The police accept crime reports at the police station with jurisdiction over the area where the crime occurred. If filing a crime report, the victim must render all testimony in Arabic; bring a person who speaks Arabic and/or a local attorney to accompany you, though many police investigators are fluent in English. Filing a crime report can take several hours, as a police investigator will take the victim’s statement orally while composing his investigative report. In all cases of abuse, the victim must obtain a medical report from a Kuwaiti public hospital to file a police report; the police do not accept medical reports from private hospitals.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information
The emergency line in Kuwait is 112.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Apart from periodic sandstorms and heavy rain, road conditions and weather are favorable for driving most of the year.
Aggressive driving is the most dangerous daily threat Kuwait residents face. Drivers must remain on the defensive. Locals often drive aggressively, pass on shoulders and emergency lanes, and operate without headlights at night. Speed is the primary cause of traffic fatalities. Kuwait has an excellent highway system, but many drivers weave through traffic and exceed posted speed limits. Many reported accidents occur due to negligent driving or driving while talking on a cellular phone.
Avoid driving in the far-left lane on highways due to the prevalence of aggressive drivers who may flash their headlights rapidly, tailgate in order to get the slower drivers to move to the right or pass on the left shoulder. Kuwait permits driving on the shoulder on certain roadways from 0630-2200. When the authorities permit shoulder driving, there will be orange flashing lights along the road’s center jersey barriers. There is a set speed limit of 45 kilometers per hour for driving on a shoulder, but drivers using the shoulder routinely drive much faster than the speed limit.
Road rage, aggressive driving, and competitiveness often end in disaster. It is quite common to see remnants of traffic accidents alongside the highway. Avoid confrontations, refrain from making hand gestures/eye contact with drivers, and move away from anyone acting aggressively. Never allow such persons to follow you back to your home or to a secluded area.
Kuwaiti authorities treat public intoxication and driving while under the influence of alcohol as serious offenses; any trace of alcohol in a driver’s blood is illegal. Authorities will arrest and prosecute offenders. Offenders may face a travel ban during the investigation and court proceedings that can take months to conclude. Offenders may receive prison sentences, fines, and/or deportation if found guilty.
Kuwaiti law mandates that individuals involved in traffic accidents immediately notify the police and file a report. There are no Good Samaritan laws; assisting in an accident may expose the responder to liability. Expatriates perceive that the police afford Kuwaiti nationals preferential treatment when investigating accidents.
The MOI has taken steps toward increasing traffic law enforcement, implementing traffic safety measures (camera/radar systems), and delivering public awareness campaigns. The use of seat belts is mandatory, and the use of handheld electronic devices while driving is illegal; drivers frequently ignore these laws. Non-payment of traffic and parking fines may result in travel bans for expatriates.
Random police checkpoints are common. Uniformed and plainclothes police have the authority to make traffic stops, but must identify themselves with police credentials printed in Arabic and English. Remain in your own vehicle with the doors locked, and lower the window only enough to receive the person's police identification. While checking the credentials as well as possible, use your mobile phone to alert a sponsor/trusted person of the situation and ask the sponsor/trusted person to meet you. Inform the officer of your nationality. Do not ride in a police vehicle. If possible, drive your own car to the police station. Before going to the police station, request the officer to specify the name of the police station, and keep the mobile phone connected so the sponsor/trusted person can hear the destination. Lastly, anyone stopped by the police should relay the license plate number, the make, model, and color of the officer's vehicle to his/her sponsor/trusted person on the phone, if possible.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
The government-owned Kuwait Public Transportation Company operates a bus service in use mostly by the low-income foreign labor force.
Marked taxis are widely available at major hotels and at Kuwait International Airport (KWI). Use only metered and marked taxis. Marked taxis have the driver’s name and ID number posted on the back of the front seat. Note that information, and call the police at 112 to report an incident. Establish the fare before entering the vehicle if not using a metered taxi. Do not enter a taxi that already has other passengers. Do not permit taxi drivers to pick up other passengers. Always sit in the back seat.
Aviation Concerns
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Kuwait’s air carrier operations.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Maritime Security
Exercise care and caution before chartering any local watercraft (e.g., dhows, motorboats) for recreational excursions, particularly when operating close to shore in congested waterways. Vessels may lack accessible/available life jackets. Commercial and military vessels traverse Kuwait's coastline. The Kuwaiti Coast Guard routinely stops vessels passing through.
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns
Significant human rights issues include credible reports of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by government agents; arbitrary arrest; political prisoners; serious restrictions on free expression and media, including censorship and the existence of criminal libel laws; serious restrictions on internet freedom; substantial interference with the freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association, including overly restrictive laws on the organization, funding, or operation of NGOs and civil society organizations; restrictions on freedom of movement including the right to leave the country; government corruption; crimes involving violence or threats of violence targeting LGBTI+ persons; and the existence and use of laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults.
Safety Concerns for Women Travelers
While Kuwait is in many ways a tolerant country, conservative customs and dress are the accepted norm. Kuwaitis may consider it offensive to photograph women. Keep in mind the cultural differences among the nationalities and recognize that certain actions may invite unwanted attention. Locals may interpret frequent eye contact with an individual of the opposite gender as flirtation.
There are reports of harassment and sexual assault of expatriate women. There is a perception in the expatriate community that authorities do not fully investigate or prosecute crimes of rape. Women have reported suffering incidents of harassment while traveling alone, in public, and while shopping. There has been verbal and occasionally physical harassment of women. This generally occurs while shopping and sometimes driving, especially at night. Women can mitigate the potential for harassment by being cautious and conservative in dress and behavior. Ignore any taunting and do not respond to individuals involved. If you feel you are being followed inside a business or shopping center, subject to unwelcome attention and/or catcalling, or otherwise subject to imminent harassment, remain in a public place until you can contact local security or police.
Human rights groups characterized sexual harassment in the workplace as a pervasive and mostly unreported problem. The penal code criminalizes sexual harassment, but many activists, legal experts, and members of parliament have stated they are not satisfied with the penal code and called for a separate law to criminalize sexual harassment.
The law requires segregation by gender of classes at all public universities and secondary schools, although it is not always enforced.
The Solo Female Travel Safety Index combines the experiences of solo female travelers with other reliable indices to award a single rating indicating the relative security female travelers might experience in a given country. The qualitative portion of the index examines risk of scam, theft, and harassment, as well as the country’s perceived attitude towards women. As of the date of this report’s publication, Kuwait has a score of 1.6 on a scale of 1.0 (safest) to 4.0 (least safe). All solo female travelers are able to share their solo travel experiences by signing up with the Solo Female Travelers portal; the organization draws qualitative data from women traveling solo, depending on active participation and honest information.
Consider composite scores given to Kuwait by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Kuwait, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.
Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.
Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers
Consensual same-sex sexual conduct between men and crossdressing are illegal. The law criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activity between men older than age 21 with imprisonment of up of to seven years; those engaging in consensual same-sex sexual activity with men younger than age 21 may be imprisoned for up to 10 years. No laws criminalize same-sex sexual activity between women. The law criminalizes and imposes a fine and imprisonment for one to three years for persons imitating the appearance of the opposite sex in public. These penalties are enforced. Transgender persons report cases of repeated harassment, detention, abuse, and rape by police, who may blackmail and rape them without fear of reprisal.
The Criminal Court sentenced a transgender woman, Maha al-Mutairi, to prison for two years and fined her 1,000 dinars ($3,315) in 2019 for “imitating the opposite sex” in her online activities and for “misusing phone communication.” Al-Mutairi asserted on social media that she was targeted by police based on her gender identity and she was sexually assaulted and raped by police officers. Authorities held al-Mutairi in solitary confinement at the central prison for men. The Court of Appeals issued an amended verdict sentencing al-Mutairi to one month in prison and a fine of approximately 500 dinars ($1,650).
Societal discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity occurs. Officials practice such discrimination, usually upon discovering that a person stopped for a traffic violation did not appear to be the gender indicated on the identification card.
The Equaldex Equality Index measures the status of LGBTI+ rights, laws, and freedoms, as well as public attitudes towards LGBTI+ people around the world. As of this report’s publication date, Kuwait has a score of 25/100, ranking 153 out of 198 countries on the index.
Consider information from Destination Pride, a data-driven search platform associated with PFLAG Canada that visualize the world's LGBTQ+ laws, rights, and social sentiment; as well as from ILGA World, a worldwide federation that produces an annual map showing sexual orientation laws from around the world, available in multiple languages.
Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.
Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities
Public transportation is generally inaccessible for patrons with disabilities. Accessible parking spaces are common but are often in use by the general public. Kuwait traffic enforcement has made efforts to penalize unauthorized use, but this remains a problem. Most medical facilities and public buildings in cities have wheelchair ramps and elevators.
The law prohibits 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. It imposes penalties on employers who refrain without reasonable cause from hiring persons with disabilities. The law also mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities. The government generally enforces these provisions. The government has not fully implemented social and workplace programs to assist persons with physical and, in particular, vision disabilities.
Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.
Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity
It is illegal for individuals of non-Islamic faiths to attempt to convert Muslims in Kuwait.
There were no known Jewish citizens and an estimated few dozen Jewish foreign resident workers. The law prohibits local companies from conducting business with Israeli citizens, including transporting Israeli passport holders on the country’s national airline.
Approximately 70% of residents are noncitizens, many originating from other parts of the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and South and Southeast Asia. Societal discrimination against noncitizens is prevalent and occurs in most areas of daily life, including employment, education, housing, social interaction, and health care. The Interior Ministry uses administrative deportation, which is not subject to judicial review, to deport noncitizens for minor offenses, such as operating a taxi without a license. Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.
Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Kuwait is a close partner and major non-NATO ally of the United States. Kuwait and the United States have enjoyed a strong relationship, particularly since the U.S.-led liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991. The close partnership between the U.S and Kuwait yields excellent cooperation on matters of mutual interest. However, Kuwaitis occasionally disagree with U.S. policy, manifested through the local media, social media, and private social gatherings (diwaniyas).
Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by government officials, but the government does not implement the law effectively. Observers believe officials engage in corrupt practices with impunity. There are numerous reports of government corruption.
There are many reports that individuals have to pay intermediaries to receive routine government services. Police corruption is a problem, especially when one party to a dispute has a personal relationship with a police official involved in a case. Widespread reports indicates that police favor citizens over noncitizens. There were several reports of corruption in the procurement and bidding processes for lucrative government contracts.
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Kuwait 73 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index measures how the rule of law is experienced and perceived worldwide based on surveys in 139 countries and jurisdictions, and is the leading source for original, independent data on the rule of law. The most recent index ranks Kuwait not ranked out of 139 worldwide, where 1 means the strongest perceived rule of law.
Communication Issues
The constitution provides for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media, although these rights were routinely violated. The law also imposes penalties on persons who create or send “immoral” messages, spread false news, and gives unspecified authorities the power to suspend communication services to individuals on national security grounds.
The law bans certain issues for publication and public discussion. Topics banned for publication include insulting religion, in particular Islam; criticizing the amir; endangering relations between Kuwait and friendly countries; insulting members of the judiciary or displaying disdain for the constitution; compromising classified information; sorcery; and publishing information that could lead to a devaluation of the currency or false economic worries. In general, local activists, academics, journalists, and opposition political figures reported they were regularly contacted by Kuwaiti State Security, Ministry of Information, and Public Prosecutor’s Office officials after they published opinions deemed contrary to government positions. Government authorities did not always take immediate action in the cases of social media posts made by citizens while overseas to which the authorities objected, but under the law, the government may take action once the author returns to the country. There was broad latitude in the interpretation of what constitutes a crime when voicing dissent against the amir or the government, and activists can face up to seven years in prison for each count of the offense.
The courts continue to sentence political activists to harsh prison sentences for charges of speaking out against the amir, the government, religion, or neighboring states.
Media outlets exhibit a range of opinions on topics relating to social problems, but all apparently self-censored, avoiding critical discussion on topics such as the amir, foreign policy, and religion, to avoid criminal charges or fines or to keep their licenses. Discussions of certain sensitive topics, such as sex, were also self-censored. Widely available satellite dishes and virtual private networks allow unfiltered media access.
The law mandates jail terms for anyone who “defames religion,” and any Muslim citizen or resident may file criminal charges against a person the complainant believes has defamed Islam. Any citizen may file a complaint with authorities against anyone the citizen believes harmed public morals. The constitution states the amir is “immune and inviolable” and the penal code and press and publications law criminalize defamation and criticism of the amir.
The government filters the internet primarily to block pornography and LGBTI+ material (to include health, advocacy, and legal information), as well as sites critical of Islam.
The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Kuwait 77 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report does not rate Kuwait’s internet freedom, and its Freedom in the World report rates Kuwait’s freedom of speech as Partly Free.
Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad.
Health Concerns
Kuwait’s Emergency line is 112. There are many public and private medical facilities available. Most ambulances do not carry life-saving equipment and may be slow to respond. Know your location in case an emergency arises. Without addresses or street names, emergency responders may have difficulty locating you in the event of a medical emergency. Cite the number on the nearest streetlamp post (which serves as a geo-locator) to the switchboard operator to assist the ambulance in locating you.
U.S. citizens residing in Kuwait must possess a health insurance policy with the Health Ministry to remain in legal status in Kuwait, and may choose to purchase additional private insurance. Medical treatment costs are comparable to or less expensive than in the United States. Most hospitals and doctors accept major credit cards and cash. Patients will need to contact their insurance companies for reimbursement.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Kuwait. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to travel. Check relevant Government of Kuwait sources prior to traveling for current requirements and restrictions, including vaccination requirements. Travel restrictions continue to change and may impact entry into the country. The following routine immunizations are recommended: Hep A, Hep B, Tdap/Td (booster dose every 10 years), MMR (for those born after 1957), Varicella (for those born after 1980), Influenza/Flu Vaccine (Risk exists from October through April) and the COVID vaccine. Menactra – routinely given to school-aged children.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Many common prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are available in Kuwait. Medications are imported from the United States, Germany, and France. The Health Ministry provides strict regulations for pharmacies regarding medications stocked and their cost. Hospital pharmacies tend to have the most diverse choices of medications available. Certain forms of birth control, antiviral, neurological medications, pain medications, steroids, and insulin are difficult to locate in Kuwait. With regards to traveling to Kuwait with medications, there are no FDA approved medications that are banned in Kuwait. Any medication can be brought into the country if a doctor's note or a clear copy of prescription is available in case of customs check. For Benzodiazepines or stimulants, usually only 2 to 3 month's supply is allowable, even with a doctor's note.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Tap water quality is safe to drink. Fluoride is not added to the drinking water.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Environmental Hazards
The summertime can be stressful due to extreme heat. High temperatures from June-August average 44-45°C (110-112°F); however, individual daytime highs can reach 54°C (129°F). Kuwaiti winters are cool and dry. Review OSAC’s report, Dangers of Excessive Heat.
Occasional dust storms reduce visibility. Air quality is frequently poor due to dust, poorly regulated vehicle emissions, and uncontained contaminants from the petrochemical industry. Air quality can be hazardous and poses a health concern to vulnerable populations, and, during dust storms, to the population at large. Find data on current air quality data regarding PM 2.5 particulates on the Embassy’s Air Quality page. Besides PM 2.5 particulate, other pollutants can reach serious levels in Kuwait.
Cybersecurity Concerns
Spear phishing and spoofing business leaders’ email addresses with the intent of stealing money does happen, but not on a regular basis. Social media continues to be an information target-rich environment for criminals and other actors for gaining personally identifying information.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
Kuwait is a low-threat environment for economic espionage. There have been reports of individuals illegally reproducing and using U.S. software. There have been no reports of any organization or country targeting U.S. software, although the possibility exists.
Other Security Concerns
Landmines
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the 1991 Gulf War remains a problem in the desert areas. Land mines have also washed up on the beaches of Kuwait City, including at resorts. The Embassy urges caution if traveling off paved surfaces outside of Kuwait City. Workers have discovered UXO in piles of sand used at construction sites. A contributing factor to the local population's exposure to UXO is a tradition of desert camping. Most campgrounds are very close to the major roadways, but some Kuwaitis travel long distances from built-up areas to camp in relative isolation. Camping in well-used areas mitigates some risk of contact with UXO; camping in areas far from population centers increases the chances of coming into contact with hazardous items. In addition, heavy rains can wash away sand, exposing UXO.
Import/Export Restrictions
The sale of counterfeit and pirated goods, including auto parts, consumer electronics, and apparel, is rampant. While Kuwait has copyright and trademark laws, authorities seldom enforce them, and rarely institute criminal investigations. Any products containing alcohol are illegal in Kuwait and cannot be imported.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Photography
It is illegal to photograph government buildings, military installations, and oil-related infrastructure. Ask for permission before photographing people. Some women find being photographed offensive and may report the incident to local police.
The government generally respects privacy of the individual, but it does monitor social media and internet use. Topics critical of the amir and religion are off-limits in the media and on social media, and the government prosecutes individuals who violate local media laws. The government bans websites it feels have morally offensive content. Humiliating or insulting a person is a crime, as is insulting members of the ruling family. The former is similar to disorderly conduct or harassment in the U.S.; the latter is treated much more seriously.
Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.
ID Requirements
There are no unusual identification requirements specific to Kuwait.
Critical Infrastructure Concerns
Kuwait has vast oil fields, refineries, water desalination plants, ammonia plants, and other industries. Health and safety standards are below Western standards, and workplace accidents are common. The U.S. Embassy advises its employees to keep shelter-in-place supplies in their residences with sufficient food and water to last several days.
OSAC Country Chapters
The Kuwait Country Chapter usually meets bi-monthly. Contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa team with any questions.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Embassy: Masjid al-Aqsa Street, Bayan. Tel: +965 2259-1001. Hours of Operation: 0800-1630, Sunday-Thursday
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