Kuwait Travel Guide

Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) may enter Kuwait without a visa and stay indefinitely. The nationals of 53 countries/territories are eligible for visas on arrival at Kuwait's airport and land borders; alternatively they may apply for an eVisa. Either type of visa is valid for a single entry of up to 3 months and, as of 2026, costs KD 10. Those 53 nations/territories are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,…

The national currency is the Kuwaiti dinar, denoted by the symbol " د.ك" or "KD" (ISO code: KWD). It has the distinction of being the world's strongest currency. The dinar is divided into 1,000 fils. Notes are available in denominations of KD ¼, ½, 1, 5, 10 and 20. Coins are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 fils. Notes feature inscriptions in Arabic on the front and English inscriptions on the back, with Arabic numerals (the numerals used in English) on both sides.

With an area of , Kuwait is among the smallest countries in the world and you can easily cover the country in less than 2-3 days. A journey from the capital city to Umm Qasr in Iraq will take you roughly 60-80 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Arabic is the official language. Although in schools the classical version of Arabic is taught, just like everywhere in the Arab world, Kuwaitis use the Kuwaiti dialect in everyday conversation. English is widely used and spoken. Most of the traffic signs in Kuwait are bilingual. English is taught as a second language in schools in Kuwait beginning at the first grade. Many Kuwaitis speak English fluently as there are lots of private English and American schools and universities where all subject…

Kuwait, by and large, is a very safe country to visit. Emergency telephone number (police, fire, ambulance) is 112.

Middle Eastern situation and terrorism threat

Kuwait is a Gulf State and may be affected during times of heightened tensions in the Middle East, and there is often a heightened risk when travelling to or being within Kuwait, during times of crisis. It is important to keep up to date with the latest news and updates from local authorities. Take shelter when told to. Kuwait hosts U.S bases and may be a target, in times of crisis.

Public health is entirely supported by the government at local clinics and hospitals, with a KD 5 fee paid by foreigners visiting Kuwait and KD 1 for expats with a resident visa, or a visitor's visa. Private non-governmental clinics are available as well, but charge much more at KD 30 and upwards. You will be entitled to free treatment in case of an accident or an emergency. In case of an emergency, call 112.

Phone

The country code for Kuwait is 965. Local phone numbers are 8 digits long. Numbers starting with 2 are landline telephones, while numbers starting with 5,6 or 9 are mobile telephones numbers and numbers starting with 1 are service numbers. there are no area codes and dialing within Kuwait will never require an additional 0 in the beginning.

Much of what's considered good manners in the Arab world applies to Kuwait. You should be very smart about what you openly say to someone — honour is an important part of Kuwaiti culture and Kuwaitis will not hesitate to react with anger if you say or do anything that makes them feel insulted. Keep in mind that it is a crime to insult, humiliate, make fun of, or make defamatory statements about someone in public. The law is broadly defined and open to interpretation. In other words, if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.