Kuwait

Översikt

Capital: Kuwait (pop. 3.298 million)
Population: 5,026,078 (2025 est.)
Religions: Muslim 74.6%, Christian 18.2%; note: about 69% of the population consists of immigrants
Languages: Arabic, English widely spoken
Time Zone: UTC+3
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +965
Electrical plug(s): Type C, Type G and Type M

Pengar

The local currency in Kuwait is Kuwaiti dinars (KWD). As of 6 October 2026 100 KWD is equal to 323.1 USD.

Currency exchange can be done at airports and exchange offices.

Travellers should be prepared to use either cash or credit or debit card to make payments. Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available in most places.

Banking hours are from 0800-1200 Sunday to Thursday.

Tipping is largely discretionary. Restaurants and hotels often add a 15% service charge. If no service charge is included, a 10% tip is considered appropriate. Gas station attendants, bellhops, and drivers all appreciate small tips of $1-2 (USD) or the equivalent in dinars.

El

The power supply in Kuwait is reliable. Electricity operates on 240V at 50Hz using plug type(s) C, G and M.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Kuwait. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have one blank page.

Nationals of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries can enter Kuwait with a valid smart ID.

Visum

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. A visa on arrival scheme is in place for select travellers, but often depends on nationality, purpose of travel and port of entry. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-free entry to Kuwait: GCC nationals may enter Kuwait visa-free.

e-Visas

E-visa: Foreign nationals who wish to enter Kuwait for tourism, transit or business purposes may apply for an electronic visa (e-visa). Tourist visas are available for single or multiple entries for up to 90 days.

Visas on Arrival

Visa on arrival: Foreign nationals who wish to enter Kuwait may apply for a visa on arrival. The visa-on-arrival is available at Kuwait International Airport (KWI/OKKK).

Visas

Visit visa: Residents of selected countries may apply for a Kuwait visit visa at a Kuwaiti embassy. Travellers are advised to consult the embassy or consular services before departure. Authorities do not specify the length of the stay.

Lokal resor

Overview

Local travel in Kuwait primarily relies on road transportation, as the country has a well-developed road network and limited public transportation options.

On 3 June, an Iranian strike targeted Kuwait International Airport (KWI/OKKK), killing at least one person and injuring dozens, while temporarily disrupting airport operations. Similar attacks cannot be ruled out in the short- to medium-term.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Due to the travel disruptions triggered by the United States (US)-Iran conflict since 28 February, many airlines have suspended flights to the country. Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways flights resumed operations at Kuwait International Airport (KWI/OKKK) on 26 April.

Terminal 1 building at Kuwait International Airport is closed due to repair works, following an Iranian missile attack on 3 June.

Kuwait International Airport (KWI/OKK) is the country's only airport for commercial flights. All other airports are military airports. The facilities of the airport are modern and convenient for travellers as the airport has a mall built inside, with around 150 retail stores. The airport serves as the hub for Jazeera Airways, a low-cost Kuwaiti airline, and Kuwait Airlines, the country's flag carrier. Some airlines, including Kuwait Airlines, banned alcohol on board flights. The airport has robust security. Plenty of airlines serve international routes at the airport.

Airspace

International airlines have been allowed to operate in the country's airspace, following a temporary restriction imposed due to the latest wave of attacks between Iran and the United States. Overflights will remain restricted until at least 2 October.

Borders and Entry

Entry bans:

• If your passport contains an Israeli visa or border stamp, or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate entry from Israel), you may be denied entry into Kuwait.
• Non-Kuwaiti travellers arriving or transiting from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and South Sudan are banned from entering the country, to prevent the spread of the disease. Entry will be permitted only for travellers who have spent more than 21 days outside the listed countries.

Health-related surveillance measures: Authorities implemented Ebola surveillance measures at the country’s entry ports, effective until further notice, to prevent the entry of the disease.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Kuwait. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have one blank page.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Kuwait might face legal and social difficulties.

If your passport contains an Israeli stamp, you might be refused entry. You are advised to travel with a second passport.

Road Travel

Traffic moves on the right side of the road. Driving is the most common mode of transportation in Kuwait. Many residents and visitors use private vehicles or taxis for their daily commutes and travel within the country. The road conditions are generally good, with modern highways and well-paved streets. Kuwait has an extensive and well-maintained road network. The road signage is in Arabic and English, making navigation relatively straightforward for English-speaking travellers. The major cities, including Kuwait City, are connected by multi-lane highways.

Public Transport

Buses: Kuwait has a limited public bus system, which serves some areas of Kuwait City and its suburbs. However, the bus network is not as extensive or efficient as in many other countries, and it may not be the most convenient option for tourists. Buses are mostly used by lower-income labourers and most of them reserve a few rows in the front for female passengers. Women are required to always be seated, and if seats reserved for women run out, the driver may require a male passenger to give a stand.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout Kuwait, and they are a convenient way to get around if you don't have access to a private vehicle. Taxi fares are usually metered, but it's a good practice to confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey. Unaccompanied women are advised to avoid taking taxis at night to mitigate the risk of physical and verbal harassment. Women travelling alone by taxi should ensure they sit in the back seat, ideally directly behind the driver, out of reach of any inappropriate physical contact. To avoid confusion, please note that public transportation vehicles have orange licence plates, government cars have blue plates, and private vehicles have white plates.

Online ride-hailing app services, namely WIYAK and Careem, are more recommended than traditional taxis when possible, as they have a fixed fare and are safer.

Vehicle Hire: International car rental companies operate in Kuwait, and renting a car is a popular choice for tourists who want the flexibility to explore the country at their own pace. You will need a valid international driver's license to rent a car.