Kuwait City Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Kuwait City.
Healthcare System
Kuwait has a well-developed healthcare system with both public and private facilities. Public healthcare is free for Kuwaiti citizens, while expatriates and tourists must use private facilities or pay for public services. The standard of medical care is generally high, with modern equipment and many English-speaking doctors.
Hospitals
Major private hospitals serving tourists include Dar Al Shifa Hospital, Al-Salam International Hospital, Taiba Hospital, and Al-Seef Hospital. These facilities accept international patients and have emergency departments. Most have staff who speak English and can handle insurance claims directly.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Kuwait City and well-stocked with international and local medications. Many are open late, and some operate 24 hours. Common over-the-counter medications are available, but some drugs require prescriptions that may differ from Western countries. Pharmacists often speak English.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended, as healthcare for non-citizens can be expensive. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation, as some specialized treatments may require transfer to other countries.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your passport and insurance information at all times
- Private hospitals may require payment or insurance guarantee before treatment
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications with original packaging and doctor's letters
- Some medications legal elsewhere may be restricted in Kuwait; check regulations before traveling
- Heat-related illnesses are common in summer; stay hydrated and recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion
- Dental care is excellent and more affordable than in many Western countries
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C (113°F) and can reach 50°C (122°F). Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious risks, particularly for those unaccustomed to extreme temperatures.
Kuwait has a high rate of traffic accidents due to aggressive driving, speeding, and variable adherence to traffic laws. Road accidents are one of the leading causes of injury to visitors.
Petty theft including pickpocketing and bag snatching is uncommon but can occur in crowded areas. Kuwait has low crime rates overall, but opportunistic theft happens occasionally.
Unintentional violations of local laws and customs can result in fines, detention, or deportation. Kuwait has strict laws regarding public behavior, photography, alcohol, and social conduct.
Sandstorms occur regularly, particularly in spring and summer, reducing visibility to near zero and causing respiratory issues. They can ground flights and make driving extremely dangerous.
Air quality in Kuwait City can be poor due to dust, sandstorms, and pollution from oil industries. Those with respiratory conditions may experience difficulties.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers, particularly at the airport or tourist areas, may refuse to use meters or claim the meter is broken, then charge inflated rates. Others may take unnecessarily long routes.
Unauthorized money changers may offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to short-change tourists or provide counterfeit notes.
Some vendors in traditional markets may sell gold-plated items as solid gold or misrepresent the karat weight of jewelry.
Unlicensed tour operators or individuals may approach tourists offering tours or services at inflated prices or fail to deliver promised services.
Some restaurants may add items you didn't order to the bill or charge for items claimed to be complimentary.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Learn basic Arabic phrases for emergencies
- Carry your passport or a copy at all times (required by law)
- Stay informed about regional security situations through embassy alerts
- Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, even if peaceful
- Be cautious when discussing politics or religion in public
Cultural Respect
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees at minimum; women should avoid tight or revealing clothing
- Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting (left hand is considered unclean)
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond hand-holding for married couples
- Do not photograph people without permission, especially women
- Respect prayer times; expect some businesses to close briefly
- During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours
- Never point the soles of your feet at others when sitting
Transportation Safety
- Use reputable ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked taxis
- Always wear seatbelts; it's required by law and enforced
- Avoid driving during evening rush hours (4-7pm) when accidents spike
- Be extremely cautious at intersections; not all drivers stop for red lights
- If renting a car, get comprehensive insurance coverage
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up in traffic
- Avoid road rage situations; driving culture can be aggressive
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink but heavily chlorinated; bottled water is preferred
- Food safety standards are generally high in restaurants and hotels
- Be cautious with street food during extreme heat months
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked in smaller establishments
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products
Photography and Privacy
- Never photograph government buildings, military installations, or security forces
- Avoid photographing local women or people without explicit permission
- Be discreet when photographing in mosques (if permitted)
- Oil facilities and infrastructure are considered sensitive; do not photograph
- Some malls and private properties prohibit photography
- Delete photos if requested by authorities
Alcohol and Substances
- Kuwait is a completely dry country; alcohol is strictly illegal
- Possession, consumption, or trafficking of alcohol can result in imprisonment and deportation
- Do not attempt to bring alcohol into the country, even in transit
- All recreational drugs are illegal with severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences
- Some prescription medications containing controlled substances are illegal; check before traveling
- Do not accept packages or items from strangers to carry
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs in secure locations like malls and hotels
- Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and malls
- Carry some cash for traditional souqs and smaller shops
- The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) is one of the world's strongest currencies; familiarize yourself with denominations
- Keep valuables in hotel safes
- Be discreet with expensive items and large amounts of cash
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (available at airport and shops)
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone
- Major hotels and malls offer free WiFi
- Download offline maps before traveling
- WhatsApp and most social media work normally (unlike some regional neighbors)
- Learn the Arabic word for help: 'Najda' (نجدة)
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily accessible
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Kuwait City safely, though they should be prepared for a conservative Islamic culture with different social norms. While women have more rights and freedoms in Kuwait compared to some regional neighbors, cultural expectations regarding dress and behavior are important to respect. Harassment is not common but can occur, particularly in crowded areas. Women can drive, move around independently, and stay in hotels alone without issues.
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders, chest, and knees at minimum; loose-fitting clothing is preferable to tight garments
- Carry a light scarf to cover hair when visiting mosques or very conservative areas (not required city-wide)
- Avoid direct eye contact with men, as it can be misinterpreted as flirting
- Use ride-hailing apps or hotel-arranged transportation rather than hailing taxis on the street
- Sit in the back seat of taxis
- Be firm but polite if experiencing unwanted attention; say 'La' (no) clearly
- Some malls and restaurants have family sections separate from singles sections; families and women are welcome in both
- Women-only facilities exist in some gyms, spas, and beaches
- Solo women dining alone may receive curious looks but it's not prohibited
- Avoid walking alone in isolated areas after dark
- Keep phone charged and share your location with trusted contacts
- Wedding rings can help deflect unwanted attention (even if not married)
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave
- Hotels and major establishments are very accustomed to solo female travelers
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Kuwait with penalties including imprisonment of up to seven years. Same-sex relationships are not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. 'Imitating the opposite sex' in dress or behavior can also result in arrest and imprisonment.
- Do not publicly display affection with same-sex partners under any circumstances
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics or identity in public or with strangers
- Be extremely discreet about sexual orientation and gender identity
- Do not wear clothing, accessories, or symbols associated with LGBTQ+ pride
- Avoid LGBTQ+ apps and websites while in Kuwait; they may be monitored
- Be aware that hotel staff may question same-sex couples sharing rooms
- Do not assume tolerance in private spaces; be cautious even in hotels
- Consider booking separate rooms if traveling as a same-sex couple to avoid issues
- Research your embassy's ability to assist with LGBTQ+-related issues before traveling
- Be prepared for invasive questions about relationships and marital status
- Understand that local police will not be sympathetic to LGBTQ+ travelers facing issues
- Consider whether travel to Kuwait is necessary given the legal and social risks
- If detained, contact your embassy immediately
- Some travelers choose to wear wedding rings and present as heterosexual couples for safety
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Kuwait City due to the high cost of private medical care for non-citizens, the risk of heat-related medical emergencies, and potential trip disruptions from sandstorms or regional security situations. While Kuwait is generally safe, medical evacuation coverage is particularly important as some specialized treatments may require transfer to other countries. The extreme climate and driving conditions also increase the likelihood of needing medical attention.