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 an excellent public healthcare system alongside high-quality private facilities. Healthcare is free for Kuwaiti citizens, while visitors typically use private hospitals and clinics.
Hospitals
Recommended private hospitals include Al Seef Hospital, Dar Al Shifa Hospital, and Royale Hayat Hospital. These facilities accept international insurance and have emergency departments.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available and well-stocked. Many medications available over-the-counter elsewhere require prescriptions in Kuwait. 24-hour pharmacies are located at major hospitals.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended due to high private healthcare costs.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions for any medications you're carrying
- Keep pharmacy receipts for insurance claims
- Know that some common medications may be controlled substances in Kuwait
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are uncommon but can occur in crowded areas
Aggressive driving and high speeds contribute to frequent accidents
Summer temperatures exceed 50°C (122°F), posing heatstroke risks
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers, at the airport, refuse to use meters or claim meters are broken
Vendors in souks claim items are genuine designer products at bargain prices
Individuals offer private tours of historical sites then demand exorbitant fees
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Carry a copy of your passport and keep original in hotel safe
- Respect local customs and dress modestly, near mosques
- Avoid public displays of affection, which are culturally inappropriate
- Don't photograph government buildings, military installations, or locals without permission
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress conservatively - shoulders and knees should be covered in public
- During Ramadan, don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours
- Avoid alcohol completely - it's illegal except in licensed hotels
- Learn basic Arabic greetings to show respect
Transportation
- Use Careem or Uber rather than hailing taxis on the street
- Women should sit in the back seat of taxis
- Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep your hotel's business card for easy navigation back
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Kuwait is relatively safe for solo women travelers, but understanding and respecting local customs is important for avoiding unwanted attention.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers arms, legs, and chest
- Consider wearing a headscarf when visiting mosques or religious sites
- Avoid eye contact with strangers, which can be misinterpreted
- Stay in groups when possible, in traditional areas
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Kuwait and can result in imprisonment. There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Exercise extreme discretion and avoid any public displays of affection
- Consider booking twin beds rather than double beds at kuwait city hotels
- Avoid LGBTQ+ dating apps which may be monitored
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly establishments carefully before visiting
- Consider Kuwait's strict laws when deciding whether to visit
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential in Kuwait due to high private healthcare costs and the potential need for medical evacuation in severe cases.
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