Welcome to Kuwait

Part of the appeal of Kuwait is its humility – while as oil-rich as its neighbors, there is less flashiness here, making your experience feel infinitely more authentic.

The question is what to do first. Shopping? Choose from The Avenues, the second-largest shopping center in the Middle East, with 800-plus stores, or perhaps the bustling Souq Mubarakiya, where scents of spices waft on the air and locals haggle over produce. Over at the Tareq Rajab Museum, view Arabic manuscripts, Omani silver and Saudi gold jewelry.

And don’t miss the renowned (and bizarre) Mirror House, created by the eccentric Italian-Kuwaiti artist Lidia Al Qattan and housing approximately 70 tons of mirror.

Unique Facts

• Kuwaitis population is 70 percent expatriates, most of whom live in Kuwait City.
• The word “Kuwait” means “fort.” Until the 18th century, the desert region near modern-day Kuwait was frequented by nomads. When the desert was struck by drought, the nomads settled near the coast of the Persian Gulf and fortified settlements in the area, which ultimately led to the name “Kuwait.”
• The music scene in Kuwait is well established. Sawt, a complex form of urban music, was born here. Several music festivals are held throughout the country each year.
• Kuwait has proposed construction of Burj Mubarak al-Kabir, which at 1,001 meters (3,284 feet) tall, would reflect the popular Arabian folktale collection and be the tallest in the world at the time of its completion.
• Kuwait is home to the world’s sixth-largest oil reserve.

Language

Kuwait’s official language is Arabic.

When To Go

The best time to go to Kuwait is between March and May or September and October.

Airports

Kuwait International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Kuwait: Measles and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive the Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type G. Standard voltage: 240V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Kuwaiti Dinar

Getting Around

Driving in Kuwait is hazardous due to excessive speeding, distracted driving, congested traffic and road rage. Avoid driving after heavy rainstorms.

Use only marked and licensed taxis. Taxis are available at major hotels and by telephone.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Kuwait
Bayan, Block 13,
Masjed Al-Aqsa Street,
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Fax: +(965) 2259-1438
KuwaitACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

https://www.visit-kuwait.com/visiting/tourist-information/tourist-information-and-travel-tips

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Kuwait. Crimes include petty theft, car break-ins and harassment and sexual assault of women traveling alone. Use increased caution in the Jeleeb Al-Shuyoukh area of Kuwait City. Kuwait continues to face the threat of terrorism.