Rich in oil and home to the world’s most valuable currency, Kuwait is a unique, less-visited destination in the Middle East where visitors can experience the distinctive luxury often associated with parts of the region.
Kuwait City, the capital, offers bustling mega malls with high-end designer labels and futuristic skyscrapers. These attractions are balanced by culturally vibrant souks, artisans keeping alive traditions of Bedouin craftsmanship, and a beautiful coastline on the Persian Gulf.
While more off the beaten path than other destinations in the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia, travelers considering a visit to Kuwait should still educate themselves on the laws of the land and take safety precautions.
Official Travel Advisories
As of March 2026, the United States currently classifies Kuwait as a “Level 3” zone for which Americans should “reconsider” visiting. The authority behind the advisory, the State Department, notes concerns of crime, armed conflict, and potential unmarked explosives in Kuwait. Additionally, the source states that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a notice to “Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR)” regarding “risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait.”
The United Kingdom’s government discourages all but essential travel to Kuwait. Additionally, the Canadian government says to “avoid all travel” to the West Asian country on the Persian Gulf.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises travelers to “practice usual precautions” in a “Level 1” advisory for the global measles outbreak, which you should be aware of if you are traveling to Kuwait.
Is Kuwait Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
Due to ongoing regional geopolitical conflicts, travelers may not feel safe traveling to or being in Kuwait at this time. Travelers who are seasoned and experienced in the Middle East may feel more comfortable. However, please heed that the State Department advises U.S. citizens in Kuwait to read through its guidelines for traveling to “High-Risk Areas.” Moreover, one’s feelings and sense of safety don’t always correspond to actual safety. It’s a point to keep in mind when considering travel to any region with conflict and unrest.
Crime
Though crime is low in Kuwait, visitors should practice standard traveler safety precautions. The State Department details that car break-ins, petty theft, and sexual assault or harassment towards female solo travelers have been previously reported.
Transportation
To be safe, use licensed taxis or car/rideshare services provided, booked, or suggested through your accommodations.
Health
Adequate healthcare is provided via government-run and private entities in Kuwait. Amongst the State Department’s notes are that “some medical services [in Kuwait] are below U.S. standards.” The source additionally details that “emergency services are generally very responsive.”
Tourists visiting Kuwait should strongly consider having medical insurance with international coverage, just in case. If you’ll be traveling with prescriptions, be sure they are legal to bring into Kuwait. Also, keep them in their original packaging and have handy evidence of your doctor’s prescription for each medication.
Common Scams To Be Aware Of In Kuwait
Online dating/romance and money transfer scams occur in Kuwait. Avoid becoming a victim by being cautious with the romantic connections you make online and not sharing your personal or banking information with strangers. Also, be wary of people who may be posing as Americans desperate for help and money.
How To Stay Safe In Kuwait
Before traveling, the CDC recommends being adequately and appropriately vaccinated for your age and destination. If going to Kuwait, that includes having your routine vaccinations and protection against illnesses including measles, rabies, typhoid, COVID-19, and Hepatitis A and B. Additionally, avoid consuming contaminated water, being around sick people, or getting bug bites while abroad.
Another precautionary measure to consider before any international trip is registering your travel with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You’ll also want to stay informed about local and regional news before and during your trip, as conflicts and/or acts of aggression could escalate suddenly and seemingly unexpectedly. If you’ll be in Kuwait, the State Department recommends establishing a communication plan with loved ones or reliable sources in your home country. While in your destination, keep your travel documents “up to date and easy to access,” and “be aware of your surroundings,” particularly around large groups.
It is crucial to educate yourself about Kuwait’s laws before you travel there. You will be subjected to the local laws and their consequences while you’re there.
Alcohol and illicit drugs – in Kuwait, that includes marijuana – are prohibited and illegal. Relatedly, possession, importation, and transportation of those substances can get you in serious trouble. Also be aware that consuming pork, speaking negatively about the country’s government, recording people without their consent, sex outside of wedlock, pornography, and homosexuality are also prohibited. Depending on their accommodations and whether they plan to stay in the same room, couples may be asked to provide evidence of their marriage certificate. Do not engage in public displays of affection.
Having travel insurance can be extremely beneficial in emergencies or unfortunate events.
Where To Stay In Kuwait
In Kuwait City, Salmiya and Sharq are two areas where tourists often stay. You’ll find a range of hotel options across the city, including international chains and hotels at different price points. Choose a hotel that fits your budget and is highly rated amongst other travelers.
Best Time To Visit Kuwait
Summer heat in Kuwait can be brutal. For the most enjoyable temperatures, plan your visit during late fall through early spring, from late October through early April.
People Also Ask
Can U.S. citizens visit Kuwait? U.S. citizens can visit Kuwait, but should take the State Department’s travel advisories into strong consideration.
Is Kuwait safe for females? Though Kuwait is safe for female travelers, they should avoid walking alone in unpopulated areas at night and dressing immodestly. The latter can be seen as disrespectful to the local culture and religion, which is predominantly Islamic. It’s advised that you cover your shoulders and avoid cleavage or wearing clothing (shorts, skirts, dresses) that don’t at least hit knee-length.
Does Kuwait allow LGBTQ people? Same-sex relations between men over 21 can result in a prison sentence of up to seven years in Kuwait. While there are no explicit laws targeting same-sex relationships between women, it is still prohibited. Regardless of sexuality, sex outside of marriage is illegal. Transgender people and others within the LGBTQIA+ community could feel vulnerable in Kuwait and/or face discrimination and harassment.
Should You Still Travel To Kuwait?
Whether you should travel to Kuwait should be a personal decision. Crime is low, and many travelers will feel safe if they stay in Kuwait City or other tourist-friendly destinations and accommodations in the country. However, travelers should also very seriously factor in governmental advisories deterring visits to Kuwait, the status of hostility throughout the Middle East, and whether they can adhere to Kuwait’s laws during their visit. Those factors — either individually or in combination — may put non-essential travel to Kuwait on hold for many travelers.
