CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Kuwait

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 8 has been updated (removal of information on Ramadan).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Kuwait

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to Kuwait do not experience problems.

There is a constant and high terrorist threat throughout the Arabian Peninsula and Jordan. From time to time, reports emerge that terrorists plan to attack specific locations in one of these countries. Targets could include government buildings, public areas, tourist sites and Western interests. Heightened security measures are currently in place and may be reinforced upon short notice. Canadians are strongly advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Caution should be particularly exercised in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (commercial, public, touristic). Canadians should monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are also advised to register and keep in contact with the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City, Kuwait, as well as to carefully follow messages issued through the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Regional developments and socio-economic conditions are usually the main causes of concern. Canadians are advised to avoid all political gatherings, crowds and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they will occur, as they might turn violent without warning.

Crime

The crime rate is low and violence is rare, including against foreigners. However, travellers should avoid secluded places or non-residential areas after dark. Any suspicion of being followed or of unexplained loitering should be reported to the local police. Westerners have sometimes been followed after dark and their vehicles were vandalized upon entering their homes.

Women’s Safety

There have been reports of physical and verbal harassment towards women. Travelling alone, especially after dark, is not advisable. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

General Safety Information

Official border crossings should only be used when crossing from Iraq or Saudi Arabia into Kuwait; otherwise, it would be considered illegal. Borders are patrolled by armed guards and there have been exchanges of gunfire in the recent past.

Unexploded munitions from the 1991 Gulf War are hazards in rural areas, picnic spots, and beaches. Children should be closely monitored. Nobody should touch suspicious, unfamiliar objects.

Weapons are readily available, and accidental shootings have occurred.

Dial 777 for police, fire department, or ambulance service.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Kuwaiti authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the State of Kuwait for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Kuwait. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Whatever the purpose of their stay, Canadians should be in possession of a visa obtained at the nearest embassy or consulate of Kuwait, prior to departure, as they could be refused entry or experience lengthy delays upon arrival.  Round-trip or onward travel ticket is required. Those overstaying the duration of their visa should expect heavy penalties.

Yellow Fever

Travellers must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if they are entering Kuwait from an infected area.

Employment

Kuwaiti employers/sponsors have customarily retained the passports of foreign employees.

Regional Travel

Canadians have been denied entry into Kuwait because their passports bore: a) an Israeli visa; b) an Israeli border stamp; or c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel).  

Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Kuwait - KUWAIT CITY, Embassy of Canada
Address: Villa 24, Block 4, 24 Al-Mutawakkal Street, Da'aiyah, Kuwait City, Kuwait
Postal Address: P.O. Box 25281, Kuwait City, Safat 13113
Tel.: 965 2256-3025
Fax: 965 2256-0173
E-Mail: kwait@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.kuwait.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The authorities in Kuwait have implemented screening measures at the international airport in response to the H1N1 Flu Virus outbreak. Travellers entering Kuwait are subject to a medical examination.

Modern medical care is available through government-run clinics and hospitals. Immediate cash payment is often required.

While domestic tap water is usually safe to drink, it may be tainted with sand dust. Filtered or bottled water is generally preferred. Travellers should peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets.

Dehydration is a serious risk due to very high temperatures during the summer months. Preventive action includes ensuring protection from the sun and drinking plenty of water.

Canadians should carry their original prescription and the original container for prescription medications.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Religion

The country's customs, laws, and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Religious and social traditions should be respected in order to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Legal Process

Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. If access is granted, it may be severely limited by the Kuwaiti authorities. Authorities may withhold the passport of an individual involved in legal processes, pending resolution of the case. This could result in the delay of a planned departure.

Identification Documents

Identification documents should be carried at all times. Visitors are advised to leave their passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes.
 
Dress and Behaviour

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Men and women should dress conservatively. Men must wear pants and a shirt in public. It is uncommon for Western women to cover their head in Kuwait. Dresses and skirts are permitted, provided they cover the shoulders and knees. Shorts and short skirts are considered inappropriate.

All travellers should exercise particular care in their behaviour with others, especially officials, to avoid offending local sensitivities. Verbal insults and obscene gestures may be considered a criminal act and, if found guilty, the accused could face deportation, fines and/or a prison sentence.

Criticism of the Emir is not permitted by Kuwaiti authorities.

Illegal and/or Restricted Activities

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

Common-law relationships, homosexual relations, adultery, and prostitution are illegal and are subject to severe punishment.

In public, physical contact (e. g. holding hands) should be avoided.

Criminal penalties for possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs are strict and include the death penalty. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and/or heavy fines. The possession of drugs, even a very small amount, could result in arrest and imprisonment.

Possession and consumption of alcohol is illegal in Kuwait.  Alcohol can not be legally purchased or imported into Kuwait and the penalties associated with the possession of alcohol could include heavy fines, imprisonment or deportation.

There is a zero tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving. Consequences could include heavy fines, imprisonment, or deportation. Public intoxication is advised against.

Importation and consumption of pork products is illegal, as well as it is illegal to possess pornographic material.

Photography of government buildings, military and industrial sites, particularly oil fields, is forbidden. People should not be photographed without their permission.

Fraudulent Practices

Fraudulent practices (e. g. cheques without funds and non-payment of bills) are regarded as extremely serious offences and may result in imprisonment and fines. Temporary release pending legal action may be granted in minor cases if the passport of the accused and the passport of the guarantor are surrendered to the authorities.

Family

Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is extremely difficult for a Canadian woman, even if she is a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through Kuwaiti courts. Regardless of their parents' marital status, minor children with a Kuwaiti father may not leave Kuwait without his permission.

Dual Nationality

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Sea Travel

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Caution should be exercised if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Persian Gulf, particularly around the islands of Abu Masa and the Tunbs. Iran and the UAE each claimed sovereignty over the islands.

Road Travel

Accidents are common due mainly to unsafe driving practices such as reckless driving. Caution should be particularly exercised after dark.

In the event of an accident, the driver should not attempt to move the vehicle, even though it may impede traffic. Kuwaiti law states that the driver must wait for the police to make an official report. Canadians should be aware that digital cameras register traffic violations.

Only officially marked taxis should be used. Fares should be pre-negotiated. 

Off-road driving can be hazardous and should only be undertaken in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide. A travel itinerary should be left with a third party. Travellers should be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food, and a cellular phone.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Air Travel

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency, the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD), is readily convertible to U.S. dollars. Credit cards and U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are widely accepted, and ABMs are available nationwide.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from December to January, often resulting in flooding.

High levels of humidity and severe heat occur from June to September.

Severe sand and dust storms also occur.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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