Kuwait

Unexploded weapons

Kuwait has unexploded remnants of war, including landmines, in desert areas and on some beaches.

People have been injured after picking up strange metal or plastic objects.

Don’t stray from well-travelled roads.

Border crossings

It’s illegal and dangerous to travel near the borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia without authorisation.

Armed guards patrol border areas.

All travel to Iraq is dangerous. Don’t go there.

If you travel to Iraq despite our advice, make sure you have correct documents authorising your movements.

Only use authorised road border crossing points into Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

More information:

Driving permit

Kuwait has strict requirements for driver’s licences.

If you drive without a valid licence, you could be jailed or deported.

If you’re a visitor, you can use a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) instead of a local driver’s licence.

Get your IDP before leaving Australia.

If you’re a resident in Kuwait, you need to apply for a Kuwaiti licence.

If you plan to drive, get advice from an embassy or consulate-general of Kuwait.

Road travel

Driving is dangerous.

You’re 3 times more likely to die in a car accident in Kuwait than in Australia.

Road conditions vary.

Most drivers pay little attention to other road users. Drivers generally ignore road safety rules.

It’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident before police arrive. If you have an accident:

• stay with the vehicle and don’t move it
• call the police on 112

If you don’t pay traffic or parking fines on time, authorities may:

• seize your vehicle
• impose a travel ban that prevents you from leaving Kuwait

Pay any traffic or parking fines as soon as possible.

If you must drive in  Kuwait:

• check you have adequate insurance
• find out about local traffic laws and practices

More information:

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use official taxis and limousines. Book transport from a reliable company.

Some taxis don’t use meters, which can result in disputes over the fare. 

Agree on the fare before setting off.

Public transport

Kuwait has a good network of public and private buses.

These routes cover residential areas rather than tourist destinations.

More information:

Sea travel

Many sea areas in the Gulf region are under territorial dispute.

There are reports of vessel inspections, detentions and arrest.

Piracy happens in the Gulf. Read the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy reports.

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Kuwait’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government