Kuwait : Safety by City
Kuwait is a country located in the Middle East, at the head of the Persian Gulf, with Iraq to the north and west, and Saudi Arabia to the southwest.
Kuwait has an important cultural heritage and its capital, Kuwait City is well known for its contemporary architecture, of which may be the best known are striking Kuwait Towers.
It also boasts numerous museums and cultural landmarks: The Tareq Rajab Museum, for example, houses a rich collection of ethnographic artifacts and Islamic art.
It is an Arabian adventure of sorts, traveling to Kuwait.
Apart from enjoying the pleasant mix of culture and contemporary looks of the country as well as fine dining, Kuwait offers plenty of things to its visitors.
It boasts some of the Middle East’s most magnificent coastline: its beaches offer a fantastic view and a place to rest by its soothing waters and the beaches are filled with beach bars and parks.
Warnings & Dangers in Kuwait
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Kuwait is a safe place to travel to, the crime rates are fairly low and the possibilities of foreigners being harmed in any way or attacked are highly unlikely. However, what makes Kuwait a country with a reputation of being unsafe is terrorism risks.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : HIGH
Bear in mind that hailing a taxi from the road is not recommended, particularly for women. There have been reports of passengers being harassed while doing so. Try to book a taxi in advance and use a reputable taxi company, or get to know a good taxi driver to drive you around Kuwait. Never try to drive yourself as driving standards in Kuwait are extremely poor.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : LOW
Petty crime is not common in Kuwait, but you should still exercise all basic precaution measures you would at home or in any other country.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
When it comes to weather and environmental hazards, sand and dust storms are common and flooding can occur occasionally. Since it's a Gulf state, Kuwait often experiences extremely high temperatures, so during the hottest months, the temperature regularly reaches as high as 50ºC, sometimes even higher.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
Violence towards foreigners is rare, so chances of getting mugged, attacked or kidnapped are low. However, you should avoid public gatherings or demonstrations of any kind as they can turn violent.
TERRORISM RISK : HIGH
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Kuwait. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by visitors. In June 2015, 27 people were killed, including foreigners and 227 people were injured in a terrorist attack during Friday prayers on a mosque in Kuwait during Ramadan.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Scams exist in Kuwait as much as in other destinations, so have your wits with you when interacting with locals. Double-check your change and negotiate everything in advance. Beware of young Arabs pretending to be the police. They often ask for documents like passports or civil IDs.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
It is recommended for women to avoid walking alone in isolated and poorly lit areas at night and to travel with a companion if possible. Since the beginning of 2007, there have been at least three attempted sexual assaults against foreign women in Kuwait City. Two of these assaults were committed by a person posing as a police officer.
So... How Safe Is Kuwait Really?
Crime levels in Kuwait are very low, and violent crimes against travelers are extremely rare.
As a tourist, it is expected of you to respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to make sure they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs.
This applies particularly during the holy month of Ramadan or in religious areas.
Unless you have a death wish, stay away from driving yourself anywhere in Kuwait.
It is best that you hire a driver or find a good local taxi driver.
While the roads are good in Kuwait, the driving standards are poor and there is a general disregard for road rules and signals.
Kuwait has one of the highest traffic accident rates in the world.
Another issue in Kuwait when it comes to safety is the existence of unexploded munitions, including landmines in many rural areas, at beaches and recreational sites.
There have been reports of people being injured after picking up metal or plastic objects.
It is not recommended that you stray away from well-traveled roads and be aware that there is a danger of unexploded landmines even if an area has been officially cleared.
As for swimming in the sea off Kuwait City, it is not recommended, since there has been an incident where one of the main pumping stations in Kuwait City broke down and untreated sewage was released into the sea.
Even though the situation has been dealt with, it is still advisable to avoid swimming here.
Useful Information
- Visas - A visa is required by all visitors to Kuwait, except the residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, who have the right to enter and live in Kuwait without having to go through any particular formalities. All other countries can receive visas through the offices of Kuwait Airways. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from the date of receiving a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
- Currency - The Kuwaiti dinar is the official currency in Kuwait. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards widely accepted and used.
- Weather - Kuwaiti summers (that lasts roughly from May to November) can be scorching hot, reaching as high as 50 degrees Celsius. Between November and April, the climate is pleasant, and it is probably the best time to visit Kuwait, with cool nights and warm sunny days. During winter, in December and January, night temperatures occasionally touch the freezing point.
- Airports - Kuwait International Airport is located about 15.5 km south of Kuwait City. It is the only civil airport in Kuwait.
- Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Kuwait, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Kuwait Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 21 | 23 | 27 | 31 | 36 | 40 | 41 | 41 | 38 | 33 | 26 | 22 |
| Low °C | 10 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 21 | 16 | 11 |
| High °F | 70 | 73 | 81 | 88 | 97 | 104 | 106 | 106 | 100 | 91 | 79 | 72 |
| Low °F | 50 | 54 | 61 | 68 | 77 | 82 | 84 | 82 | 79 | 70 | 61 | 52 |
Kuwait is very safe to travel
Its all bullshit, i am 26 years in kuwait and never heard of any terrorist attack 1 incident in june 2015.Trust me anyone can travel in public transport and taxis at amytime of the day amd I guarantee that there is zero risk. And Kuwait has nearly zero rape/crime rates google it.
This page was written by somone that doesnt know a shit about kuwait.
Then you should be able to give guidance on how to come to kuwait, I’m from Africa Ghana precisely, but I’m non Muslim, I do not speak or understand Arab how possible,are there Africans there, I really want to visit Kuwait.
Your wrong mate my girlfriend who is a maid had twice been raped by her employer why doing her job Kuwait I a country with many desperate men an rapist wouldn’t know how to treat a woman…. Next comment..??
I worked in kuwait for 15 years. It sucks. Too much trash and drugs. And rape is daily. Driving is nuts. So glad I left.
Kuwait Sucks!
I agree with you so much, I am a boy, so I have came across places which were poorly lit in my area, and have been molested heavily twice. One I could escape. It’s tough living there. I don’t recommend it at all. I am going to Canada with my parents. It’s got better reputation.
Nice peacefull
I just got back ,and it is safer than London.
Kuwait is one of the safest countries around the world. There’s no terrorism in kuwait, it is very safe there. It is very hot over there, but the AC is literally every where except the distance between your car and your door.
Amazing
Your sunniest days ever 🙂
Kuwait might be the safest country in the world. I left my car unlocked several times and didn’t lose a thing from it. Malls are nice. Heritage places and many landmarks are options to visit. Choose your travel date from October to April. Bargain whenever you can. Check reviews for your taxi’s company. Many points in this report are exaggerating single incidents to draw a negative overall review which is irrational.
Sir please this is my WhatsApp number ********* there’s something I want us to discuss pls
Kuwait is SO SAFE
I lived in Kuwait for about 14 years, I’ve never ever got scammed and taxis are great I like the transportation we had 1 terrorist attack for about 30 years and whoever wrote this dosen’t know anything about Kuwait, I really recommend you to visit Kuwait it’s preset cool.
Sir this is my whatsap number ****** I really want to know more about Kuwait I have the intention to visit Kuwait thank you
Extremely safe Kuwait Is
Even at night no one dare to touch you
Nice, can I go there for work as a panel beater, and are dey do panel beater well over there.
I am afraid of going there for work
Can i get a job there as a forklift driver?
Kuwait is a very racist country. Terrorist risk is bullshit and it won’t happen. But watch out for racist locals that think they’re top of the world just because of money.
Am Onyitex Sabah plss can someone take me to Kuwaiti am in Nigeria
Hello everyone am Onyitex Sabah, plss i love Kuwaiti country can someone come and take me to Kuwaiti am in Nigeria
Onyitex Sabah…don’t go to kuwait,you can only get a job as a maid there and you will get raped by the man of the house regularly…make your research
Kuwait is amazing and I have lived there all my life and never heard of rape happening here.
What I can say about Arabic countries is that it is not totally safe for woman mostly especially African though I won’t deny that there are some good people but the percentage is low
Kuwait travel ban
I have been hearing so much about Kuwait and, currently I and my family are planning on getting a visa for me but I got a news that Kuwait are not accepting people from different country. Please how true is this because I’m supposed to be processing my papers now. Thanks
Exaggerated .. Big time
Absolute exaggeration.
1 terrorist attack in something stupid like 30-40 years doesnt make it the risk HIGH.
What would you call cities like London? Super high? Or New York? MEGA high?
I agree with the roads, people cant drive for shit here, still better than some other places in the region (that aint saying much).
Even the temperatures are wrong. Its scorching hot from June to maybe end of August? If you are lucky, it gets better in September. Otherwise, temperature is great in spring and winter.
Natural disasters? Dust storms (duh) and flood once a year due to heavy rainfall during winter and it being a flat country.