Kuwait

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Kuwait’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Kuwait set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kuwaiti Embassy in the UK: 

2 Albert Gate 
London, SW1X 7JU 

Telephone: 020 7590 3400 

Passport validity requirements 

To enter Kuwait, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Previous travel to Israel 

If your passport contains an Israeli stamp, you may be refused a visa or entry to Kuwait. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements 

You must have a visa to visit Kuwait. 

Applying for a visa 

You can get a visa on arrival in Kuwait or online. More information is available from the Kuwait Ministry of Interior.

Checks at border control  

You must be able to show: 

• a ticket for return or onward travel 
• proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking  
• work visas (both public and private sector) require further documents from employer. See further details on visas and requirements

Additional processing at airports

Kuwaiti authorities may apply additional checks to some British nationals on arrival, particularly those born outside the UK, including from parts of the Middle East or South Asia. This may result in delays, additional questioning, or, in some cases, refusal of entry. 

Entry decisions are made by the Kuwaiti authorities. 

If you are concerned that you may be affected, consider checking with the Kuwaiti Embassy in London before you travel or applying for a visa in advance.

Working or living in Kuwait 

For work or residency visas, apply to the Kuwaiti Embassy in London. 

If you’re applying for a residency visa, your passport must be valid for at least 2 years. Your employers should not keep your passport. 

For further information, read about living in Kuwait. 

Vaccine requirements  

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kuwait guide.  

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kuwait. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Failure to declare could result in: 

• imprisonment 
• refusal of entry and possible deportation

It is illegal to import:  

• narcotics  
• alcohol  
• gambling machines 
• pork and pork products 
• pornographic material  

Taking money into Kuwait 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 3000 Kuwaiti dinars (£7,500) or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. 

Emergency services in Kuwait  

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police) 

Contact your travel provider and insurer 

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do. 

Refunds and changes to travel 

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first. 

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including: 

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider 
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim 

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers and translators and interpreters in Kuwait  
• dealing with a death in Kuwait  
• being arrested or imprisoned in Kuwait 
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime  
• what to do if you’re in hospital  
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack 

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

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Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies  

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Kuwait on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.