- Destinations
- Middle East
- Kuwait
Kuwait
The Islamic Middle Eastern state of Kuwait, situated at the
northwest extreme of the Persian Gulf, is somewhat overshadowed and
overwhelmed by its neighbours Iran, Saudi Arabia, and especially
war-torn Iraq. Nevertheless, the flat and featureless country is
beginning to attract tourists and businessmen from the west,
particularly Americans. Those visiting Kuwait today are imbued with
a lust for adventure that has nothing to do with
adrenalin-producing experiences, but rather a yen to explore a not
too radical fundamentalist Muslim culture and witness a country
undergoing post-war reconstruction.
Despite the turbulence of its recent history, Kuwait today is
once again beginning to reflect its status as an oil-rich nation.
In 1990 Iraq claimed Kuwait as its 19th province, but the Iraqis
were expelled by a United States led alliance in a short war in
1991, and now the country is separated from its threatening
neighbour by a wall along its border.
The ruined capital, Kuwait City, has risen from the ashes of war
to become a buzzing metropolis with gleaming high rises, numerous
luxury hotels and lush parks set along wide avenues. The city's
major landmark is the Kuwait Towers, visible from the harbour where
oil tankers come and go, docking alongside hundreds of cargo ships
and pleasure craft. Kuwait is now regarded as a relatively safe
destination with plenty to interest the traveller, not only in
Kuwait City itself but throughout, from its arid desert plateau to
the fertile coastal belt and the nine small offshore islands over
which it has sovereignty.
Information & Facts
Business
Most aspects of the business culture are conservative. Dress
should be formal and conservative (particularly for women) and
greetings should be between same sexes only. There is often
accompanying small talk when meeting someone for the first time. Be
sure to adhere to local customs. Affection between opposite sexes
is not shown in public and in general take the lead from a woman
when greeting her. Most business is conducted in English, although
using a few words of Arabic (particularly for titles) will be
appreciated. It can be difficult to conduct business in Kuwait as
the working week runs from Saturday to Wednesday, often with some
non-government businesses working from Sunday to Thursday. Business
hours vary, but are usually from 7am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm.
Government offices and banks are usually open from 8am to 2pm.
Climate
Kuwait enjoys a variable continental climate. Summer months are
between June and October and the rainy season (if you can call it
that) runs from December to February, when humidity can also be
high. In summer temperatures can get over 100°F (38°C), but they
drop below 70°F (21°C) in winter.
Communications
Full international direct dialling is available in Kuwait. The
country code is +965 and the outgoing international code is 00,
followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United
Kingdom). City/area codes are not required. There are two national
GSM mobile telephone networks, which have active roaming agreements
with most international mobile phone operators. Internet cafes are
available throughout the country.
Customs
Being a strict Muslim society dress in public should be modest.
Homosexuality is illegal, as is any public display of affection
between men and women, and unmarried couples are not allowed to
stay together. Alcohol is not permitted in Kuwait, and the use of
this or the importation of obscene material can be punished with
imprisonment. Photography near industrial, military or government
buildings is illegal, including oil fields. Religious customs
should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when
eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be
discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. It is important
to carry identification at all times.
Duty Free
Travellers to Kuwait do not have to pay duty on 500 cigarettes,
or 1kg tobacco. It is prohibited to enter the country with alcohol
or narcotics; milk products and unsealed salty fish; mineral water,
unsealed olives and pickles; home-made foods; fresh vegetables;
shellfish and by-products; and fresh figs.
Electricity
240 volts, 50Hz. Both the UK-style three-pin and
European-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Health
No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Kuwait,
but inoculation against typhoid is advisable for travellers eating
outside of major hotels and restaurants. There is a risk of
diarrhoeal diseases, which are common in the country. Mains water
is chlorinated and considered relatively safe, but most visitors
stick to bottled water. Avian influenza outbreaks have been
reported, but there have been no human infections; the risk of
travellers contracting the disease is slight, but contact with live
birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked
as a precaution. Medical fees are high and medical insurance is
recommended.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely
used and understood.
Money
Kuwait's currency is the Kuwait Dinar (KWD), which is divided
into 1, 000 fils. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are
travellers cheques. Currency and travellers cheques are best taken
in US Dollars or British Pounds. There are banks with foreign
exchange facilities in the large centres and ATMs are plentiful.
Banks are open from 8am to 12pm from Sunday to Thursday, but their
ATMs are open 24 hours.
Passport Visa
All foreign passengers to Kuwait must hold return/onward
tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next
destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses
while in the country. Most foreign nationals can obtain a
three-month tourist visa on arrival, for a maximum fee of KWD 5.
Visas may also be obtained prior to departure from one's country of
origin. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at
least six months validity remaining after your intended date of
departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often
apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources.
Safety
Authorities are of the opinion that there is a high general
threat of terrorism against western targets in Kuwait and other
countries in the region. Visitors should remain vigilant,
especially in public places and where westerners gather. The
country is regarded as trouble-free as far as crime is concerned,
but there is political turmoil resulting from developments in Iraq
and the Middle East peace process and visitors should avoid public
gatherings and demonstrations. When travelling outside Kuwait City
keep to tarmac roads and take care on beaches and picnic spots
because landmines and other unexploded ordnance still litters the
countryside. Driving in Kuwait is hazardous, local drivers being
negligent and reckless, so constant vigilance is essential.
Tipping
A service charge of 15% is usually added to bills in restaurants
and hotels; if not a tip of 10% is acceptable. Additional tipping
is only expected in more expensive hotels. Taxi drivers appreciate
a small tip for long journeys.