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Middle East and North Africa

Kuwait

 Flag of Kuwait
Still current at: 27 November 2009
Updated: 01 October 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (consular assistance figures). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Local laws and customs

Kuwait is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan (corresponding to mid-August/ September in 2009) or if you intend to visit religious areas.

For more general information see travelling during ramadan

In public, general modesty of behaviour and dress is expected. Women who wear shorts or tight-fitting clothes, in particular in downtown areas, are likely to attract unwelcome attention.
 
You should carry your passport or a Kuwait civil identification card, if you have one, at all times.
 
The importation of narcotics, alcohol, pork products and obscene material is forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. Convictions of possession and abuse of drugs can lead to a prison sentence of between five years and ten years and a heavy fine. Bail is usually not given for drug offences and even if found not guilty you can expect to spend several months detained in prison while the case progresses through the judicial system. Penalties for drug trafficking include the death sentence.
 
Drunken behaviour in public or driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a fine or imprisonment and/or deportation and the withdrawal of the driving licence.
 
Photography near government, military and industrial sites, particularly oil fields, is forbidden.
 
'Bouncing' cheques is illegal and the law does not provide for offenders to be released from custody on bail. 'Post dated' cheques can be banked immediately.
 
Homosexual behaviour is illegal, and so is any public display of affection between men and women.

Co-habiting of unmarried partners in Kuwait is illegal. If you wish to live with your partner in the same house, you need to be married.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

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Contacts

Kuwait, British Embassy

Address:

British Embassy
Arabian Gulf Street
Dasman

Postal Address
British Embassy
P O Box 2
Safat 13001
Kuwait

Trade and Investment:
P O Box 300
Safat 13003
Kuwait

Telephone:

(+965) 2259 4320

Fax:

Political & Defence:     (+965) 2259 4339
Consular:                   (+965) 2259 4359
Trade & Investment:   (+965) 2259 4368
Management:             (+965) 2259 4352

Office hours:

Local Time:
Sunday-Thursday: 0730-1430

GMT:
Sun-Thur: 0430-1130
The weekend in Kuwait is Fri-Sat

Public access:

Consular, Passport & Notarial Services are availabe to British Passport Holders at the Embassy: Sun - Thu 0800 - 1300

Access to other Embassy Sections: By appointment only

Visa Applications must be lodged at the: Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Website: http://ukinkuwait.fco.gov.uk

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