Middle East and North Africa

 

Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. In August 2009, Kuwaiti security forces disrupted a Kuwaiti terrorist cell and arrested six Kuwaiti nationals who were in the final stages of planning a major attack against a US military base in Kuwait. In January and February 2005, Kuwaiti security forces arrested nearly 40 suspected militants in a series of operations, some involving shooting. Bomb-making equipment and material linked with planned kidnaps were discovered. Most of those arrested have since been sentenced to death or to imprisonment. Three individuals associated with these incidents are still at large and remain a threat to Westerners and Western interests in the region.

 

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. For more general information see terrorism abroad. Please also check the British Embassy website.

 

 

Incidents of violent crime against foreigners are rare. Some 6,000 British nationals live in Kuwait, and we estimate over 40,000 visit each year. Most visits to Kuwait are trouble-free. However, you should exercise caution if you intend to travel through or to conservative areas such as Jahra, where there have been a number of incidents involving firearms, and Jleeb As Shuyoukh where there were riots by migrant workers protesting about their conditions in summer 2008.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.
 

 

Kuwait country profile

 

Developments in Iraq, Iran and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region. Emotions are currently high due to the Israeli attacks on Gaza and there have been several public demonstrations. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues and follow news reports about regional developments. Take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.

 

 

Only authorised road border crossing points into Iraq and Saudi Arabia should be used. Any other unauthorised movement in the vicinity of borders is illegal and dangerous: armed guards patrol the border area. If you are planning to cross the border from Kuwait into Iraq you, should ensure that you have the correct paperwork. The British Embassy can offer advice on this.

 

Landmines and other hazardous ordnance are still present in Kuwait. Off-road driving is therefore discouraged. However, if you do travel off-road, confine your movements – whether by bicycle or on foot - to clearly identifiable tracks, and exercise great care, because even if an area has been officially cleared, there is still a danger of unexploded ordnance. Do not pick up any strange metal, plastic or other objects lying around or souvenir-hunt for war memorabilia.

 

 

You can drive on an International Driving Licence. Third party insurance is compulsory. Anyone applying for residence in Kuwait can also drive on an International Driving Licence until such time as the residency permit is issued. Thereafter, a Kuwaiti driving licence is required.

 

Driving is hazardous. Many drivers pay scant attention to other road users; driving in excess of speed limits, switching lanes without warning, frequently ignoring traffic lights and using mobile phones while driving. You should remain vigilant at all times.

 

If you have an accident you must stay with the vehicle and not attempt to move it. Call the police. It is an offence to leave the scene of an accident before the police arrive.

 

Hailing a taxi from the road is not advisable in Kuwait, particularly if you are female. There have been a few incidents of passengers being harassed while doing so. We recommend that you book a taxi in advance by telephone, from a known and reputable taxi company.

For more general information see driving abroad.

 

 

On 24 August 2009, one of the main pumping stations in Kuwait City has broken down and untreated sewage has been released into the sea. It is strongly advisable to avoid swimming in the sea off Kuwait City until the problem has been resolved.

Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. The area in the northern Gulf, between Iran, Iraq and Kuwait has not been demarcated and vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected; and there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.

 

In March 2006, a Dhow capsized in Bahrain. There were 58 fatalities, including 12 British nationals. Exercise care when travelling by Dhow, as the safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. You should also ensure that life jackets are available.

For more general information see river and sea safety.