Kuwait
Kuwait is a small, wealthy Gulf state that sees few tourists. The disc-studded spheres of the Kuwait Towers define a waterfront skyline built on oil money, while Souq Al-Mubarakiya keeps older trading traditions alive downtown. Add first-rate museums, Failaka Island's Bronze Age and Greek ruins and fine Gulf seafood, but come in the cooler months: summer heat is ferocious.
Overview
Kuwait is essentially a city-state on the shore of Kuwait Bay: most of the population lives in a continuous belt of suburbs running from Jahra round to Fahaheel, with flat desert beyond. A visit is usually short. Two or three days cover the corniche and Kuwait Towers, the Grand Mosque, Souq Al-Mubarakiya and the vast Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre, plus a ferry trip to Failaka Island. Many travellers add Kuwait to a wider Gulf trip or a stopover, and its smaller museums, from the Tareq Rajab collections of Islamic art to the Bedouin weaving at Sadu House, reward anyone curious about the region.
Kuwait feels less showy than Dubai or Doha: daily life revolves around malls, diwaniyas (evening gatherings at home) and family outings to the corniche, and tourist infrastructure is thin. Hotels are expensive, while fuel and food are good value by Gulf standards. Alcohol is banned outright, nightlife means coffee shops and shisha, and the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. It suits stopover visitors, Middle East enthusiasts and anyone visiting friends among the large expatriate community. Many are surprised by how present the memory of the 1990–91 Iraqi occupation remains, from the Al-Qurain Martyrs' Museum to the towers' own post-war restoration.
Map of Kuwait
Top 5 highlights
- 1Architecture
Kuwait Towers
Opened in 1979, the three needle-like towers with their blue-green disc-studded spheres are the national symbol. The tallest holds a revolving viewing sphere with sweeping views over the Gulf and the city skyline.
- 2Culture
Souq Al-Mubarakiya
One of Kuwait's oldest markets, a warren of covered lanes selling dates, spices, oud, dishdashas and gold. Come in the evening, when it is cooler and busiest, and eat grilled kebabs or fresh fish at the courtyard restaurants.
- 3Sacred site
Grand Mosque
Kuwait's largest mosque, opened in 1986 beside Seif Palace, with a vast prayer hall decorated in Islamic and Andalusian styles. Guided tours for non-Muslims run outside prayer times, and suitable cover-ups are provided at the entrance.
- 4Culture
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre
One of the world's largest museum complexes, opened in 2018 on the Gulf Road, with immersive galleries devoted to natural history, space, science and Arabian Islamic science. Allow most of a day, especially with children.
- 5History
Failaka Island
Around 20km offshore, Failaka has Bronze Age Dilmun sites, a Hellenistic temple from the era when Alexander's successors called it Ikaros, and villages still scarred by the 1990 invasion. Ferries run from Salmiya.
Biggest cities
Kuwait City
The metropolis spreads far beyond its small downtown; stay near the Gulf Road for the towers, souq, Grand Mosque, museums and long walks along the seafront corniche.
Al Jahra
A separate town at the western head of Kuwait Bay, known for the mud-brick Red Fort, scene of a 1920 battle, and as the gateway to the northern desert.
Kuwait is effectively one continuous conurbation around Kuwait Bay and down the southern coast, so the metropolitan figure covers most of the population; Al Jahra is the only sizeable separate town.
When to go to Kuwait
Best time: Nov–Mar.
Average climate in Kuwait City
Festivals & events
- FebNational and Liberation Days
On 25 and 26 February, National Day and Liberation Day, marking the end of the 1990–91 occupation, bring flags, fireworks, car parades and exuberant water-balloon battles along the Gulf Road.
- Feb–MarGergean
In the middle of Ramadan, children in traditional dress go door to door singing for sweets and nuts; malls and hotels hold Gergean events that visitors can join.
How much does Kuwait cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Machboos
Kuwait's national dish: long-grain rice cooked in a spiced broth with chicken or lamb, loomi dried limes and baharat, topped with fried onions and raisins.
Mutabbaq zubaidi
Silver pomfret, the Gulf's most prized fish, fried and served on a bed of spiced rice; a Kuwaiti signature at seafood restaurants.
Gers ogaily
A light, fragrant sponge cake flavoured with saffron and cardamom, traditionally served with Arabic coffee or tea when guests visit.
Getting around
Kuwait has no railway or metro, so visitors rely on taxis, the Careem app and hire cars. Street taxis and pre-booked call taxis are plentiful; agree the fare before setting off. Public buses are cheap but slow and aimed at commuters. Driving is straightforward on wide ring roads and motorways, though rush-hour traffic is heavy. Ferries cross to Failaka Island.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- GCD240V — UK plugs fit
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +965
- Time zone
- UTC+3 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Varies — bottled or filtered is safer
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Restaurants sometimes add a service charge; otherwise leave around 10%. Rounding up taxi fares and small tips for hotel porters are appreciated.
- Etiquette
- Alcohol is illegal. Dress modestly in public, avoid public displays of affection, and during Ramadan don't eat, drink or smoke in public in daylight. Use your right hand to give and receive.
- Main airports
- Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Kuwait City
Visas & entry for Kuwait
Shown for a British passport.
Visa required — apply before you go
You must have a visa to visit Kuwait.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Hepatitis BMeaslesRabiesTyphoid
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Kuwait
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Tue 5 Jan 2027 | Isra' and Mi'raj (date may shift) |
| Thu 25 Feb 2027 | National Day |
| Fri 26 Feb 2027 | Liberation Day |
| Tue 9 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Wed 10 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (date may shift) |
| Thu 11 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (date may shift) |
| Sat 15 May 2027 | Day of Arafah (date may shift) |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha Holiday (date may shift) |
| Tue 18 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha Holiday (date may shift) |
| Sun 6 Jun 2027 | Islamic New Year (date may shift) |
| Sat 14 Aug 2027 | Prophet's Birthday (date may shift) |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Arabic
| English | Arabic | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | السلام عليكم | as-sa-LAAM a-LAY-kum |
| Thank you | شكراً | SHOOK-ran |
| Please | من فضلك | min FAD-lak |
| Excuse me | لو سمحت | law sa-MAHT |
| How much is this? | بكم هذا؟ | BI-kam HAA-dha |
Know before you go
- Alcohol is completely banned, including in hotels, and bringing any into the country is an offence, so don't pack even a single duty-free bottle.
- The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Many sights and shops open late on Fridays, after midday prayers, so check opening hours before planning a Friday itinerary.
- Avoid June to September if you can: daytime highs regularly pass 45°C and outdoor sightseeing becomes impractical, though malls and museums are heavily air-conditioned.
Kuwait travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Kuwait?
The best time to visit Kuwait is generally Nov–Mar. Peak months are January, February, November and December. Average highs in Kuwait City range from 19°C to 46°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Kuwait cost per day?
Roughly £70 a day on a tight budget, £150 mid-range and £300+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Kuwait?
Kuwaiti dinar (KWD).
What plug type does Kuwait use?
Type G, C and D sockets at 240V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Kuwait?
Traffic drives on the right in Kuwait, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Kuwait?
Varies — bottled or filtered is safer.
Do I need a visa for Kuwait?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You must have a visa to visit Kuwait. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Kuwait before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kuwait/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Kuwait?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies and Typhoid sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
