Kuwait

Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken widely — in hotels, malls, and most restaurants — because a majority of Kuwait's residents are foreign workers. Street signs and menus in central Kuwait City are commonly bilingual, so getting around without Arabic is manageable.

Buying a local SIM or eSIM requires showing a passport, and providers register a fingerprint at the point of sale — plan for a short visit to a telecom shop rather than an instant purchase. Coverage is strong across the country, including 5G in Kuwait City.

Tap water is treated to safe standards, but the taste puts off most residents, who drink bottled or filtered water instead — do the same for a more pleasant stay. Pharmacies are widespread and well stocked, and pharmacists can advise on minor ailments without a doctor's visit.

No special vaccinations are required, but summer heat is the real health hazard: daytime temperatures regularly pass 45°C from May to September. Limit outdoor activity around midday and drink water constantly.

Many nationalities, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the EU, can get an e-visa online before arrival. A visa on arrival is also available at Kuwait International Airport. GCC citizens enter without a visa, and residents of GCC countries holding a valid residence permit qualify for a visa on arrival too. Other nationalities may need to apply in advance through a Kuwaiti embassy.

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.

• Dress modestly in public: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. Women should carry a scarf for mosque visits, including to Grand Mosque, which welcomes non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times.
• Alcohol is completely illegal in Kuwait — unlike Dubai or Doha, there are no bars or hotel exceptions. Do not bring alcohol into the country.
• During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours, even if you are not fasting.
• Ask before photographing people, especially women, and avoid photographing government or military buildings.
• Public displays of affection between couples are frowned upon.

The weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, not Saturday and Sunday, so government offices and some businesses close then. During Ramadan, working hours shorten and many restaurants open only after sunset.

• By taxi and ride-hailing: the main way to get around for visitors without a car. Official taxis are metered.
• By bus: Kuwait Public Transport Company runs an extensive but slow network — useful for budget travel, though not really designed with tourists in mind.
• On foot: Kuwait City is spread out and built for cars. Summer heat makes walking impractical outside the cooler months.

Kuwaiti food centers on rice, fish, and meat, seasoned with spices brought home by generations of maritime traders. The national dish, machboos, is rice slow-cooked with chicken, lamb, or fish. Warm balaleet — sweet vermicelli with egg — is a common breakfast. Fresh Gulf fish like hammour and zubaidi appear grilled or in stews at family restaurants across the city.

Non-alcoholic tea culture runs deep. Karak, spiced milk tea, and Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom and served with dates, are offered as a sign of hospitality nearly everywhere. For street food and spices, visit Souk Al-Mubarakiya, where traditional stalls sell samboosa pastries and date-syrup luqaimat. Alcohol is not served anywhere in the country, so evenings revolve around cafes, shisha lounges, and late-night dessert spots instead.

Most visitors base themselves in Kuwait City, but a few destinations are worth the trip beyond it. Failaka Island, reached by a short ferry ride, holds Bronze Age ruins from the ancient Dilmun civilization alongside quiet beaches — a popular weekend escape for Kuwaitis. South of the capital, the coastal towns of Fahaheel and Mangaf grew up around the oil industry. Today they offer a laid-back seafront, family beach clubs, and a large expat community.