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Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy with a modern economy. Day-to-day life has returned to normal after the 1991 Gulf War, and facilities for travelers are widely available. The workweek in Kuwait is Saturday through Wednesday.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Passports and visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling to Kuwait. For more information concerning entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Kuwait at 2940 Tilden St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 966-0702, or the Kuwaiti Consulate in New York City, telephone (212) 973-4318. The Kuwaiti Consulate in New York also maintains an Internet web site at http://www.undp.org/missions/kuwait/.
AREAS OF INSTABILITY: Travel to and near the Iraq-Kuwait border is very hazardous. U.S. citizens having legitimate work-related business near the border may receive updated information from the U.S. Embassy, and may also wish to consult with their employer's security personnel. Unexploded bombs, mines, booby traps, and other items remain in open areas and beaches throughout Kuwait. U.S. Embassy personnel are advised not to travel off paved surfaces outside Kuwait City.
SAFETY/SECURITY: Americans in Kuwait should maintain a high level of security awareness. As a result of rising tensions and acts of violence in the Middle East since the first part of October 2000, the Department of State is extremely concerned about the possibility for violent actions against United States citizens and interests throughout the region. In addition, the U.S. Government has indications that individuals may be planning terrorist actions against United States citizens and interests in the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and elsewhere.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Kuwait's civil aviation authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Kuwait's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at telephone 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at telephone 1-618-229-4801.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: The health care delivery system continues to develop, with many medical facilities, both government and private, available in Kuwait. Medical care at government-run clinics and hospitals is generally provided at low cost to residents of Kuwait, although laws regarding local health insurance are being revised. Private physicians and hospitals charge fees for services, and some do not accept local health insurance. Many hospital and clinic services do not compare to U.S. standards, and staffs often have no U.S. experience or training. Laws and procedures governing health care can be complex.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
CRIME INFORMATION: The crime rate in Kuwait is low. Violent crimes against expatriates are rare. However, the U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to use the same security precautions in Kuwait as one would in the United States. Both physical and verbal harassment of women is a continuing problem. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa. They are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http:///www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
LOCAL LAW AND PROHIBITED PRACTICES: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Alcohol, pork products, and pornography are illegal in Kuwait. Penalties for importation, possession, use, manufacture or sale of illegal drugs, alcohol, or pornography are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Religious proselytizing is not permitted. Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis, including Americans, charged with criminal offenses or placed under investigation, or involved in financial disputes with local business partners, are subject to travel bans. These bans, which are rigidly enforced, prevent the individual from leaving Kuwait for any reason until the matter is resolved. In purely financial disputes, it may be possible to depart the country if a local sponsor authorizes funds equal to the amount in dispute.
ROAD SAFETY: Driving in Kuwait can be hazardous. Although Kuwait has an extensive and modern system of well-lit roads, excessive speeding on both primary and secondary roads, coupled with lax enforcement of traffic regulations and a high density of vehicles (one vehicle for every 2.8 residents), leads to frequent and often fatal accidents. In 1999, there were 26,635 reported vehicular accidents, and 333 traffic accident-related deaths for a population of about 2.2 million.
The government-owned Kuwait Public Transportation Company operates bus service throughout the Kuwait City metropolitan area on 50 different routes, and it is widely used by the low-income expatriate labor force. Two types of taxi service are available: (1) orange taxis work a fixed route and pick up passengers anywhere along that route and may be shared, and (2) call taxis are available at major hotels and pick up passengers at other locations on telephonic request. Unaccompanied women should not use taxis after dark.
CURRENCY REGULATIONS: Travelers checks and credit cards are widely accepted. Kuwaiti currency is readily convertible to U.S. dollars.
EMBASSY LOCATION AND REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, and enroll in the Embassy's emergency alert network, and obtain updated information on travel and security in Kuwait. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Plot 14, Block 14, Bayan, Kuwait. The mailing address is P.O. Box 77, Safat 13001, Kuwait; telephone (965) 539-5307 or 539-5308. The after-hours number is (965) 538-2097. Additional information may also be obtained through the Embassy's Internet web site at http://www.usembassy.gov.kw. |
