Capital: Kuwait City
Time zone: GMT + 3
Telephone services: Country Code: 965
Outgoing Code: 00
Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.
Tourist information: Kuwait Information Centre, 48 Queens Gate, London SW75HR.Tel: (020) 7589 2929 Fax: (020) 7225 0879.
Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Requirements may be subject to change at short notice. Contact the relevant authority before travelling.
Visa information: Required by all except: Nationals of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates for a stay up to 3 months. Nationals of Saudi Arabia for an unlimited period.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Other Health Risks: Cholera
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink.
Currency: Kuwait Dinar (KWD) = 1000 fils.
All credit cards and travellers cards are accepted. US dollars are the preferred cheque currency
ATM availability: 180 locations.
Cost of living: Expensive and may be difficult for the budget traveller.
Languages: Arabic. English is generally widely understood.
Weather: Similar to Europe but hotter and dryer. Summer: (Apr – Oct) is hot and humid with little rain. Winter: (Nov – Mar) is cool with limited rainfall.
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50 Hz single phase. UK-type flat 3 pin plugs are used
Post: Airmail to Western Europe takes about 5 days.
Transport: ROAD: A good network exists between cities. BUS: Reliable and inexpensive service operates between main cities. TAXI: Popular and reliable service, but fares should always be agreed in advance. CAR HIRE: Available. DOCUMENTATION: IDP required. Temporary licence available on presentation of a valid British licence.
Special information: NOTE: Because of the situation of global and regional insecurity at present, travellers should exercise extreme
caution and make only necessary journeys to this country. If you intend to travel depite this advice you should be aware that British nationals should not attempt to travel anywhere near the border with Iraq. British nationals should register with their Embassy on arrival. All Islamic laws should be respected. Women should dress modestly. Men should not wear shorts or go topless in public. It is greatly appreciated if visitors learn a few words of Arabic. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: There is a danger of unexploded land mines throughout the country. Seek advice before using beaches and venturing out of the city. PHOTOGRAPHY: In theory a photography permit is required.