Travel Report for Kuwait

Country Profile for
Kuwait

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 5, 2006 10:53 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:49 EST

Kuwait

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 3 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

There are credible reports indicating that terrorists may be planning attacks in the near future, possibly against Westerners and/or Western interests.

You should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments frequented by foreigners. Canadians should monitor local developments and register and remain in regular contact with the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City (see Section 7 below) or Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Canada

at 613-996-8885.

Canadians should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to

Kuwait

. Random attacks targeted at Western interests, together with heightened tensions throughout the Persian Gulf, put Canadians at greater risk when they travel to that region.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Canadians are reminded that they should not travel to Iraq under any circumstances. For more information, see our Travel Report for Iraq.

Unexploded munitions from the 1991 Gulf War are hazards in rural areas, picnic spots, and beaches. Avoid off-road travel. Children should be closely monitored and counselled not to touch suspicious, unfamiliar objects. Weapons are readily available, and accidental shootings have occurred. Visitors should carry a document identifying their blood type in case an emergency transfusion is required.

The crime rate is low. However, travellers should avoid secluded places or non-residential areas after dark. Any suspicion of being followed or of unexplained loitering should be reported to the local police. Westerners have sometimes been followed after dark and their vehicles were vandalized upon entering their homes.

Physical and verbal harassment of women is a problem and the number of cases is increasing.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Bus service is available throughout the Kuwait City metropolitan area on 50 different routes, but is rarely used by Westerners, especially women, due to risk of harassment. Taxis are widely available and are a recommended mode of public transportation. There are two types: orange taxis, which follow a fixed route, pick up passengers anywhere along the route, and may be shared; and call taxis, which are available at major hotels and can pick up passengers at other locations upon request by telephone. Unaccompanied women should not use taxis after dark.

The highway system is extensive, well maintained, modern, and well-lit. However, lax traffic enforcement, excessive speeding, high vehicle density, traffic congestion and violations of traffic regulations have resulted in numerous and often fatal accidents. There are more than one million registered motor vehicles in

Kuwait

.

Cases of road rage and reckless driving are common in

Kuwait

. In the event of an accident, the driver should not attempt to move the vehicle, even though it may impede traffic. Kuwaiti law states that the driver must wait for the police to make an official report. Digital cameras register traffic violations, including speeding, on Kuwaiti roads. The police, fire department, or ambulance service can be contacted by dialling 777 from any location.

Visitors can drive if they obtain a temporary Kuwaiti driver's licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP) and purchase liability insurance. It is illegal to drive without a licence.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures well above 50 °C. Sandstorms occur year-round, but particularly in the summer. Swimming and water sports should be restricted to well-known and popular beaches.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and can result in heavy fines, imprisonment, or deportation. Consumption of pork products and alcohol is illegal. The penalties for the possession, use, manufacture, or sale of illegal drugs, alcohol, or pornography can be severe. Convicted offenders are subject to jail sentences and fines.

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

Homosexuality is illegal, as is any public display of affection between men and women. Common-law relationships are not recognized.

The country's customs, laws, and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively. Men must wear pants and a shirt in public. It is uncommon for Western women to cover their head in

Kuwait

, unlike some other countries in the region. Dresses and skirts are permitted, provided they cover the shoulders and knees. Shorts and short skirts are considered inappropriate.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.

Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis, including Canadians, who are charged with criminal offences, placed under investigation, or involved in financial disputes with local partners, are subject to travel bans. These bans are rigidly enforced and 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 of the dispute.

Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is extremely difficult for a Canadian woman, even if she is a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through Kuwaiti courts. Regardless of their parents' marital status, minor children with a Kuwaiti father may not leave

Kuwait

without his permission.

Photography of government buildings, military and industrial sites, particularly oil fields, is forbidden. Request permission before taking photographs of local residents.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Kuwait - KUWAIT CITY, Embassy of Canada
Address: Villa 24, Block 4, 24 Al-Mutawakkal Street, Da'aiyah, Kuwait City, State of Kuwait
Postal Address: P.O. Box 25281, Kuwait City, Safat 13113, Kuwait
Tel.: 965 256-3025
Fax: 965 256-0173
E-mail: kwait@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/kuwait

Embassy hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday to Wednesday.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Kuwait City and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Kuwaiti authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on August 5, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the State of Kuwait, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit

Kuwait

. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Although visas are available upon arrival in

Kuwait

, it is recommended that they be obtained from the Embassy of the State of Kuwait before leaving

Canada

to avoid the possibility of being refused entry or experiencing lengthy delays upon arrival. Tourist visas are valid for a three month period. Travellers who overstay their visas may face heavy fines or deportation.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Work Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Canadians have been denied entry into

Kuwait

because their passports bore: a) an Israeli visa; b) an Israeli border stamp; or c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering

Israel

(such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from

Israel

).

Canadian passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of your passport could be questioned, due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian diplomatic mission or Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Canada

for advice and assistance.

Kuwaiti employers/sponsors have customarily retained the passports of foreign employees. Sponsors commonly retain the passports of foreign nationals residing in

Kuwait

. You should keep a photocopy of the identification page of your passport.
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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency, the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), is readily convertible to U.S. dollars. Credit cards and U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are widely accepted.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The State of Kuwait (capital: Kuwait City) is located in the Middle East, bordering

Iraq

and

Saudi Arabia

. Tourist facilities are widely available. The work week is defined as Saturday through Wednesday. The official language is Arabic, although English is commonly spoken.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care at government-run clinics and hospitals is provided at low cost to residents of Kuwait. However, physicians, private hospitals and clinics often expect immediate cash payment for their services.

While domestic tap water is usually safe to drink, it may be tainted with sand dust. Filtered or bottled water is generally preferred.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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