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.
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.
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 KuwaitCity and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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. ____________________________________________________________
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.
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.
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.
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.