Last Updated:
October 11, 2007 16:38
EDT
Still Valid:
November 15, 2007 21:12
EST
|
|
1. RECENT UPDATES
Minor editorial changes have been made to Sections 1 and 6 of this Travel Report.
BACK TO TOP
2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
There is no Official Warning for this country.
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 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: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.
BACK TO TOP
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.
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: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.
BACK TO TOP
4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Kuwaiti authorities and was valid on November 11, 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.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Work Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
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.
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).
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.
Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.
A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada.
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.
BACK TO TOP
5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
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
Postal Address: P.O. Box 25281, Kuwait City, Safat 13113
Tel.: 965 256-3025
Fax: 965 256-0173
E-Mail: kwait@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.dfait-maeci.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.
BACK TO TOP
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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.
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.
The work week is defined as Sunday through Thursday.
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 13, 2007.
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.
BACK TO TOP
7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY
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.
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 Automated Banking Machine (ABM) services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs 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. ABMs 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.
BACK TO TOP
8. 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.
BACK TO TOP
9. 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.
BACK TO TOP
10. 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.
BACK TO TOP
11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Returning to Canada
Traveller's Checklist
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. See Canada's Health Portal.
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.
Adoption: Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.
BACK TO TOP
12. ANNEX
N/A
BACK TO TOP
|
