Kuwait Travel Tips

Social Conventions
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. It is quite likely that a visitor will be invited to a Kuwaiti’s home, but entertaining is also conducted in hotels and restaurants. A small gift promoting the company, or representing your own country, is always welcome. The visitor will notice that most Kuwaitis wear the national dress of long white dishdashes and white headcloths, and that many women wear yashmaks. It is important for women to dress modestly according to Islamic law. Men do not usually wear shorts in public and should not go shirtless.

All other Islamic rules and customs must be respected. Convicted users of narcotics can expect to receive a sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment, plus a heavy fine. ‘No Smoking’ signs are posted in many shops. It is greatly appreciated if visitors learn at least a few words of Arabic. Homosexuality is illegal, as is any public affection between men and women. Cohabitation is also illegal. The import and use of drugs, alcohol, pork products and obscene material are forbidden and can lead to imprisonment.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
The national airline is Kuwait Airways (KU) (website: www.kuwait-airways.com).

Departure Tax
KWD2; transit passengers not leaving the airport transit area and children under 12 are exempt.

Main Airports
Kuwait (KWI) (website: www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) lies 16km (10 miles) south of Kuwait City (journey time – 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Buses depart to the city (journey time – 30 minutes), and taxis are available. Most of the luxury hotels arrange transfers to and from the airport. Facilities: Restaurants, shops, cafe, bank/bureau de change, mobile phone hire, car hire, conference room and post office.

Getting There by Water
Main ports: Kuwait City. More than 30 shipping lines call regularly at Kuwait City. Most traffic is commercial.

Getting There by Road
All road links with Iraq, and therefore through to the Syrian Arab Republic and Jordan, are advised against due to political instability within Iraq. It is also wise to check with the embassy before considering traveling to Lebanon.

There are bus services between Kuwait City and Cairo (Egypt), via Aqaba in Jordan and Nuweiba in Egypt. Buses also operate to Damman in Saudi Arabia. The main land route into Saudi Arabia is Beirut–Damascus–Amman– Kuwait, which follows the Trans-Arabian Pipeline (TAP line) through Saudi Arabia.

Overview
The following goods may be imported into Kuwait without incurring customs duty:

• 500 cigarettes or 2lb of tobacco.

Prohibited Imports
Alcohol, drugs, certain animal products (such as port, bacon and pig skin), unsealed milk products, unsealed salty fish, unsealed olives and pickles, food prepared abroad, fresh vegetables, shellfish and its products, fresh figs and mineral water. Videos, DVDs and books are subject to censorship depending on the content. Penalties for attempting to smuggle restricted items are severe.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around by Water
Dhows and other small craft may be chartered for trips to the offshore islands.

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. There is a good road network between cities. Driving can be hazardous and constant vigilance is essential.

Bus: Kuwait Transport Company operates a nationwide service which is both reliable and inexpensive.

Taxi: These are recognizable by red license plates and may be hired by the day, in which case fares should be agreed beforehand. Share-taxis are also available. Hailing taxis from the road is not advisable, particularly for females. It is recommended that taxis are booked in advance by telephone from a reputable taxi company. A standard rate is applicable in most taxis, but those at hotel ranks are more expensive. Tipping is not expected.

Car hire: Self-drive is available. If you produce an International Driving Permit, the hire company will, within five days, grant a temporary local license valid for one month.

Documentation: International Driving Permit required. A temporary driving license is available from local authorities on presentation of a valid UK driving license. Insurance must be arranged with the Gulf Insurance Company or the Kuwait Insurance Company.


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