Kuwait

The Islamic Middle Eastern state of Kuwait, situated at the northwest extreme of the Persian Gulf, is somewhat overshadowed and overwhelmed by its neighbours Iran, Saudi Arabia, and especially war-torn Iraq. Nevertheless, the flat and featureless country is beginning to attract tourists and businessmen from the west, particularly Americans. Those visiting Kuwait today are imbued with a lust for adventure that has nothing to do with adrenalin-producing experiences, but rather a yen to explore a not too radical fundamentalist Muslim culture and witness a country undergoing post-war reconstruction.

Despite the turbulence of its recent history, Kuwait today is once again beginning to reflect its status as an oil-rich nation. In 1990 Iraq claimed Kuwait as its 19th province, but the Iraqis were expelled by a United States led alliance in a short war in 1991, and now the country is separated from its threatening neighbour by a wall along its border.

The ruined capital, Kuwait City, has risen from the ashes of war to become a buzzing metropolis with gleaming high rises, numerous luxury hotels and lush parks set along wide avenues. The city's major landmark is the Kuwait Towers, visible from the harbour where oil tankers come and go, docking alongside hundreds of cargo ships and pleasure craft. Kuwait is now regarded as a relatively safe destination with plenty to interest the traveller, not only in Kuwait City itself but throughout, from its arid desert plateau to the fertile coastal belt and the nine small offshore islands over which it has sovereignty.

Climate

Kuwait enjoys a variable continental climate. Summer months are between June and October and the rainy season (if you can call it that) runs from December to February, when humidity can also be high. In summer temperatures can get over 100°F (38°C), but they drop below 70°F (21°C) in winter.

Money

Kuwait's currency is the Kuwait Dinar (KWD), which is divided into 1,000 fils. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques. Currency and travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars or British Pounds. There are banks with foreign exchange facilities in the large centres and ATMs are plentiful. Banks are open from 8am to 12pm from Sunday to Thursday, but their ATMs are open 24 hours.

Passport Visa

All foreign passengers to Kuwait must hold return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Most foreign nationals can obtain a three-month tourist visa on arrival, for a maximum fee of KWD 5. Visas may also be obtained prior to departure from one's country of origin. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival, and require a visa, to enter Kuwait. A visa can be obtained on arrival for up to one month only, provided (i) travellers are holding confirmation from the transporting airline that their visa is available on arrival, (ii) that they are entering Kuwait for touristic purposes, and (iii) that they have a sponsor in Kuwait who is in possession of the original visa.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Health

No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Kuwait, but inoculation against typhoid is advisable for travellers eating outside of major hotels and restaurants. There is a risk of diarrhoeal diseases, which are common in the country. Mains water is chlorinated and considered relatively safe, but most visitors stick to bottled water. Avian influenza outbreaks have been reported, but there have been no human infections; the risk of travellers contracting the disease is slight, but contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution. Medical fees are high and medical insurance is recommended.

Embassy Consulates

• Kuwait Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 966 0702.
• Kuwait Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7590 3400.
• Kuwait Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 780 9999.
• Kuwait Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6286 7777.
• Kuwait Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 0877.

Foreign Embassies

• American Embassy, Safat: +965 259 1001.
• British Embassy, Safat: +965 240 3335.
• Canadian Embassy, Kuwait City: +965 256 3025.
• Australian Embassy, Sharq: +965 232 2422.
• South African Embassy, Mishref: +965 561 7988.
• Irish Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for Kuwait): +966 (0)1 488 2300.
• New Zealand Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for Kuwait): +966 (0)1 488 7988.