Practical information Kuwait
Area
6880 sq.mi
Flights
London-Kuwait: 10 hrs with a connection.
Jet Lag
Population
2418393 hab.
Airports
The airport is 10 miles away from the town centre. It takes 20-25 minutes by taxi (about £12). You can also take bus line N°10, which leaves every 45 mn, from 6:00 to 23:00 (30 mn = 0.3 KWD [approx 70p]) The major hotels offer free shuttles. Airport tax for international flights from Kuwait City is 2 KWD (around £5).
Security
Security conditions are generally good. Off-site trips to the desert are not recommended due to the presence of mines. Avoid the region bordering Iraq. Unaccompanied women can sometimes be harassed. Since the situation can quickly change, it is advisable to signal your presence at the British Embassy.
According to the FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office), there remains a general threat from terrorism. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.
You should avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.
Languages
The official language is Arabic, but English is very widely spoken.
Requirements
No tourist visa is issued. A passport valid for three months after your return, with no Israeli stamp on it, and a business letter from your company are required to get a business visa (valid for three months). The visa costs £25 and is issued within 48 hours at least. You have to bring 4 ID photos (size 30x40mm), a medical check up (chest X-ray, STI check, etc...). For stays of more than three months, a residence permit has to be requested at the Kuwaitian Ministry of Interior, through the medium of a local sponsor.
Religion
85 % of the population is Muslim. The minorities are, among others, Christians and Hindus.
Currency
The Kuwaiti Dinar (which consists of 1,000 Fils) is the official currency.
Although some bureaux de change do not accept travellers cheques, changing money in Kuwait is generally not a problem. All credit cards are accepted everywhere and there are many ATM machines. It is worth remembering, though, that banks charge very high commission fees (Dollars are the best option). These are open from Sunday to Thursday, from 8:00am to 1:00pm.
Local transportation
The Kuwaiti bus network is very vast, linking the different cities of the country. The cost is low within and between the cities There are two types of taxis. It is preferable to take radio-taxis than orange taxis that are cheaper and generally take several customers at a time, following a particular route and which do not speak English. Taxis without meters apply set rates (1 KWD, about £2.50, for a trip to the town-centre). Several companies propose cars to rent (6 KWD per day, equating to around £15). An international driving licence and car insurance are required. Roads are in excellent condition and road signals are in English and Arabic (right-hand driving). In case of an accident, wait for the police to arrive and draw up the accident report.
Health
No vaccination certificate is required to enter Kuwait, but vaccines against tetanus, poliomyelitis, typhoid, hepatitis A and B are recommended. For the reimbursement of medical expenses, subscribe to a medical insurance. Tap water is not always healthy, drink sealed bottled water only.
Electricity
Voltage is 220/240 V. British electrical plugs.
Flood of tourists
Taxes and tips
Telephone
To call Kuwait from the UK: 00+ 965 (country code) + number you are calling.
To call the UK from Kuwait: 00 +44+ number you are calling without the initial 0.
Practical information Kuwait
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