Halal travel guide to Kuwait: prayer, food, etiquette and practical basics

Entry, visas and official information

Entry conditions for Kuwait depend on nationality and change from time to time. The official tourism website, Visit Kuwait, includes visa information and travel tips, but the final word belongs to the Kuwaiti authorities and your own government's travel advice.

Check passport validity, the type of visa you need, and any health requirements before you book. Keep a copy of your hotel booking and return ticket, since they may be asked for on arrival.

Islam in daily life

Kuwait is a Muslim-majority country, with both Sunni and Shia communities, and a large expatriate population. Islam is the state religion, and the working week and public calendar reflect it, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend.

Friday is a quiet morning, with shops reopening after midday prayers. During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours is not permitted and can lead to trouble, even for non-Muslim visitors, so respect it.

Mosques and prayer

Mosques are found in every district, and the call to prayer is heard five times a day. The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs runs a Kuwait Mosques mobile app, and its website covers the Grand Mosque, which is a landmark of the capital.

Shopping centres, airports and many public buildings have prayer areas, usually separate for men and women. Look for signs, or ask staff. Dress modestly for mosque visits, remove shoes at the door and follow the instructions of the staff on photography.

Food, halal and alcohol

Alcohol is prohibited in Kuwait, and its import and sale are illegal. Do not bring any in your luggage. Pork is not part of the mainstream food supply, and restaurants serve meat from sources that follow local rules.

This removes most of the uncertainty that Muslim travellers face elsewhere, though, as ever, you can ask about ingredients and follow your own scholar's guidance. Dishes to try include machboos, spiced rice with meat or fish, as well as grilled fish, flatbreads, dates and Arabic coffee.

Food courts and restaurants cater to a wide range of Gulf, Levantine and South Asian tastes. Many outlets are open late in the evening, especially in summer.

Dress and etiquette

Kuwait is conservative in some ways and relaxed in others. Modest clothing is expected for men and women in public, with shoulders and knees covered. Women are not required to wear a headscarf as a visitor, but covering is common and appropriate in mosques and traditional areas.

Greetings are polite and unhurried. Use the right hand for eating and giving, and accept coffee when offered. Public displays of affection are best avoided, and photographing people, especially women, without permission is discouraged.

Getting around and the climate

Summers are extremely hot, so plan outdoor visits for the evening, and winters are mild and pleasant. Most visitors use taxis, ride-hailing or hire cars, because the city is spread out and designed around roads.

Kuwait International Airport has an official website with flight status, visa and customs information, details on taxis and buses, and listings of the airport hotel and restaurants. Check there for current services before you travel.

Places and what to see

Sights include the Grand Mosque, the Kuwait Towers and the waterfront, with beaches and marinas along the coast. The Touristic Enterprises Company operates Kuwait Towers, beaches, marinas and family venues, including the seasonal Winter Wonderland Kuwait.

Museums, souks and traditional markets offer the cultural side of the visit, and the islands and coast offer a break from the city. Check opening times, since they change in Ramadan and on public holidays.

Safety, laws and holidays

Kuwait is a safe country for most visitors, but laws are strict. Alcohol and drugs carry severe penalties, and respect for the state, religion and local customs is expected. Photographing government and military buildings is not allowed.

Public holidays include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, the Islamic New Year and national days, and many businesses close for several days around the Eids. Book early for those periods, and check your embassy's advice before travelling.