Kuwait Travel Forum

Hi,

I'm travelling to Kuwait in a week for my job. I'll only be there for 3 days, one of which I have to myself and I intend to see the city and all its sights. As I am a female who will be travelling alone I am concerned about safety and also how to dress. Is Kuwait a safe city to explore alone? Obviously I will be conservatively dressed while there, I am just wondering how conservative I should be? As the weather will be hot, is it ok for a woman to wear open toed shoes or flip flops or should I have my feet completely covered? I will most likely have my legs covered and arms too but if it is very hot would I be OK to bare my arms in a t-shirt or legs in cropped trousers? Of course mini skirts and halter tops are out of the question but is a little exposed skin ok to make the climate more tolerable.

Also I have a question about a Visa. I am aware that as an Irish citizen I can purchase my visa at the airport when I arrive. Can somebody please tell me if this can be paid for with a credit card or if it must be paid for with cash (and if cash is only accepted, is it only Kuwait Dinars?). Finally, are there ATMs in the airport?

Thanks in advance for any help,

Lauren

I spent a few days on business in Kuwait several months ago. I dressed for business in a suit with a knee-length skirt, and for leisure in long (loose) trousers with either short-sleeved shirts or long sleeves. Wearing sandals was not an issue, but flip-flops might be a little too much. As for exposed skin, one thing you may want to consider is that the sun is extremely strong and the less skin you expose, the better off you'll be from a sunburn perspective. I usually find that thin cotton clothing--long sleeves, long skirts, and long trousers--works best in these climates and cultures.

As for the visa, yes, there are ATMs in the airport. I believe you have to pay in cash, but if I recall correctly, the cash can be in USD or EUR. You need to buy the visa first (at the visa section on the same level of the airport where your flight lets you off) before going to the immigration counters downstairs. When I entered the country, it took about 30 minutes for the visa processing. There was a fair amount of bureaucratic nonsense (wait in several lines, get different things stamped, etc) but it wasn't terribly painful.

Hi
I lived in Kuwait for a few years nearly 1 year ago and I travelled alone a lot on public transport and walked in the street alone, (much to the surprise of both locals and ex-pats who drive everywhere!) I would say the city is safe but of course you will draw attention being alone and being foreign. I always dressed in t'shirt and knee-length skirt or trousers and I would recommend covering your legs and shoulders at least when in the street but I wouldn't say it's necessary to cover the whole arm or wear floor length skirts, etc. (mainly as it's so hot). Open toed shoes/flip flops are fine to wear but due to the heat maybe it is wise to cover your feet if you burn. I seem to remember that you can pay for the visa with cash only - it is only about 3 dinars (£6) - remember to pick up a queue number from the dispenser on the left (if they still do this). I only ever paid in local money - not sure if you can pay with other currencies. You can get good rates of exchange for dinars at the exchange place opp. the visa counter to the right of McDonalds. The ATM is at the same place. I would recommend you visit: Kuwait Tower observation deck - nice to see at dusk for both day and night time views, The Avenues was the best shopping mall when we were there as it was newly opened, the Souq area is nice to see in the evening, the Aquarium is quite nice, Marina Crescent is nice on a weekend to have something to eat (if you like chocolate, the Chocolate Bar is good for the chocolate fondue). Friday brunch is a big deal there - if you like sushi/Japanese food I would recommend the brunch at Sakura at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. There are a few museums which are ok - the National Museum, Weaving Museum (can't remember the actual name) and the Qurain Museum which is a bombed house complete with bullet holes and a tank outside from the invasion.
Hope you have a nice stay!

Oh, and a tour of the Grand Mosque is also worth doing and was free when I was there.

FYI: tours of the grande Mosque are usually only on Saturdays.

hi i have a question,im travelling to kuwait for 7 days im a british citizan do i need topay for a visa at airport in their currency or can i use sterling? also how much is it?

You need to pay for the visa in Kuwaiti dinars - best to change money in the airport when you get there - there was an ATM by Mcdonald's too. Remember to take a number from the dispenser when you join the queue! The visa was 2KD a few years ago but will probably have gone up since then!