Kuwait

Recommended Vaccinations For Kuwait

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Kuwait

There are no recommendations for Kuwait at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Kuwait

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Kuwait through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Kuwait.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever may occur in this country.

For Some Travellers

Rabies

Rabies may occur in this country but information is limited or unavailable. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates may be at higher risk.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

MERS

There is a risk of acquiring MERS-CoV in this country. Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads. It is a viral infection transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person-to-person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported. There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to Kuwait are at risk for tuberculosis, if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Kuwait, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs only in the Jahra district.

Safety & Security in Kuwait

Personal Safety

Kuwait has a low crime rate overall. Violent crimes against foreign nationals are rare. However, physical and verbal harassment has been reported by some travelers. Armed robberies have occurred in specific areas like Jahra and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. Petty theft can happen, especially in less secure neighborhoods. Telephone scams involving people impersonating local authorities and financial institutions are increasing. Drink spiking can occur, so watch your drinks and food in social settings. The terrorism threat remains present, particularly at places of worship, military bases, and public areas frequented by foreigners. In 2024, authorities arrested individuals suspected of plotting attacks against places of worship. While the country maintains strong internal security measures and no major incidents have occurred since 2015, you should remain alert at all times.

Extreme Violence

No terrorist incidents have been reported in Kuwait since 2015. The most recent major attack was the 2015 mosque bombing that killed 27 people. In 2024, authorities arrested three individuals for an alleged ISIS plot targeting places of worship. Kuwait maintains strong counterterrorism measures and actively participates in international counterterrorism cooperation. The country co-leads the Foreign Terrorist Fighter Working Group and hosts several counterterrorism organizations. Security measures and police presence increase during significant religious events, particularly at Shia sites. While the government has successfully prevented most attacks through heightened security and surveillance, the threat of terrorism remains present. Targets could include military installations, places of worship, tourist sites, shopping areas, hotels, and public gathering places.

Political Unrest

Kuwait suspended its parliament in May 2024 for up to four years, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The emir also suspended several constitutional articles, citing the need to review democratic processes and prevent political dysfunction. This followed years of gridlock between the appointed cabinet and elected parliament that resulted in five cabinet resignations between 2021 and 2023. Large demonstrations occurred in 2023 and 2024, including pro-Palestinian protests after October 2023. In March 2024, authorities imposed roadblocks to prevent planned solidarity demonstrations. Peaceful protests require prior authorization and are only legal for Kuwaiti citizens at designated locations like Al Irada Square. Participation by foreigners in demonstrations is illegal and can result in arrest and deportation. Since May 2024, the government has intensified security measures targeting civil society groups and student unions, detained prominent politicians, and revoked citizenship from hundreds of people. The current political environment remains tense with limited space for dissent.

Areas To Avoid

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, near Kuwait International Airport, has higher crime rates than other parts of the country. Armed robberies, petty theft, unsafe housing, and occasional violence make this neighborhood risky for visitors. Police specifically warn against spending time in this area, especially at night. Jahra has seen confrontations involving firearms and armed robberies. You should exercise increased caution if traveling to this area. Desert areas north of Mutla’a Ridge near the Iraqi border remain extremely dangerous. Unexploded landmines, bombs, shells, and munitions from the 1990 Gulf War still pose serious risks. These zones are not always clearly marked, and warning signs may be faded or confusing. Never pick up metal or plastic objects in these areas. Traveling near borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia without proper authorization is illegal and dangerous. Some beaches also contain unexploded ordnance. Stick to well-traveled roads and clearly marked paths when outside urban areas.