Source: U.S. Department of State
Travel Advisory
August 28, 2026
Kuwait – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level or the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes that family members 18 years of age or older may travel to Kuwait.
Reconsider Travel to Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict, landmines, and crime.
Advisory summary
The U.S. government has limited ability to offer services to U.S. citizens in Kuwait due to safety risks.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Kuwait. Only family members 18 years of age or older may join U.S. government employees working in Kuwait.
Armed conflict
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial aviation has also been seriously disrupted.
Aviation safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait. Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings.
Crime
- Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime.
- The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area.
Landmines
- Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the desert area and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge and near the border with Iraq.
- The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are not marked, so it can be hard to know where they are.
- There may be unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.
- Do not travel to areas that are “off the beaten path.” Do not touch or move objects in those areas as they could explode.
For U.S. citizens in Kuwait:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Review the Country Security Report for Kuwait.
- Visit the U.S. Department of State website for information on travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you’ll confirm you are safe (text or call).
- Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
- Review local laws and conditions before traveling. Kuwait has strict laws prohibiting the possession or trafficking of drugs (including marijuana) and alcohol. Do not bring drugs or alcohol in your luggage and do not attempt to purchase them in Kuwait.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Stay alert especially in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
Assistance for U.S. Citizens
U.S. Embassy Kuwait
Bayan, Block 13
Masjed Al-Aqsa Street
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Emergency: +(965) 2259-1001
Fax: +(965) 2259-1438
Email: KuwaitACS@state.gov
Website: https://kw.usembassy.gov/