Top 10 Things To Know Before Going To Kuwait
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This blogpost is to show you the top 10 things to know before going to Kuwait. I hesitated a lot about whether to add Kuwait to my GCC Countries vacation. I decided to spare 2 full days for Kuwait, and it turned out to be a fairly sensible decision.
Afterall, I consider it is worth spending two days to put a tick on visiting a new Country. Planning for Kuwait is not that hard, but information on the web is relatively limited (afterall it is not a Country focusing on tourism).
That’s why I will show you the things you need to know based on my experience.
🇰🇼🇰🇼🇰🇼 Package Tour Is Also Available GYG / Viator ✅
Kuwait Full Day Tour Is Available
Kuwait is not a tourist Country. You can cover most of the major attractions within 1 day. There are a couple of tour packages available online for around 150 USD. Although it is not cheap, the fee would be similar if you were to go alone, given that Kuwait is an expensive Country.
1. How To Apply for a Tourist Visa To Kuwait
Most countries require a visa to visit Kuwait, and while there’s an eVisa system in theory, it’s often stuck and not usable in practice. Same as reddit suggests, most people got stuck at the passport photo-taking session. I literally have taken more than 10 times with different devices for the passport photos, but none worked.
In the end, I had to go for a visa on arrival, which was fast though a bit confusing at first. You just head to the visa counter at the airport, make a free copy of your passport there, fill out a simple form, and pay the fee (around 3 KWD, payable by card). It took me about 30 minutes, and I was good to go. Make sure you double-check your eligibility before you go via the official website.
2. About Transportation In Kuwait
Buses and taxis are available in Kuwait, but there’s no metro system yet (though one is under construction). The bus is the cheapest at just 0.25 KWD per ride. But the schedule is confusing, and bus stops aren’t always visible—Google Maps is roughly accurate. I had to ask locals for the right bus number to the airport, while the one suggested by Google Maps never appeared.
If you have time, taking Route 15 is a good way for city sightseeing on a budget. It is also one of the top things to do in Kuwait.
However, for point-to-point attractions like the Kuwait Towers or Souq Al-Mubarakiya, you’re better off using Careem (the local Uber equivalent), which costs around 2-3 KWD for short trips. There is a saying that Uber works in Kuwait, but I didn’t during my time of visit. For how to use Careem in Kuwait, check out my guide.
3. Airport Transportation In Kuwait
Unlike most countries like South Africa or Vietnam, there’s no ride-hailing like Uber or Careem directly at Kuwait International Airport. Only airport taxis are available, and you risk getting ripped off with inflated fares.
Instead, I suggest taking a bus to the city center (like Bus 501 or 16 for 0.25 KWD) and then switching to Careem from there. It saved me money and hassle during my arrival.
4. Currency Exchange In Kuwait
Currency exchange is available at the airport, but rates are slightly worse than in the city. You would have a better rate at local exchange stores in the Kuwait Souq.
Yet, I would still recommend you to exchange at the airport if you are taking the bus. This is because you only really need cash for buses (0.25 KWD per ride). Most museums, restaurants, and even small street shops take cards.
Noting that KWD is a strong currency (1 KWD ≈ 3.25 USD), there are 1/4 and 1/2 notes, called 250 fils and 500 fils respectively. I exchanged just 50 USD at the start and barely used it all.
5. To Go to Failaka Island Or Not
Failaka Island is a fascinating spot off Kuwait’s coast with immense historical value—settled since 2000 BCE by Mesopotamian traders from Dilmun (modern Bahrain). It is also famous because of the military leftover i.e., abandoned tanks from the Iraq invasion in 1990.
I originally chose to stay for 2 full days in Kuwait to reserve a day for the island. Unfortunately, the departure ferry was cancelled due wheather condition (although it was totally good weather that day). Despite being a worthwhile attraction, you have to be aware of the risk, i.e., return ferry cancellation.
Also, going to the island is not easy as well. The only ferry company, Ikarus, has a volatile schedule—you may risk your return ferry getting canceled and missing your flight. Online tours are available but 10 times more expensive at around 330 USD.
🇰🇼🇰🇼🇰🇼 Failaka Island Tour Is Also Available ✅
Failaka Island Tour Is Available But…
Going to Failaka Island on your own is a lot cheaper but there is risk associated with that (mainly due to uncertainty in ferry arrangement). Viator also offers day trip to the island but it is a lot more expensive for over 300 USD than ~ 30 USD by going on your own.
6. How Many Days In Kuwait
Two days should be more than enough—you’ll start getting bored on the third or even the second day. Kuwait City has highlights like the Grand Mosque, Kuwait Towers, and museums, but the country is small (about the size of New Jersey), with limited attractions beyond shopping malls and beaches. After covering the essentials, things feel repetitive: more malls, similar food scenes, and flat desert landscapes. Even if you are going to the Failaka island, 2.5 days should be more than enough in total.
7. Is Kuwait Safe
Yes, Kuwait is very safe for tourists. According to Gallup’s 2024 Global Safety Index, it’s ranked the safest country in the world, with 99% of respondents feeling safe walking alone at night. Incidents like robbery or burglary are rare— I wandered solo at night without issues. It is a relatively rich Country with a GDP per capita of around USD 30k per year.
Most locals would just mind their own business. They are neither friendly nor hostile to tourists.
8. Is Kuwait Expensive
Yes, Kuwait is an expensive country compared to most Asian or Eastern European nations. Its price level is compared to cities like London, Hong Kong, or Tokyo.
Things expensive in Kuwait include transport (a short Careem ride is 2-5 KWD, about 6-16 USD) and meals (around 5 KWD or 16 USD for a basic one). Accommodation starts at 20 KWD/night for budget.
9. How’s The Weather in Kuwait
Kuwait has a subtropical desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters, sunny year-round, but extremely dry (annual rainfall around 115 mm). Summers (June-August) are sweltering, with averages up to 47°C (117°F) and highs reaching 50°C (122°F), making outdoor activities tough.
In short, the summer for Kuwait is melting like Dubai and other GCC Countries. I visited Kuwait during the winter in December. The weather was quite okay except it could be a bit windy sometimes.
10. Should I go to Kuwait
Only if you want to visit a “new country” for the novelty or to check it off your list—Kuwait isn’t a top tourist destination like Dubai or Doha. It’s worth it for history buffs (ancient sites like Failaka) or those interested in Gulf culture, modern architecture, and malls, but it lacks diverse activities: no mountains like Oman, limited nightlife due to alcohol bans, and repetitive urban vibes.
If you’re a collector of countries (like me, after 70+), go for 2 days; otherwise, prioritize neighbors like Bahrain (which was the capital city for Dilmun ancient civilatiazion), UAE, SAB and etc.
Conclusion For The Things To Know Before Going To Kuwait
Planning for Kuwait travel is, not hard given its limited attractions. The bigger question is whether you consider it is worth going there. There are not many information online before my visit and I hope my experience would help you to have a smooth journey there.
🇰🇼🇰🇼🇰🇼 Package Tour Is Also Available GYG / Viator ✅
For Those Who Want A Tick On A New Country
Of all the GCC Countries I have been to, Kuwait has fewer attractions for tourists. Although it is a very safe Country, it is far from tourist-friendly. The most efficient use of annual leaves to explore the world is probably to have 1 full day there with an organised tour, then move on to the next GCC Country the next day
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to know before going to Kuwait?
Visa on arrival works despite eVisa issues, transport favors Careem over buses, and expect high costs similar to major cities.
Is Kuwait worth visiting?
Yes for history and novelty, but only 2-3 days max—it’s not a must-see unless collecting countries.
Is Kuwait cheap or expensive?
Expensive, with rides at 2-5 KWD and meals around 5 KWD, comparable to the UK or Tokyo.
What to know before traveling to Kuwait?
Pack for extreme heat during summer ; or coat for the windy winter, use Careem for safety, and prepare for limited attractions beyond 2 days.
