Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Kuwait, you are subject to its laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In Kuwait, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Persons violating Kuwaiti laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Alcohol is illegal; possession of it or driving under the influence can result in immediate imprisonment. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Photographing government and public buildings, military installations, and economic infrastructure, particularly those related to the oil industry, is against the law and can result in arrest, investigation, and prosecution. If photographing public scenes or persons, be sure to first ask permission. Some traditionally dressed women find being photographed offensive and may report the incident to local police.

Humiliating or insulting a person, including a police officer or a public official, is a crime in Kuwait similar to disorderly conduct or harassment in the United States. Such charges may lead to a police investigation and possible prosecution and imprisonment.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well.

Arrest notifications: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in that country, others may not. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas. Please be aware, however, that police and prison officials do not always follow through and notify the Embassy. If you are able to contact others, ask them to contact the Embassy for you to report your arrest.

Individuals arrested for criminal violations are generally taken to the public prosecutor within two business days to determine if there is sufficient evidence for an investigation and may be detained for up to 30 days without a formal filing of charges. Juvenile proceedings are closed to all but court officers.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The workweek in Kuwait is Sunday through Thursday for most businesses, government offices, and commercial banks.

Dual Nationality: Kuwait does not recognize dual nationality. Kuwaiti authorities have confiscated U.S. passports when U.S.- Kuwaiti dual nationals have applied for Kuwaiti citizenship documents. While this does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship, report the incident to the U.S. Embassy.

Customs: Kuwaiti customs authorities enforce strict import/export regulations on such items as firearms, religious materials, pornography, and alcohol. Alcohol, pork products, and pornography are illegal in Kuwait. Carry prescription medications in original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription. Contact the Embassy of Kuwait or the Kuwait General Consulate for specific information on customs regulations.

Proselytizing is prohibited in Kuwait for all religions except Islam.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: Consensual same-sex sexual conduct between males is illegal, with a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fines. Cross-dressing is a crime, with a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment for imitating the appearance of the opposite sex in public. Societal discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity is common. For more detailed information about LGBT rights in Kuwait, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013. For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Kuwait, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States. Kuwaiti law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities, and the government generally enforces these provisions. The government also supervises and contributes to schools and job training programs that cater to people with special needs.