Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Kuwait, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Kuwait is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Driving in Kuwait is extremely hazardous. Although Kuwait has an extensive and modern system of well-lit roads, excessive speed on both primary and secondary roads, coupled with lax enforcement of traffic regulations and a high density of vehicles, lead to frequent and often fatal accidents. Incidents of road rage, distracted drivers, poor driving skills, and highway brinksmanship are common.

You can drive a rental car in Kuwait if you have a valid visitor visa and a U.S. driver’s license. Otherwise, you may not drive in Kuwait without a Kuwaiti driver’s license and appropriate car registration documents. If you are stopped and cannot produce these documents, you may be taken to a police station and held until the documents are presented on your behalf.

If you are in an accident, you must immediately notify the police and remain at the scene until the police arrive. Involvement in an accident, even if you are not at fault, can lead to arrest and temporary incarceration. At-fault accidents can result in arrests, demands for financial restitution, and/or travel bans preventing individuals from departing Kuwait.

The use of front seat belts is mandatory. Driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are posted. Making a right turn on a red light is not permitted unless there is a special lane to do so with a yield sign. When a driver flashes his/her high beams in Kuwait, it is meant as a request to move your car into a slower lane to allow the driver flashing his/her lights to proceed ahead. Parking is not allowed where the curb is painted black and yellow. Digital cameras for registering traffic violations, including speeding, are in use on Kuwaiti roads. Non-payment of traffic and parking fines may result in travel bans which remain in place until the fines are paid, often with penalties.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense, which may result in fines, imprisonment, and/or deportation. Repeat traffic violations or violations of a serious nature may be deported.

Using a cellular telephone or texting while driving remains illegal, although it is widely practiced. The website of the Kuwait Ministry of Interior has information and statistics in Arabic about traffic safety and road conditions in Kuwait.

Local emergency service organizations may be contacted by dialing 112. Ambulance crews do not respond as quickly as in the United States and do not often include trained paramedics.

Buses are widely used by the low-income expatriate labor force. Taxis are available at major hotels and may be telephoned to pick up passengers at other locations. It is sometimes possible to hail taxis on streets; taxis have meters, but fares are more commonly negotiated. Only use marked taxis with meters. Avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi, do not travel to unfamiliar areas, and do not enter taxis with unknown passengers. Travelers, and especially women, are advised not to engage in “small talk” with the taxi driver that can be misinterpreted as interest.

For further information, please visit our Road Safety page.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The  U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Kuwait’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.