+ 2 h / + 1 h during our summer time

Kuwait City

Arabic

• 240 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug types C and G

Banks

8.00 am - 1.00/2.00 pm (Sun - Thu)

Shops

8.30 am - 12.30 pm and 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm (Sat - Thu)
10.00 am - 10.00 pm (Sat - Wed) and 12.00 pm - 12.00 am (Thu - Fri) - shopping centres

• 1 January: New Year’s Day
• Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascension - Date varies
• 25 February - National Day
• 26 February - Liberation Day
• Eid al-Fitr -  Date varies – Marks the end of Ramadan
• Arafat Day - Date varies
• Eid al-Adha - Date varies – The Festival of Sacrifice
• Islamic New Year -  Date varies
• Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad -  Date varies.

The following documents are required to enter Kuwait:

• A Swiss passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival

• A visa is required to enter the country. Swiss citizens can apply online before travelling or obtain one on arrival for stays of up to three months.

• Travellers must present a return ticket and proof of sufficient financial means.

• Minors: A travel authorisation is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: November 2024

Kuwait has a very hot and dry desert climate. Most rainy days occur between November and April (winter), while the months from June to September (summer) are generally completely dry.

In summer, temperatures often rise above 40 degrees Celsius and can even exceed 50 degrees in inland areas. Winter is milder, with maximum temperatures between 18 and 21 degrees. Nights can be cool, with temperatures occasionally falling below 10 degrees. Frost can occur at night in desert areas.

Best time to travel to Kuwait

The ideal months for travelling to Kuwait are from November to March. During this period, temperatures are considerably more pleasant and occasional rainfall is possible. The summer months are best avoided due to the extreme heat, intense sunshine and frequent sandstorms.

• Using a mobile phone in Kuwait may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in shopping centres, cafés, hotels and many public spaces.
• To reduce roaming charges, it is advisable to purchase a prepaid SIM card in Kuwait, offering affordable mobile internet and local calls.

• Kuwait Towers - These iconic towers are a landmark of Kuwait City and offer spectacular views over the city and coastline.

• Tareq Rajab Museum - A museum housing an extensive collection of Islamic art, handicrafts and historical artefacts.

• Old Souk (Mubarakiya Souk) - A traditional market where you can find everything from spices and food to textiles and jewellery.

• Grand Mosque of Kuwait - The largest mosque in Kuwait, featuring impressive architecture and a large prayer hall.

• Al Kout Beach - A popular beach with locals and tourists, ideal for relaxing and water sports.

• Failaka Island - An island rich in history and archaeology, just a short boat ride from Kuwait City.

• Sadu House - A cultural centre dedicated to preserving Bedouin weaving traditions.

• Mirror House - A private house completely covered inside and out with mirror mosaics and open to visitors.

• Al Shaheed Park - Kuwait’s largest urban park, offering green spaces, walking paths, modern artworks and a historical museum.

Kuwait offers a rich and varied cuisine influenced by Indian, Persian and Arab culinary traditions. The country’s food scene reflects its cosmopolitan character and offers a wide range of flavours, from traditional dishes to more innovative creations.

• Spices and flatbread: the generous use of spices is typical of Kuwaiti cuisine and forms the basis of many dishes. Traditional flatbread such as Khubz accompanies almost every meal.
• Machboos and mezze: Machboos, an aromatic rice dish prepared with meat, fish or seafood, is one of Kuwait’s national dishes. It is often served with a selection of mezze, small starters such as hummus, tabbouleh and falafel.
• Seafood: Kuwait’s location on the Persian Gulf makes seafood a central part of the local cuisine. Dishes such as grilled hamour (grouper), prawns and other seafood are often prepared with rice and a selection of regional spices.
• Grilled dishes: grilling meat is an art form in Kuwait. Kebabs and tikka are particularly popular, made from carefully marinated pieces of meat grilled over an open flame.
• Sweet dishes: Kuwaiti sweets such as Luqaimat, small fried dough balls dipped in syrup, and Basbousa, a sweet semolina cake, are an integral part of the culinary tradition and are often served on special occasions.
• Markets and food festivals: as in many culturally rich countries, markets and food festivals are popular meeting places in Kuwait for discovering traditional dishes and celebrating seasonal specialities.

• Greetings: a warm greeting is customary in Kuwait. When greeting someone, offer your right hand and say “As-salamu alaykum” (Peace be upon you). The response is “Wa alaykum as-salam” (And peace be upon you).
• Saying please and thank you: polite expressions such as “please” (Min fadlak for men, Min fadlik for women) and “thank you” (Shukraan) are important in Kuwaiti Arabic and are commonly used in everyday life. They show respect and appreciation towards others.
• Clothing: Kuwait is a conservative country, so visitors should dress accordingly. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, while men should wear long trousers and shirts.
• Dining etiquette: eating with the right hand is customary, while the left hand is considered unclean. When dining with others, wait until the host begins eating.
• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in public areas. It is advisable to use designated smoking areas or ask for permission before smoking in a public place.
• Tipping: tipping is not customary, but it is appreciated. A tip of 5-10% is appropriate.

• It is advisable to avoid tap water and drink bottled or filtered water instead in order to reduce health risks.

• No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Kuwait.

• Make sure that you and your children are up to date with the standard vaccinations recommended in the Swiss vaccination schedule of the Federal Office of Public Health. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended and, for longer stays or particular exposure, also against hepatitis B, meningococcal disease (ACWY) and rabies.

• Medical care in Kuwait is well developed and of a high standard. There are many modern hospitals and clinics equipped with qualified staff and modern medical equipment.
• It is strongly recommended to take out comprehensive travel health insurance before travelling, including cover for emergency repatriation.
• Although most medicines are readily available in Kuwait, it is advisable to bring essential medication with you, especially if you have specific medical needs. Before travelling, you should also check the rules on importing medicines with the relevant Kuwaiti authorities, particularly for medication containing strong narcotic or pain-relieving substances.

• Keep informed about the current situation through the media before and during your trip and stay in contact with your tour operator.
• Due to the military escalation in the region since 28 February 2026, tourist and non-essential travel is advised against. Travel disruptions are possible (e.g. short-notice airspace closures, delayed or cancelled flights).
• Kuwait is relatively stable politically. However, political tensions and protests may occasionally occur. It is advisable to avoid political demonstrations.
• Given the general situation in the Middle East, there is also an underlying threat of terrorism in Kuwait. Although the Kuwaiti security forces are well prepared, it is important to avoid crowded public places and remain vigilant at all times.

• Further information on the current security situation can be found on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: 3 March 2026

• An international driving permit is mandatory and is only valid when carried together with your national driving licence.

• The minimum age for hiring a car ranges from 18 to 21 years, depending on the rental company.

• In the event of a road accident, the police must be notified and the vehicles should not be moved until they arrive, as doing so could be interpreted as an admission of liability.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

Public transport in Kuwait is primarily based on buses, as other forms of public transport such as long-distance trains, regional trains and a metro system are currently not available. 

• Buses: buses are the main form of public transport in Kuwait. Numerous routes serve most cities and neighbourhoods across the country. The buses are modern and comfortable and offer a convenient way to travel around Kuwait.  Tickets can be purchased at bus stops or from the bus companies’ sales offices.
• Boats and ferries: ferry services connect the mainland with several Kuwaiti islands, such as Failaka Island. These services are particularly popular with tourists and offer an enjoyable way to experience Kuwait’s coastal scenery.
• Taxis: taxis are widely available in Kuwait and can be hailed on the street. However, they are not always equipped with a meter, so it is advisable to agree on the fare in advance.

• Air traffic in Kuwait is concentrated at Kuwait International Airport (KWI), the country’s only international airport. Kuwait Airways operates a direct flight from Geneva to Kuwait. Flights are also available from Zurich and Basel, although these involve stopovers.
• International airlines such as Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa also serve this airport, connecting Kuwait with numerous destinations worldwide.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Unified emergency number: 112

Qortuba, Block 2, Street 1
Villa 122, Kuwait
Tel. +965 2534 0172 / +965 2534 0173 / +965 2534 0174 / +965 2534 0175
Email: kuwait@eda.admin.ch

• You must be able to identify yourself at all times with your passport or a copy showing your entry stamp.
• There is still a risk of landmines and unexploded ordnance in desert and coastal areas. For safety reasons, remain strictly on paved roads.
• Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges, etc.) is prohibited.

• The possession, transport and consumption of alcohol are prohibited.

• Drug laws are very strict, with penalties including life imprisonment or the death penalty.

• During Ramadan, eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited – this also applies inside your own car.