Kuwait is mainly a business destination, and most visitors spend their time in Kuwait City, between the Kuwait Towers, the Grand Mosque, the old Souq Al-Mubarakiya and the large shopping malls. The summer is extremely hot, with temperatures often above 45°C between May and September. Kuwait is outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, so a European SIM roams there at its operator's own prices.
Key facts for Kuwait
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Ooredoo, stc, Zain (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 112
- Embassies: in Kuwait City
The regional conflict
Kuwait has been directly affected by the conflict with Iran. Since 8 July 2026, Iranian strikes and retaliatory attacks have hit several places in the region, Kuwait among them, and US bases in the country have come under missile and drone fire. The UK lifted its advice against non-essential travel in August 2026, but the US still advises travellers to reconsider visiting. Kuwait International Airport is running a reduced schedule from Terminals 4 and 5, so check your flight before leaving for the airport, and keep away from military and security sites. If an alert sounds, take cover inside a solid building, away from windows, and leave any fragments where they fall.
Kuwait City
Coverage is excellent across Kuwait City, and 5G is widely available. Violent crime against foreigners is rare, but robberies, petty theft and road rage have been reported in Jahra and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, so take extra care there. Driving is hazardous: speeding and sudden lane changes are common, traffic offences can bring heavy fines, prison or deportation, and after a serious accident you must stay with the car, leave it where it is and call 112.
The desert, the borders and the heat
Landmines and other unexploded weapons remain in Kuwait, so do not drive off-road, and it is illegal and dangerous to approach the borders without authorisation. If you continue to Iraq or Saudi Arabia overland, use an authorised crossing and carry the right paperwork. In summer, avoid being outdoors in the middle of the day and carry water, as heatstroke can kill.
Laws to know
Alcohol is illegal, and possessing or selling it, or being drunk in public, can lead to fines, prison or deportation. Drug possession can mean 5 to 10 years in prison, and some prescription medicines are banned, so check before travelling with yours. Same-sex activity is illegal. Do not photograph government, military or oil installations, or film people without their consent, and remember that insulting someone, even with a rude gesture, is a crime. During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in daytime, including in your car. Carry your passport at all times, and settle every bill, fine and debt before you leave: unpaid amounts or a bounced cheque can lead to a ban on leaving the country.
Paying
The currency is the Kuwaiti dinar. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere in the city, and cash machines that take international cards are easy to find, but keep some cash for taxis and small shops.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM set up at home works from the moment you land, which helps when flights are rescheduled at short notice, and your usual number stays reachable for texts and bank codes. A Middle East plan also covers Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE.
Kuwaiti SIM cards from Zain, Ooredoo or stc are sold at the airport and in the malls, and registration requires your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in Kuwait
- 112 connects you to the police, an ambulance or the fire service.
- Embassies are in Kuwait City. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen without an embassy or consulate of your own country in Kuwait, any other EU country's embassy must help you just as it would help its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- The app has emergency phrases in Arabic, ready to show on screen, although English is widely spoken.
Questions travellers ask about Kuwait
Does my EU plan work in Kuwait?
Only as roaming: Kuwait is outside Roam Like at Home, and your operator's own rates apply.
Is it safe to travel to Kuwait now?
The UK no longer advises against travel, but the US still recommends reconsidering it because of the threat of missile and drone attacks. Check both before you go and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Kuwait?
Ooredoo, stc and Zain, with 4G and 5G where available.
What is the emergency number?
112, for the police, an ambulance or the fire service.
The short version
Put the eSIM on your phone before departure, check your flight on the day, keep away from military sites, settle every bill before you leave, and save 112.
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