Kuwait – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Advisory Issued March 1, 2026
Updated to reflect authorized departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel and to change the Travel Advisory Level to Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to safety risks.
On March 1, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel to leave Kuwait due to safety risks.
Reconsider travel to Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict. Some areas have higher risks. Read this whole Travel Advisory.
Country Summary:
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait. The notice advises U.S. operators to review current security and threat information and to report safety or security incidents. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration.
- Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime.
- Do not travel to the desert area near the border with Iraq because of bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.
Read the country information page for more information on travel to Kuwait.
If you travel to Kuwait:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you’ll confirm you are safe (text or call).
- Review local laws and conditions before traveling. Kuwait has strict laws prohibiting the possession or trafficking of drugs (including marijuana) and alcohol. Do not bring drugs or alcohol in your luggage and do not attempt to purchase them in Kuwait.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Stay alert especially in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists.
- Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
- Make back-up plans to leave the country.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X.
- Read the Country Security Report for Kuwait.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
- You should make a safety plan for emergencies. Read the Traveler’s Checklist.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Please be sure to visit our website for Crisis Response and Evacuations.
Desert Area North of the Mutla’a Ridge and Near the Border with Iraq – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Desert areas and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge still have unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War. Avoid areas that are “off the beaten path” and do not touch or move objects in that area. They could explode. These locations are not clearly marked, or the signs might be difficult to understand. Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Neighborhoods: Exercise Increased Caution
The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area.
Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/kuwait-travel-advisory.html
Originally Published: March 1, 2026