What's Actually Illegal in Kuwait? A Visitor's Guide to Local Laws

Kuwait is a conservative Muslim country, and the golden rule is simple: dress modestly, avoid public displays of affection, and be extra mindful of local customs during Ramadan. Get these basics right and you'll navigate daily life smoothly.

What should I wear in Kuwait?

Dress modestly in public, especially downtown or in conservative areas. Women should avoid shorts, tight-fitting, or revealing clothing—many public places require shoulders and knees to be covered. Also avoid exposing body piercings or tattoos that could be seen as extreme or offensive; a tattoo of Quranic verses in Arabic, for example, could be interpreted as violating religious sanctity. During Ramadan, dress codes matter even more, as clothing that doesn't meet local norms may cause greater offence at this time.

What behavior is considered offensive or illegal?

Public affection between men and women is frowned upon, so keep displays of affection private. It's illegal to insult or humiliate anyone verbally or through obscene gestures in public—this includes police officers, officials, or private individuals—and can lead to arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, or deportation. It's also illegal for unmarried couples to live together or share a hotel room; hotels may ask for a marriage certificate before giving you a shared room.

How should I behave during Ramadan?

During the holy month, don't eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public during daylight hours—this applies even inside your car. Avoid loud music, dancing, or swearing in public. If hotels or restaurants serve food during fasting hours, they may separate Islamic guests from other diners, sometimes using screens. Be cautious driving at dusk, as traffic can become erratic when people rush home to break their fast.

Are there safety tips specific to women or transport?

Women should be cautious on public transit, in taxis, and in conservative or isolated areas. Increased caution is advised on public buses due to reports of sexual harassment. Separately, Kuwait has tightened traffic laws, with heavy fines, imprisonment, or deportation possible for offences like speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, or running red lights—worth knowing if you plan to drive or take taxis.

Staying connected can help you navigate unfamiliar areas or look up local guidance quickly; if you're arranging data for the trip, check options like an eSIM ahead of time via resources such as Kuwait travel info.

FAQ

Is it okay to hold hands or hug in public? No—public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon in Kuwait.

Can I eat or drink outside during Ramadan daylight hours? No, eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum in public during the day is not permitted in Ramadan, even inside a car.

Do unmarried couples need to book separate hotel rooms? Yes—it's illegal for unmarried couples to share a house or hotel room, and hotels may request a marriage certificate.

Sources

• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kuwait/safety-and-security
• https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kuwait/print
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kuwait.html