There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.
Reconsider Travel to Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict, landmines, and crime.
Advisory summary
On March 5, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait suspended operations (including routine consular services). U.S. citizens in Kuwait should contact the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 or +1-888-407-4747 for emergency assistance or services. (The Crisis Intake Form – below – is the preferred vehicle for departure assistance requests.) The Embassy remains on ordered departure status since March 2, 2026.
U.S. citizens in Kuwait wanting to depart should complete the Crisis Intake Form once to let the U.S. Department of State know they are requesting help. Only one submission is necessary. You can reply to the most recent email from our crisis case management system to update your case with your current plans and location so that we can send you the best departure information for your location. That link is https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake
Armed conflict
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. Commercial flights have also been seriously disrupted.
Aviation safety
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 operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait. Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings.
Crime
- Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime.
- The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area.
Landmines
- Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the desert area and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge and near the border with Iraq.
- The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are not marked, so it can be hard to know where they are.
- There may be unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.
- Do not travel to areas that are “off the beaten path.” Do not touch or move objects in those area as they could explode.
For U.S. citizens in Kuwait:
- Visit our website for information on travel to High-Risk Areas .
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- If you need assistance departing Kuwait, please complete the crisis intake form so the Department of State can better assist you and provide you with timely updates. If you have already completed the crisis intake form, please do not fill it out again.
- 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).
- Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
- 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.
- Review the Country Security Report for Kuwait.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
- 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.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations .
