Kuwait
Last update 28 February 2026Travel advice
Risk index
Level 5: Leave immediately/ avoid all travels
5
Select passport type
IMPORTANT: As of December 23, 2025, the Kuwaiti authorities have introduced a number of new rules for the residence of foreigners, which include an increase in visa fees and fees for residence permits in the country. Instead of the previous one-time entry visa fee, a standard fee of 10 Kuwaiti dinars (approx. 30 euros) per month has been introduced for the issuance of visas for short-term visits for tourism, visiting relatives and friends, education, business, transit, etc. The fine for exceeding the permitted period of stay has also been increased, with a fine of 10 Kuwaiti dinars (approx. 30 euros) being imposed for each day exceeding the permitted period of stay.
The State of Kuwait
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the State of Kuwait
Address: P.O. Box12090–Shamia 71 651, Kuwait, Jabriya Area 11, Str.1 (H. 272) and Str.107 (H. 31)
Telephone:+96525314458;+96525314459
Fax:+96525321453
Out-of-hours hotline: +965 949 528 95
Office hours: from Sunday to Thursday, 08:30 – 14:30
Opening hours of the Consular Office: from Sunday to Thursday, 09:30 – 12:00
E– mail: Embassy.Kuwait@mfa.bg
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/kuwait
Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Sofia, the Republic of Bulgaria
Address: 1700 Sofia, Simeonovsko shose Blvd., Residence No 15
Telephone: +359 2962 5689; +359 2962 5130; +359 2962 5209
Fax:+359 2962 4584
Working hours: 09:00 – 15:00
Consular Office
Working hours: 09:00 – 15:00
E-mail: contact@kuwaitembassy.bg; consular@kuwaitembassy.bg; kuwaitembassy-bulgaria@hotmail.com
General information
Security level:
In view of the security risks in neighbouring regions, in Kuwait there is enhanced border control and inland. Kuwait is a country with a relatively low level of crime. Recently, however, there has been some increase in criminal activity, particularly in areas populated by concentrations of Asian and Arab migrants and stateless persons. Public meetings or processions in open spaces are rare and should be authorised by the authorities. Unsanctioned spontaneous manifestations are also possible, which as a rule proceed peacefully and without violence. However, it is possible that they could lead to a blockage of traffic, which could trigger the intervention of law enforcement forces. Places of mass gatherings should be avoided in view of possible misunderstandings. The participation of foreign nationals in such mass events in Kuwait is unacceptable and could be grounds for extradition.
Dangerous zones: Desert areas and border zones, especially near Iraq, are risky to travel. It is not recommended to cross areas off the clearly marked roads due to the danger of mines and unexploded ordnance.
Increased caution should be exercised in neighbourhoods populated mainly by low-paid foreign workers and stateless persons, such as Jleeb Al Shuwaikh, parts of Fehaheel and Jahra.
In Kuwait, along with Arabic, English is widely spoken. There are popular local daily newspapers and electronic publications in English. They are an appropriate source of information on current developments in the country and in the region for foreigners who do not speak Arabic.
Healthcare:
Healthcare is at a very good level. Kuwait is the country with the highest number of hospital beds per capita. Most of the medical facilities are private and the services are very expensive. It is therefore advisable for Bulgarian citizens travelling to Kuwait to take out international medical insurance for the period of their stay in the country. Prior vaccinations are not necessary. Medical insurance for the period of stay in Kuwait is mandatory.
Specifics of the local legislation:
Kuwaiti law is secular with elements of Sharia. The import of narcotics, liquor, pork meat and pork products is prohibited. Publications and printed material that may be classified as pornographic are prohibited. Violation of these prohibitions may result in imprisonment.
On December 15, 2025, an updated Law on Narcotic Drugs and Narcotic Substances comes into force in Kuwait, providing for much stricter penalties, including the effective enforcement of the death penalty for crimes related to narcotic drugs and narcotic substances.The death penalty is imposed for drug trafficking, supplying drugs or narcotic substances to minors or unauthorised persons or using them for such purposes, participating in a criminal group for the purpose of drug trafficking, etc. Imprisonment for up to 5 years and a fine of up to 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars shall be imposed for possession for personal use or consumption of narcotic drugs and intoxicating substances.
The death penalty is imposed for particularly serious crimes in Kuwait. Death sentences shall be carried out after the legal procedures provided for by law have been exhausted. Skimming and misuse of bank cards are punishable by lengthy imprisonment. Strict and intensive measures shall be taken to detect and prevent such crimes.
Kuwait has introduced a dry regime regarding the import and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The use of liquor or appearing in a public place after consuming it is prosecuted by law. The punishment is arrest and fine, but can go as far as prison. After serving the sentence, if the offender is a foreigner, it is possible to extradite him or her. Drink driving is a serious offence and is highly likely to result in an imprisonment.
In view of Muslim norms, polygamy is allowed for Muslims but is not common.
Cohabitation without marriage qualifies as adultery and is prosecuted by law.
Given the high general standard, the fees of lawyers are expensive. A typical cost for a single legal consultation in a civil or criminal case is KWD 40-50, and the minimum fee threshold for undertaking the defence of a case is around KWD 500.
In Kuwait and other countries in the region, our fellow citizens should abide by Islamic norms of conduct, namely:
• Clothing, especially for women, should be in accordance with local notions of decency (thin-strapped T-shirts, shorts and skirts, low-cut necklines, see-through clothing are inappropriate);
• Intimacy with the opposite sex in public is unacceptable;
• During the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims observe a complete fast during daylight hours, it is important not to consume food or drink and not to smoke in public or in front of local citizens. This is perceived as disrespect for the norms of Islam and can provoke strong negative reactions, including complaints to the authorities and sanctions.
Customs requirements:
Kuwait prohibits the import of explosives, liquor, pork meat (including in the form of sausages), pornography, religious literature, drugs, stimulants and sedatives (valium, diazepam, etc.).
When entering and leaving the country, the amount of money allowed is up to KWD 5,000 (the equivalent of EUR 12,500).
For the import or export of an amount exceeding the equivalent of KWD 5,000(five thousand Kuwaiti dinars), formal notification to the competent authorities shall be required, together with the reason necessitating the carrying of the cash.
Customs requirements for Kuwait can be downloaded from HERE.
Road traffic:
The road traffic in Kuwait is in the right side. The country has a developed and modern road network, but traffic in the capital is extremely busy and intense. In Kuwait, powerful and large cars are especially popular, which predispose to high speeds. Maximum speed of 100 or 120 km/h is allowed on some sections of the highways, but on most roads the maximum speed limit is 80 km/h. In residential areas the limit is 45 km/h. Due to the volume of traffic and high speeds, special care is needed when driving on highway thoroughfares. The use of seat belts is mandatory.
The authorities are taking stringent measures to crack down on traffic violations and curb the number of serious auto accidents. Penalties for speeding and red lights running are particularly severe. Exceeding the maximum speed limit by 5 km/h and running red lights almost inevitably attract heavy fines. There are numerous cameras equipped with flashes that capture intruders even in the dark part of the day. Driving licences are revoked for three speeding offences or one red lights running.
You may be arrested in the following cases: exceeding the speed limit by 50 km/h; driving after consuming alcohol and intoxicating substances; driving with an invalid driving license, etc. Violators may also be required to perform community service for a period of no more than 1 year for up to 8 hours per day.
Practical advice:
Young women or girls travelling alone may not be allowed into the country. This does not apply if they are travelling with a family member. In Kuwait, local laws and norms must be observed. It is recommended that you inform yourself about them in advance and to strictly observe them. Penalties for breaking the law can be more stringent than those in Bulgaria for the same offences.
In case of detention by the local authorities, contact with the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Bulgaria in Kuwait should be required.
You can receive direct financial support from the diplomatic mission in Kuwait only if your relatives or close persons deposit the amount needed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Property Management.
In the event of theft of your identity documents, cash, travel tickets, etc., immediately notify the nearest police office in person and in writing and ask for a copy of the record establishing the event. Contact the diplomatic mission in Kuwait in order to make arrangements for obtaining the necessary documents to continue your trip or return to your home country.
Photographs should not be taken near sites of national importance: the palaces of the ruling family, state institutions, military bases, oil fields and refineries.
Local currency:
Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD). All payments within Kuwait are made in Kuwaiti dinars.
Travel papers and visas
Bulgarian citizens can apply for a short-term Kuwaiti visa (for tourism, visiting relatives and friends, business visits, etc.) upon entry into Kuwait at the border checkpoint or electronically through the Kuwait Ministry of Interior website (https://kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw/). We recommend that Bulgarian citizens apply for a short-term visa electronically in order to reduce the time required for entry formalities upon arrival in Kuwait. As of December 23, 2025, the visa fee for a one-month stay is 10 Kuwaiti dinars (about 30 euros). Visas for tourism and visiting relatives and friends are valid for up to 3 months, and visas for business visits are valid for up to 1 month. Kuwaiti visas are printed by the authorities at the border checkpoint on separate forms and are not affixed to the passport. They must be kept until departure from Kuwait, as they are required by the border police upon exit. ATTENTION! A penalty is imposed for exceeding the permitted length of stay, with a fine of 10 Kuwaiti dinars (approx. 30 euros) for each day exceeding the permitted length of stay.
In order to obtain permanent residence in the country for the purpose of work or joining a family member, a criminal record certificate is required, as well as a medical certificate confirming that the person is not a carrier of HIV or hepatitis B and C. It is possible to join a family member working in the country with the right of long-term residence if they are a parent or spouse. There are restrictions on spouses joining spouses who are long-term residents for the purpose of work.
Work visas:
The first condition for issuing a work visa is that the applicant must be employed in Kuwait. The employer applies to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior – Migration Directorate for a so-called "Working Entry Visa". Upon receipt, the employer sends a copy to the applicant. After receiving it, the employer sends a copy to the applicant. The applicant submits the necessary documents to the Kuwaiti Embassy in Sofia, including a copy of the Working Entry Visa sent to him/her. After reviewing the documents, the embassy confirms the issuance of the visa.
For the most up-to-date information on the visa regime in Kuwait, we recommend that you contact the Kuwaiti embassy in Sofia.
Please note: As of July 1, 2025, foreign workers and employees in the Kuwaiti private sector may only leave the country with the express permission of their employer. The request to travel outside the country must be submitted via a special electronic platform of the Kuwaiti Public Authority for Manpower. The form contains the employee's personal data and the exact dates of travel.
The steps for obtaining permission are as follows:
1. Submission of a travel permit application addressed to the employer with the employee's personal data and travel dates.
2. The form is signed electronically by the employer or by a person authorized by the employer who is duly registered with the Public Authority for Manpower.
3. Approval by the State Employment Agency, for which a notification is received electronically with a bar code on the form, which is presented to the border authorities upon leaving the country via mobile phone or on paper.
Please note: Bulgarian citizens applying for work in Kuwait should bear in mind that a monthly salary of USD 1,300-1,400 (or about 400 Kuwaiti dinars), even with accommodation provided by the employer, does not ensure a normal standard of living and does not allow for savings. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions before signing a job offer, and even more so, an employment contract.
Consular service
Issuance of Bulgarian identity documents:
The Embassy of our country in Kuwait has been equipped with the biometric data equipment – fingerprints and digital photo, and accepts applications for the issuance or renewal of Bulgarian identity documents – passports, identity cards and driving licences.
Certifications and legalizations:
The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the State of Kuwait performs the following legalizations and certifications:
- Certification of signature;
- Certification of seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria;
- Certification of seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait;
- Translation and legalization of documents.