Kuwait is located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf and comprises about 6,880 square miles. The capital, Kuwait City, is highly populated because most of the country is desert, and the desert area is not highly populated. Kuwait's time zone is GMT+3, and the country borders Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Kuwait gained its independence in 1961, and the government is a monarchy largely influenced by traditional Muslim beliefs. Arabic is the primary language in Kuwait, but English is used and well understood. Visitor visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport.
All visitors are required to have a passport on entry into Kuwait. A visitor visa can be obtained at the airport for a nominal fee. If you are charged with a crime, placed under an investigation or have any unresolved financial disputes with a business, you may have a travel ban placed on you. A travel ban can be instigated by almost anyone and even if you are not guilty, you will not be able to leave until it is lifted. In addition, if someone with influence initiates the travel ban, even after a court clears you, you may still not have the ban lifted.
Although, Kuwait has a very low crime rate, Americans and other westerners traveling to Kuwait should maintain a degree of caution. The Department of State recommends that Americans should "maintain a low profile and avoid areas where Westerners are known to congregate". Before traveling to Kuwait, visitors should always check with the latest security information from the Department of State.
Kuwait has very efficient transportation, although traffic can be a nightmare. Rental cars, drivers for hire and taxis are available at the airport and throughout the city. Many of the local hotels will also offer airport pickup. Car rentals and cab fares are comparable with those in the United States.
Many hotels in Juwait are within only miles from the airport. Hotels there are three stars and above, and the five-star hotels offer unbeatable luxury. Service at those hotels is excellent and most have numerous restaurants within. Business travelers will find that hotels have business centers and most all have free wireless Internet.
Kuwait has most U.S. chain restaurants; European, Asian and other international restaurants; and traditional Middle Eastern restaurants. Many restaurants will deliver, including fast-food chains such as Burger King or KFC. Alcohol is illegal and not available in any restaurant in Kuwait (with the exception of the embassies); however, they make tasty mock-tails.
Many visitors to Kuwait will want to visit Kuwait Towers. Kuwait Towers provides the history and destruction of the invasion by Iraq. Surrounding the malls are shisha (also called hubbly bubbly) bars where you can try smoking the many different flavors of tobacco while drinking coffee. There are many coffee shops if you want to people watch and you can visit Kuwait's Hard Rock Cafe. There are gold souks (flea market area), material souks, furniture souks and almost every item imaginable for sale in all the different souks throughout Kuwait. Kuwait has many different sports such as soccer games, horse races, diving and boating.
