Can you travel alone as a woman in Kuwait? Is it safe? What is there to do?

I get it – solo female travel in Kuwait may not be the most common choice for a holiday. And, with so many mixed messages about the region, it is perfectly natural to have concerns before your visit.

However, let me assure you – Kuwait is absolutely worth your time! The small country packs a ton of history, culture, and art within its tiny borders.

I have been extensively traveling the Gulf countries for over ten years now, and I am here to share factual, accurate information on what its like to travel solo in Kuwait as a woman.

From the best places to visit as a woman, to what to wear and how to stay safe — you’re about to learn everything you need to know about solo female travel in Kuwait..

Is Kuwait Safe for Women Travelers?

Yes, Kuwait is safe for women. I visited Kuwait as a blonde haired American woman, solo traveling the Gulf, and I had no issues. The US State Department rates Kuwait as a Level 1 destination, which is the lowest risk level possible.

Americans in general are highly respected in Kuwait, due to the USA’s assistance in the Iraq-Kuwait War, and Kuwait is a safe country overall. However, it is worth noting that Kuwait is a Muslim country. The cultural expectations may be different than what you are used to.

Women should plan to dress conservatively, avoid PDA, and be aware that alcohol is prohibited in Kuwait. (More on all of this below.)

Can Women Walk Alone in Kuwait?

Absolutely. I traveled to Kuwait as a solo female and I walked around Kuwait City, the Souq’s, the Marina, and more – completely alone. Rest assured that the police in Kuwait are known to be quite tough on crime (note that the emergency phone number in Kuwait is 112.)

I did have a couple of local men approach me or talk to me, but each time was completely respectful and in a friendly manner. For example, one told me about a specific park to visit, and another I met on the ferry to Failaka Island.

Additionally, I did walk alone at night in Kuwait, though it was mostly between Souq Mubarakiya and my hotel to buy dinner or to stop in the grocery shops. I primarily did my sightseeing during the day.

Pro Tip – I recommend lining up a Kuwait day tour on your first full day in Kuwait (that’s the exact one that I booked) as it will help you to get your bearings and see an overview of what Kuwait has to offer. My guide was fantastic, and as I wasn’t renting a car, it allowed me to get farther outside the city to explore the desert and beach, too. BOOK YOUR KUWAIT DAY TOUR HERE!

Please note, though, that part of the reason I had no trouble walking alone was that I dressed appropriately, which I will go into below, in detail.

What Should Women Wear in Kuwait?

In comparison with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait might feel fairly liberal in terms of women’s clothing choices. And compared to Dubai, Kuwait might feel a bit more restrictive.

Many Kuwaiti women choose to wear Western-style clothing and a headscarf. Think long sleeves, even in summer, and covered legs. But you will also commonly see long abayas and hijabs worn by women as well.

As a foreigner, you will likely dress more similar to the former – keeping shoulders and legs covered, and carrying or wearing a scarf each day.

I have a complete post on what to pack for Kuwait that covers everything in detail, but here is a quick list:

• Light, thin scarves – keep these handy for entering mosques as well as for general use around Kuwait. I specifically love this one because of how breathable the fabric is in hot weather.
• Loose shirts – avoid skin-tight tops or shirts that reveal shoulders or cleavage.
• A flowy kimono – an absolute must in my opinion! Throw it on over your T-shirts to camouflage your curves with loose flowy fabric. I own many but this is one of my favorites.
• Long dresses – A maxi dress is a great, easy choice. Just be sure to cover the shoulders.
• A maxi skirt – it’s good to have one of these handy, particularly if you are traveling in the summer months. A flowy skirt keeps your skin cool.
• Leggings – I wear leggings often, but these ones are a good non-see-through choice.
• Palazzo pants – another staple in hot and conservative countries are loose and comfy palazzo pants. A pair like this is light, breezy, and loose on the legs.

How To Get Around as a Solo Female in Kuwait

I’ve already mentioned that walking alone is fine, and that I took a day tour to get my bearings and see the sights both inside and outside of the city.

Additionally, I took taxis from time to time and used Careem a lot. Careem is one of my favorite travel apps, similar to Uber, where you hire car for specific trips. It is commonly used within the other Gulf countries, too.

You could also rent a car if you wish. However, I had just road tripped all around Saudi Arabia and wanted a break from the wheel. Additionally, though there are public buses available, the timetables didn’t fit my plans so I chose not to use them.

Lastly, I traveled by ferry to Failaka Island, which was one of my most memorable experiences in Kuwait.

Pro Tip – I specifically chose to stay in this hotel as it sits within walking distance of many sights I wanted to see, like the Souq, Sadu House, and Grand Mosque. It was sparkling clean, comfortable, and was indeed in a great location. Highly recommend!

Things To See in Kuwait as a Woman

If you want the long version, be sure to read my post on the 12 best things to do in Kuwait. But specifically for solo females, here are my must sees:

1. The Kuwait Towers – offers a birds-eye view of Kuwait City and the Arabian Sea.
2. The Mirror House – an artist-decorated house completely covered in mirror mosaics. A must see.
3. Souq Al Mubarakiya – an outdoor souq with food stalls, clothing stalls, souvenirs, and more.
4. Failaka Island – if you are a bit of an oddball like me, and want to learn about Kuwait’s war history, you need to visit Failaka Island. It can be tricky to reach, so go read my article to learn how!
5. Sadu House – a museum commemorating traditional Bedouin weavings. Absolutely incredible!

Additional Tips for Solo Female Travel in Kuwait

• Plan ahead. Booking my hotels ahead of time saved me tons of money, as Kuwait is on the expensive side for travelers.
• Although Kuwait is very safe, women should always trust their guys and be aware of their surroundings. Check out my favorite solo travel safety essentials for peace of mind.
• In Kuwait, as in many Muslim countries, it is illegal to stay in a hotel room with the opposite sex if you are not married. This rule is strictly enforced.
• The Kuwaiti dinar (KWD) is the world’s most expensive currency. The current exchange rate sits at 1 Kuwaiti Dinar to $3.27 UDS. Carry cash for souqs, but credit cards will be accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
• If you take only one tour in Kuwait, I recommend this Kuwait day tour. Walid was an amazing guide and I definitely saw a lot more of the country than I would have otherwise.
• Definitely read my Kuwait travel guide for first time visitors. It will cover even more basic considerations for all travelers – not only women!
• Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in the tourism sector.

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Women can rest assured that solo travel in Kuwait is completely possible. Plan ahead, book hotels and tours ahead of time, and choose a hotel (like the one mentioned above) in a safe and centrally located area.

Questions about Kuwait solo female travel? Drop them below!

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