The Islamic Middle Eastern state of Kuwait, situated at the northwest extreme of the Persian Gulf, is somewhat overshadowed and overwhelmed by its neighbours Iran, Saudi Arabia, and especially war-torn Iraq. Nevertheless, the flat and featureless country is beginning to attract tourists and businessmen from the west, particularly Americans. Those visiting Kuwait today are imbued with a lust for adventure that has nothing to do with adrenalin-producing experiences, but rather a yen to explore a not too radical fundamentalist Muslim culture and witness a country undergoing post-war reconstruction.

Despite the turbulence of its recent history, Kuwait today is once again beginning to reflect its status as an oil-rich nation. In 1990 Iraq claimed Kuwait as its 19th province, but the Iraqis were expelled by a United States led alliance in a short war in 1991, and now the country is separated from its threatening neighbour by a wall along its border.

The ruined capital, Kuwait City, has risen from the ashes of war to become a buzzing metropolis with gleaming high rises, numerous luxury hotels and lush parks set along wide avenues. The city's major landmark is the Kuwait Towers, visible from the harbour where oil tankers come and go, docking alongside hundreds of cargo ships and pleasure craft. Kuwait is now regarded as a relatively safe destination with plenty to interest the traveller, not only in Kuwait City itself but throughout, from its arid desert plateau to the fertile coastal belt and the nine small offshore islands over which it has sovereignty.

Kuwait enjoys a variable continental climate. Summer months are between June and October and the rainy season (if you can call it that) runs from December to February, when humidity can also be high. In summer temperatures can get over 100°F (38°C), but they drop below 70°F (21°C) in winter.

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used and understood.

Kuwait's currency is the Kuwait Dinar (KWD), which is divided into 1,000 fils. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques. Currency and travellers cheques are best taken in US Dollars or British Pounds. There are banks with foreign exchange facilities in the large centres and ATMs are plentiful. Banks are open from 8am to 12pm from Sunday to Thursday, but their ATMs are open 24 hours.

All foreign passengers to Kuwait must hold return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Most foreign nationals can obtain a three-month tourist visa on arrival, for a maximum fee of KWD 5. Visas may also be obtained prior to departure from one's country of origin. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Ireland

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Irish Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for Kuwait): +966 (0)1 488 2300.

United Kingdom

British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

British Embassy, Safat: +965 240 3335.

Canada

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Canadian Embassy, Kuwait City: +965 256 3025.

United States

US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

American Embassy, Safat: +965 259 1001.

New Zealand

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

New Zealand Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for Kuwait): +966 (0)1 488 7988.

South Africa

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival, and require a visa, to enter Kuwait. A visa can be obtained on arrival for up to one month only, provided (i) travellers are holding confirmation from the transporting airline that their visa is available on arrival, (ii) that they are entering Kuwait for touristic purposes, and (iii) that they have a sponsor in Kuwait who is in possession of the original visa.

South African Embassy, Mishref: +965 561 7988.

Australia

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Kuwait. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Australian Embassy, Sharq: +965 232 2422.

No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Kuwait, but inoculation against typhoid is advisable for travellers eating outside of major hotels and restaurants. There is a risk of diarrhoeal diseases, which are common in the country. Mains water is chlorinated and considered relatively safe, but most visitors stick to bottled water. Avian influenza outbreaks have been reported, but there have been no human infections; the risk of travellers contracting the disease is slight, but contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution. Medical fees are high and medical insurance is recommended.

Authorities are of the opinion that there is a high general threat of terrorism against western targets in Kuwait and other countries in the region. Visitors should remain vigilant, especially in public places and where westerners gather. The country is regarded as trouble-free as far as crime is concerned, but there is political turmoil resulting from developments in Iraq and the Middle East peace process and visitors should avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. When travelling outside Kuwait City keep to tarmac roads and take care on beaches and picnic spots because landmines and other unexploded ordnance still litters the countryside. Driving in Kuwait is hazardous, local drivers being negligent and reckless, so constant vigilance is essential.

240 volts, 50Hz. Both the UK-style three-pin and European-style two-pin plugs are in use.

Most aspects of the business culture are conservative. Dress should be formal and conservative (particularly for women) and greetings should be between same sexes only. There is often accompanying small talk when meeting someone for the first time. Be sure to adhere to local customs. Affection between opposite sexes is not shown in public and in general take the lead from a woman when greeting her. Most business is conducted in English, although using a few words of Arabic (particularly for titles) will be appreciated. It can be difficult to conduct business in Kuwait as the working week runs from Saturday to Wednesday, often with some non-government businesses working from Sunday to Thursday. Business hours vary, but are usually from 7am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm. Government offices and banks are usually open from 8am to 2pm.

Full international direct dialling is available in Kuwait. The country code is +965 and the outgoing international code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not required. There are two national GSM mobile telephone networks, which have active roaming agreements with most international mobile phone operators. Internet cafes are available throughout the country.

Travellers to Kuwait do not have to pay duty on 500 cigarettes, or 1kg tobacco. It is prohibited to enter the country with alcohol or narcotics; milk products and unsealed salty fish; mineral water, unsealed olives and pickles; home-made foods; fresh vegetables; shellfish and by-products; and fresh figs.