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Kuwait has strict laws regarding alcohol. The country adheres to Islamic Sharia law, which forbids alcohol consumption. As a result, it is illegal to import, sell, or drink alcohol anywhere in Kuwait, and these rules extend to airports and airplanes as well. Travellers are not allowed to bring their own 'duty-free' alcohol into the country, and all liquor is confiscated at customs. While some sources suggest that alcohol may be available in five-star hotels or at some consulates, others claim that this is not the case.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol availability in Kuwait Airport | Alcohol is banned in Kuwait Airport and on airplanes. |
| Alcohol availability in Kuwait | Alcohol is banned in Kuwait for locals and visitors. It is illegal to import, sell, or drink alcohol anywhere in the country. |
| Exceptions | Alcohol may be available in US consulates for their nationals. Some sources mention that alcohol is available in 5-star hotels and that foreigners can buy alcohol at specific places like embassies or military bases. |
| Penalties | Penalties for drinking alcohol in public or being intoxicated in public range from fines to jail time. |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol is banned in Kuwait, including at the airport
If you are travelling through Kuwait International Airport, you will not be able to purchase alcohol from duty-free shops. All liquor is confiscated at customs, so travellers are advised not to attempt to bring any alcohol into the country, even if it is only for a layover. Those who do risk it may find that their bottles are confiscated by customs officers, and they may face further penalties such as fines or jail time.
While drinking alcohol in private is not illegal in Kuwait, buying, selling, bringing alcohol to a public place, or being intoxicated in public are all serious crimes. This includes being drunk in a car as a passenger. The Kuwait Penal Law states that:
> any person who brings, imports or manufactures alcoholic or intoxicating beverages for the purpose of trading shall be penalized for a period not exceeding 10 years.
Many expats find alternative ways to consume alcohol in the privacy of their homes, but this is not advisable as they are taking a risk with the law. Some travellers have reported being able to access alcohol in secret bars in five-star hotels, but this is not a legal option.
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Drinking alcohol privately is not illegal, but buying/selling it is
It is important to note that alcohol is not available in Kuwait, including at the airport. This means that even hotels and restaurants do not serve alcohol. While drinking alcohol in private is not illegal in Kuwait, buying, selling, or importing it is, and can result in a jail term of up to 10 years.
Kuwait's alcohol laws can be confusing for expats, who often ask if they can drink alcohol in the country. While it is not illegal to drink in private, it is illegal to bring alcohol to a public place or be intoxicated in public, including as a passenger in a car. The law states that anyone who brings, imports, or manufactures alcoholic beverages for the purpose of trading shall be penalized with a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Anyone caught drinking or possessing alcohol for personal use will face a fine of up to KD100. If the intention is not trading or promotion, the penalty for a repeat offence is imprisonment for up to 6 months and/or a fine of up to KD100. Public intoxication carries the same punishment: a jail term of up to 6 months and/or a fine of up to KD50.
Non-Muslim foreigners over the age of 21 with valid government-issued residencies can purchase alcohol with a special permit, but they must also pay taxes on their purchases. They must also be careful to follow local regulations, as drinking in public is illegal even for those who purchased alcohol legally. It is also illegal to consume alcohol during the month of Ramadan, and Muslims and non-Muslims alike need a license from the Ministry of Interior to consume or possess alcohol.
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Alcohol is confiscated at customs
Alcohol is strictly forbidden in Kuwait, and this extends to the country's airports and airplanes. The Islamic Sharia law, which forbids alcohol consumption, is adhered to in Kuwait, making it illegal to import, sell, or drink alcohol anywhere in the country. As a result, all liquor is confiscated at customs.
Kuwait's laws regarding alcohol can be confusing for expats, who often ask if they can drink alcohol in the country. While drinking alcohol in private is not illegal, buying, selling, bringing alcohol to a public place, or being intoxicated in public, including as a passenger in a car, are all serious crimes. The Kuwait Penal Law states that anyone who brings, imports, or manufactures alcoholic or intoxicating beverages for trading purposes shall be penalized for a period not exceeding ten years.
Even carrying your own 'duty-free' purchases from other countries into Kuwait is not allowed, and those who do so run the risk of having their alcohol confiscated at customs or, worse, facing legal consequences. The penalties for violating Kuwait's alcohol laws range from hefty fines to jail time.
For those transiting through Kuwait or facing long layovers, it is important to know that the country's duty-free shops do not sell alcohol. Instead, travellers will find juice boxes, bottled water, and cigarette cartons. While some travellers may be disappointed by the absence of alcohol, it is essential to respect and comply with local laws.
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Some report drinking alcohol in Kuwaiti airports
Although Kuwait has strict laws against the consumption of alcohol, some people have reported drinking alcohol in Kuwaiti airports. On online forums, some travellers have recounted drinking alcohol purchased from duty-free shops in other airports during their layovers in Kuwait. However, it is important to note that these actions carry significant risks and are illegal in Kuwait.
Kuwait adheres to Islamic Sharia law, which forbids alcohol consumption. As a result, it is illegal to import, sell, or consume alcohol anywhere in the country, including airports and airplanes. The country's strict stance on alcohol means that even bringing duty-free alcohol purchased from other countries into Kuwait can result in confiscation by customs officials.
Despite the strict laws, some people have found alternative ways to consume alcohol in Kuwait. Some reports mention an underground drinking scene, with alcohol being shipped into the country or consumed in the privacy of homes. However, these actions are still illegal, and those found drinking or possessing alcohol for personal use can face fines of up to KD100. More severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to six months and/or additional fines, can be imposed for repeat offences or public intoxication.
It is important to respect the cultural norms and laws of Kuwait, even if they differ from those of other countries. As travel expert Rick Steves advises, "When travelling abroad, obey the laws and adapt to the customs. Your trip will be better if you respect the world as you find it." While it may be frustrating for travellers who enjoy a drink, it is crucial to remember that Kuwait's alcohol ban is not just a law but a way of life mandated by Islamic principles.
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Alcohol is forbidden in duty-free shops
The laws surrounding alcohol in Kuwait can be confusing for expats, who may be used to more relaxed regulations in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, such as the UAE and Qatar, where alcohol is restricted but widely available. In Kuwait, the act of drinking alcohol in private is not illegal, but buying, selling, bringing alcohol to a public place, or being intoxicated in public are all serious crimes.
Some expats find alternative ways to consume alcohol in the privacy of their homes, but this is not advisable as they are taking a risk with the law. The Kuwait Penal Law states that "any person who brings, imports or manufactures alcoholic or intoxicating beverages for the purpose of trading shall be penalized for a period not exceeding 10 years". Public intoxication carries a penalty of up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to KD50.
While some travellers may be disappointed by the lack of duty-free liquor in Kuwait, it is important to respect the local laws and culture. Instead of alcohol, travellers can expect to find cigarette cartons, juice boxes, and bottled water in the duty-free shops.
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Frequently asked questions
No, alcohol is not available at Kuwait Airport. It is illegal to import, carry, buy, sell, or consume alcohol in Kuwait, and these rules extend to the airport as well.
No, all liquor is confiscated at customs. Even if you buy duty-free liquor at another airport, it will be confiscated when you land in Kuwait.
No, alcohol is banned entirely for locals and visitors in Kuwait. While drinking alcohol privately is not illegal, bringing alcohol to a public place or being intoxicated in public is a serious crime.
