Kuwait has strict laws regarding alcohol. Like many other Islamic countries, including its fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, alcoholic drinks are severely restricted.
Alcohol laws in Kuwait can be confusing for foreign nationals, especially when they are originally from outside the Gulf.
This is particularly true for temporary visitors who have come to the country for tourism or business on a Kuwait visa. There are also a high number of ex-pats— around 70% of the Kuwaiti population were born in other sovereign states.
It is generally understood that alcohol in Kuwait is frowned upon and heavily restricted, but visitors and ex-pats are not always sure to what extent.
This guide clarifies any doubt that foreign visitors might have about Kuwait and alcohol, including the following frequently asked questions:
- Is alcohol allowed in Kuwait?
- Can you buy alcohol in Kuwait?
- Can you consume it while inside the country?
Can You Drink Alcohol in Kuwait?
In many countries of the Gulf and the Middle East in general, the purchase of alcoholic beverages is limited but personal use is mostly considered a choice to be left to individuals. However, to all point and purpose, alcohol is banned in Kuwait.
Alcoholic drinks are unavailable in Kuwait, due to the fact that it is prohibited by law to import, export, buy, sell, or carry alcohol. Public intoxication or being visibly drunk in front of others, including in private vehicles or clubs, is also considered an offense.
Strictly speaking, drinking alcohol privately in one’s own home will not be punished by law, but this is virtually impossible to accomplish without breaking the law in another way to obtain the alcohol and transport it to said home.
In addition, if an individual consumes alcohol in a private residence and, while intoxicated, travels as a passenger in a private car or taxi, which is stopped by the police for any reason, they may be taken to the police station and charged for being drunk in public.
First-time offenders may be let off with a warning but can be fined up to 50 Kuwaiti Dinar (KD50; around US$160). Repeat offenders can face jail time of up to 6 months instead of or in addition to another KD50 fine.
Drinking Alcohol in Public in Kuwait
Drinking alcohol publicly is a serious offense and is much more likely to result in prosecution. Like being caught intoxicated in public, it can result in one or more of the following:
- A fine of up to KD50
- 6 months’ jail time
- Deportation (for foreign nationals)
These penalties may be handed out to individuals who commit the following offenses:
- Drinking alcohol in a public place or in front of other people
- Possession of alcoholic beverages in public or where they may be seen by others
- Bringing alcohol to a public place for another person to consume
- Being found intoxicated in public
It is strongly advised that foreign visitors to Kuwait refrain from drinking in public or carrying alcohol on their person. If arrested and tried, they may find themselves fined, deported, or even imprisoned, and this will almost certainly have repercussions on future visa applications.
Can You Buy Alcohol in Kuwait?
Alcohol cannot be purchased or sold legally in Kuwait. The country’s Penal Law states that anyone who manufactures, imports, or possess alcoholic beverages with the purpose of trading can be punished with up to 10 years in prison.
Alcoholic drinks are not served at bars, restaurants, clubs, or hotels—not even those that cater to international guests.
Non-alcoholic beverages such as virgin cocktails, fruit juices, and alcohol-free wine and beer are served as alternatives.
Foreign nationals wondering where to buy alcohol in Kuwait should be aware that alcohol is an illegal trade in the country and that anyone caught buying or selling it is liable to be prosecuted.
Can You Bring Alcohol into Kuwait?
Bringing, importing, and manufacturing alcoholic and/or intoxicating beverages for trading purposes in Kuwait is punishable with a period of up to 10 years in jail.
Travelers who bring alcohol with them to Kuwait will have it confiscated at the border, even if it is for personal consumption. This includes any alcoholic drinks purchased at the duty free in the airport where they embarked on their journey.
Customs officers at Kuwait take any and all alcohol brought into the country and, unlike in the neighboring state of Qatar, it will not be returned to the traveler when they fly home.
Since alcohol cannot be bought legally in Kuwait, it cannot be taken out of the country either.
