Kuwait · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Salmiya scores 18/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: elevated risk — reconsider. No, Salmiya, Kuwait is not safe for travelers due to significant geopolitical risks and advisories recommending against travel. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Kuwait · Assessed 29 July 2026
18
/ 100
Safer than ~6% of countries
Score capped at 18 — Level 4 advisory — "Do Not Travel". No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Advises against all-but-essential travel to parts
“Regional tensions The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Kuwait, against US military and civilian infrastructure.”
Updated 2026-07-23T09:00:49Z
Full advisory →Avoid all travel
“Canada's official risk level for Kuwait: avoid all travel.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowWorry about being mugged or robbed is relatively low according to crowdsourced data, and violent crime is not reported as a major local problem.
Pickpocketing
ModerateWhile specific pickpocketing data for Salmiya is unavailable, property crime is noted as a moderate local problem, and general caution in crowded areas is advised.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
75/100
Crowdsourced data indicates a mixed sentiment regarding safety, with people feeling safer walking in daylight than at night, and moderate concern about mugging or robbery.
No, Salmiya, Kuwait is not safe for travelers due to significant geopolitical risks and advisories recommending against travel.
Official government advisories from Canada and the UK strongly recommend avoiding all travel to Kuwait due to regional tensions and recent strikes. While violent crime rates appear low based on some metrics, the overall safety index is high risk, compounded by hazardous air quality and extreme summer heat. Travelers should be aware of potential security incidents and health concerns.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
The safety assessment for Salmiya, Kuwait, is unequivocally negative, with official government advisories from both Canada and the UK strongly recommending travelers avoid all travel to the country. These advisories are driven by significant regional geopolitical tensions and recent security incidents, including strikes and retaliatory attacks in the region affecting Kuwait.
While some objective crime statistics, such as homicide rates, appear low and crowdsourced data suggests a moderate level of concern regarding mugging or robbery, these factors are overshadowed by the overarching government warnings and the high-risk composite safety index. Furthermore, the air quality in Kuwait is currently hazardous, and the extreme summer heat poses a significant health risk, with July temperatures reaching around 43°C.
Recent news from the dossier highlights specific incidents relevant to Salmiya, including arrests for vandalism and a significant seizure of counterfeit goods, indicating potential consumer risks. There have also been reports of broader security concerns, such as an attack on Kuwait airport in March 2026. These events, combined with the official advisories, paint a picture of a destination where personal safety could be compromised due to both security and environmental factors.
Given these circumstances, travelers are strongly advised to heed the 'Do Not Travel' advisories. If travel is unavoidable, it is crucial to stay informed about the evolving security situation, be aware of the extreme environmental conditions, and maintain a high level of vigilance regarding personal safety and surroundings.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Salmiya districts for visitors, 5 needing caution. See them plotted on the Salmiya safety map.
SalmiyacautionHigh population density, with reports of petty crime and occasional arrests for more serious offenses, alongside significant air quality concerns.
Hawally Governorate (which includes Salmiya)cautionWhile generally safe for visitors, this densely populated area experiences occasional crime and has significant air quality issues.
Kuwait CitycautionThe capital city has a moderate crime index and concerns about air quality, but generally feels safe during daylight hours.
FahaheelcautionA coastal area with a mix of residential and commercial activity; exercise standard precautions against petty crime.
JahracautionA large governorate with diverse areas; general caution is advised due to population density and potential for petty crime.
07 · After Dark
Worry about being mugged or robbed is relatively low according to crowdsourced data, and violent crime is not reported as a major local problem.
After dark, be most careful around Salmiya, Hawally Governorate (which includes Salmiya), Kuwait City, Fahaheel. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Salmiya's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
No, Salmiya, Kuwait is not safe for travelers due to significant geopolitical risks and advisories recommending against travel. Official government advisories from Canada and the UK strongly recommend avoiding all travel to Kuwait due to regional tensions and recent strikes. While violent crime rates appear low based on some metrics, the overall safety index is high risk, compounded by hazardous air quality and extreme summer heat. Travelers should be aware of potential security incidents and health concerns. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Areas with poor air quality: Due to extremely high AQI readings, prolonged outdoor activity should be avoided, especially for those with respiratory issues.. See the district-by-district safety map.
Salmiya ranks #1 of 2 Kuwait destinations we've assessed, scoring 18/100. See the Kuwait safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 10+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Kuwait safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: salmiya.json (CC BY 4.0).