Morocco travel advice

Travel Summary

• There is a general threat from terrorism in Morocco. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should be aware that there is a threat of kidnapping in the immediate and wider regions and particular care should be taken in remote regions and border areas. You should have confidence in your individual security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Travellers to Morocco should be aware of the impact that the situation in Iraq, as well as the violence between Israelis and Palestinians, has had across the Arab world and the risk of public disturbance in response. You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances. You should take precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. Any increase in regional tension might affect Travel Advice.
  
  
• You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.
  
  
• Morocco has a poor road safety record. Accidents are frequent, especially on busy major routes. The main road from Agadir to Marrakesh via Imi’nTanoute and Chichaoua has been reported as particularly hazardous. See the Road Travel section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• 419,000 UK tourists visited Morocco in 2007 (Source: Moroccan Ministry of Tourism). Most visits are trouble-free. 100 British nationals required consular assistance in Morocco in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (19 cases); hospitalisations (33 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (22 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (61 cases). There are occasional incidents involving theft at knifepoint in the major cities and along beaches, and violent crime, though not a major problem in Morocco, is growing.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
  

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism in Morocco. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should also be aware that there is a threat of kidnapping in the immediate and wider regions and particular care should be taken in remote regions and border areas. You should have confidence in your individual security arrangements and maintain a high level of vigilance. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Recent significant events include:

• On 13 August 2007 a man attempted to explode a small device near a tourist coach in the city of Meknes. No-one apart from the bomber was injured.
• On 14 April 2007 two suicide bombers killed themselves and slightly injured one passer-by near to an American Language Centre and the US Consulate in Casablanca. It is suspected that the bombers were targeting US interests.
• On 10 April 2007 three others blew themselves up, killing one policeman and injuring another, during police raids in Casablanca and another suspected terrorist was shot and killed during one of the raids.
• On 11 March 2007 a suicide bomber killed himself and injured four others at an internet cafe in Casablanca. Moroccan police have greatly enhanced security and made a number of arrests but continue to hunt for further suspected terrorists.
• In August 2006, the Moroccan authorities arrested a number of individuals allegedly plotting to attack a number of targets, including noticeably Western interests.
• In May 2003, 45 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in Casablanca. These attacks were against relatively soft targets, including hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners or those with Jewish links. The Moroccan authorities arrested and imprisoned a number of those considered to be responsible for the attacks, there is a high threat of further attacks.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Crime

Violent crime is not a major problem in Morocco, but it is growing. There are occasional incidents involving theft at knifepoint in the major cities and along beaches. Since March 2008 a number of Europeans, including British citizens, have been attacked and robbed at knifepoint, mainly late at night, near the centre of Tangier in the area from Blvd Pasteur/Mohammed V leading down to the beach, and in and around the Kasbah/Medina. You are advised to avoid those areas late at night and not to carry valuables with you at any time in those parts of town. A British tourist was injured in an apparent knife attack at a hotel in Marrakech on 9 May 2007. There has also been an increase in reports of other violent attacks, including some shootings, and of car jacking in Casablanca. Whilst driving, you should avoid stopping at the side of the road and drive defensively, with vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times. Do not attempt to escape from hijackers or resist their demands.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, continues to increase. Crime and aggressive begging near ATM machines are increasing. Credit card fraud and scams such as substituting inferior goods for those that were actually purchased are common. Intimidation is sometimes used to force customers to purchase goods. You should remain vigilant and alert to potential confidence tricks.

You should avoid run down areas and badly lit streets in areas such as the medina. If offered the services of a guide, you should ensure that the guide is authorised by or operating with the agreement of the local tourist authorities, and displays an official badge. Harassment of tourists by men posing as official tourist guides is common. There have also been reports of tourists being harassed on Moroccan trains.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Morocco Country Profile

Travellers to Morocco should be aware of the impact that the situation in Iraq, as well as the violence between Israelis and Palestinians, has had across the Arab world and the risk of public disturbance in response. You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances. In addition, demonstrations against rising food and fuel prices across the region have on occasion turned violent. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. Any increase in regional tension might affect Travel Advice.

Road Travel

Morocco has a poor road safety record. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Equipment and Transport, road accidents claimed the lives of 3,600 people in 2006 (over 4% increase on 2005) and seriously injured more than 12,000.Over 56,000 accidents were recorded during the same period (an increase of over 5% on 2005). Accidents are especially frequent on busy major routes but also on narrower secondary roads. All drivers should take extra care when overtaking, particularly where there are no hard shoulders. You are advised to leave plenty of time to reach your destination and to stay well within speed limits.

If you are involved in a road accident resulting in a fatality and the Moroccan authorities consider you responsible, you may be detained pending a trial hearing.

If you are involved in a minor accident, you should complete a 'Constat Amiable' form, to be signed by both parties. The blank forms are available upon arrival at the Tangier port from the insurance company booths, or can be purchased from tobacconists in all cities.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Morocco is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Women, especially when travelling alone, will attract attention. To minimise hassle, you should dress inconspicuously and avoid wearing clothes that could be regarded as provocative (eg short skirts and low-necked strappy tops), except on the beach.

Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Morocco. Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law and there were a number of arrests in 2007.

British nationals travelling to Morocco with a view to marrying a Moroccan should, before they travel, contact either the British Consulate in Tangier or the Consular Section of the British Embassy in Rabat to enquire about the documentation they will need to provide.

The penalties for possession of even small amounts of drugs are severe: up to 10 years’ imprisonment, with no remission for good behaviour, heavy fines and confiscation of your vehicle/vessel. If you travel through the Rif Mountains, a major cannabis growing area, you may be harassed by drug dealers.

It is against the law to carry bibles in Arabic, to attempt to distribute any non-Muslim/evangelical literature or be involved in any such activity.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals do not require entry visas to Morocco for the purpose of tourism, for visits of up to three months.

Passport validity

Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months after your entry into Morocco. When entering the country, particularly during the busy summer months, you should ensure that your passports are stamped. You will then be able to stay in Morocco for up to three months. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country because their passports bear no entry stamp.

Travelling to Western Sahara

If you intend to travel to the disputed territories to the South of Morocco, you should consult our separate Travel Advice for Western Sahara.

Border closure

You should also be aware that the border between Algeria and Morocco is closed, and no attempt should be made to cross it at any point.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Moroccan Embassy in London.

When arriving by private boat, you must enter the country by a recognised port of entry. Entry through other ports will be considered illegal.

Health

The Moroccan authorities have informed us that anyone suspected of having swine flu will be placed into isolation for monitoring, in a specialised medical unit within one of the Kingdom’s large hospitals. You should monitor local media reports and the British Embassy in Morocco website for any further developments and advice.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 21,000 adults aged 15 or over in Morocco were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Morocco and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health and Swine Flu and the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

Natural disasters

Morocco is in an earthquake zone and earthquakes, usually minor ones, occur occasionally. But a strong earthquake hit northern Morocco around the port town of Al Hoceima on 24 February 2004, killing more than 600 people. You should familiarise yourself with general safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and take note of any earthquake-related instructions, eg in hotel rooms.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.

When insuring your vehicle, it is advisable to choose a company with a local representative. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

• More information about registering with LOCATE.
  

Money

You should bring sufficient funds for the visit in cash, travellers' cheques or credit cards. There is no limit on the amount you can import. Most major credit cards are accepted in the larger urban centres throughout Morocco. However, it is not possible to change Scottish or Irish bank notes. The Moroccan Dirham is non-convertible and its export is prohibited. ATMs are widely available in cities and most main towns. If you enter Morocco with a vehicle, the registration number will be entered in the immigration computer. If you are not in possession of the same vehicle when leaving Morocco, you will be refused exit and detained.

Contact Details for the British Consulate-General, Consulates and Honorary Consuls

British Consulate - TANGIERS

Trafalgar House

9 Rue Amerique du Sud

Tangiers 90000 - BP. 1203

Morocco

Tel: 00 212 539 93 69 39/40

Fax: 00 212 539 93 69 14

Email: uktanger2@menara.ma

British Honorary Consul - AGADIR

Complet Tours

26 Immeuble Oumlil - 3rd Floor

Avenue Hassan II

Agadir

Morocco

Tel: 00 212 528 84 04 69

Fax: 00 212 528 84 04 67

Email: Michelle.Kraino@fconet.fco.gov.uk

British Honorary Consul - MARRAKECH

Residence Taib

55 Boulevard Zerktouni - Gueliz

Marrakech

Morocco

Tel: 00 212 524 42 08 46

Fax: 00 212 524 43.52.76

Email: matthew.virr@fconet.fco.gov.uk

If you are a British National and have a genuine emergency outside normal office hours, please call the Embassy switchboard on +212 (0) 537 63 33 33 where you can obtain details of our Global Response Centre who may be able to assist you. Please note that only emergency calls can be handled out of office hours. Visa enquiries can only be dealt with during office hours.

Mauritania travel advice

 Summary

• Still current at:
  14 January 2016
• Updated:
  24 August 2015
• Latest update: editorial amendments throughout

Download map (PDF)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:

• the province of Tiris Zemmour (except the town of Zouérat)
• the province of Adrar (east of Atar)
• the provinces of Tagant and Hodh el Chargui
• within 50km of the Malian border
• within 25km of the Western Sahara border (except the Noukchott - Nouadhibou corridor)

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of the country, including the Nouakchott - Nouadhibou corridor.
There is a general threat from terrorism, including kidnapping. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. See Terrorism
Demonstrations have taken place in the capital Nouakchott. Some have involved clashes between police and demonstrators resulting in the use of tear gas. You should avoid all demonstrations. See Political situation
There’s no British Embassy in Mauritania. If you need consular assistance while you are in Mauritania, contact the British Embassy in Rabat or any EU Embassy in Nouakchott. See Consular assistance
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

 

Travel Summary

• Due to the continuing high threat from terrorism throughout the country, we advise against all but essential travel to Mauritania. We believe that terrorists continue to plan attacks. These could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. We advise British nationals to keep a low profile, exercise caution, and avoid all areas where there are large gatherings of people. If a demonstration or disturbance is taking place, you should leave the area as quickly and safely as possible. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. British nationals should make themselves aware of developments by listening to media reports for further information, as well as monitoring our travel advice.
  
• There is a high threat of kidnapping in Mauritania and surrounding countries by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M). A British national who was kidnapped with a group of travellers in the Mali/Niger border region in January has recently been executed.
  
• There is no British diplomatic presence in Mauritania and you should register your presence with the British Honorary Consul in Nouakchott. You should inform the Honorary Consul if you intend to travel to areas outside the main cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. See the General (Representation in Mauritania) section of this advice for more details.
  
• Developments in the region may trigger public unrest, especially after Friday prayers. You should avoid large gatherings of people and demonstrations, which can turn hostile. Be particularly alert in public places.
  
• The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Mauritania in 2008 were for replacing lost and stolen passports. You should carry a copy of your passport with you at all times for identification purposes.
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

Due to the continuing high threat from terrorism throughout the country, we advise against all but essential travel to Mauritania. We believe that terrorists continue to plan attacks. These could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

On 8 August 2009, a suicide bomb attack took place outside the French Embassy in Nouakchott, injuring three people.

On 23 June 2009, a US national was killed in Nouakchott. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQ-M)has claimed responsibility for the killing.

On 1 February 2008, a group of armed men attacked the Israeli Embassy in Nouakchott.

When travelling in Mauritania you should take all necessary steps to protect your safety and should make sure you have confidence in your individual security arrangements. You should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places. You should take sensible precautions for your personal and vehicle safety.

There is a high risk of kidnap in Mauritania and surrounding countries by AQ-M. A British national who was kidnapped with a group of travellers in the Mali/Niger border region in January has recently been executed. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

Border Areas

There is the risk of banditry, and armed smugglers and extremist groups are active in the regions east of Zouerate, Ouadane, Tichit, and Amourj. A terrorist group, which attacked a Mauritanian army unit in June 2005, and was accused of kidnapping tourists in Algeria in 2003, remains active in the region and continues to pose a security threat. In September 2008 a dozen soldiers and their guide were killed.

Unexploded landmines remain a danger along Mauritania’s border with Western Sahara. Travellers should exercise caution, particularly if travelling off road.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Crime levels are moderate but steadily increasing. There have been several incidents of car jacking involving foreigners in the capital as well as reports of robbery, rape and assault. For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad. You should avoid the unlit and isolated beach at Nouakchott and ‘Le Cinquième’ district after dark as a number of thefts and violent incidents have been reported there in recent years.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Mauritania Country Profile

A bloodless coup took place in Mauritania in August 2008 that overthrew Mauritania's first democratically elected President. Following months of political tension and uncertainty, elections were held on 18 July 2009 and the inauguration ceremony of the elected President was held on 5 August 2009.

Mauritania is calm but further instability cannot be ruled out. Travellers to Mauritania should be aware of the impact that the situation in Iraq, as well as the violence between Israelis and Palestinians, has had across the Arab world and the risk of public disturbance in response. You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations. Any increase in regional tension might affect Travel Advice.
You should be prepared to adjust travel plans at short notice in light of developments.

Local Travel

You should inform the Honorary Consul in Nouakchott if you intend to travel to areas outside the main cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.

Crossing the border from Senegal can be time-consuming and officials may request payments to cross the border.

Should you experience any difficulties, you should seek advice from the British Honorary Consul. Contact details are:

Mr Sid’ Ahmed Ould Abeidna
Tel: +222 525 8331

Mob: +222 630 1217/+33 6800 19567

Fax: +222 525 3903

Road Travel

There is a reasonably good tarmac/asphalt single carriageway between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The drive takes 4-5 hours and is about 470km with no petrol stations or services, so take water, food and petrol. There are basic huts/shacks with water and dried snacks. Do not drive at night as many cars have one or no lights. Also beware at all times of small dunes of sand in the road, resulting from sand storms.

Of the other paved roads, conditions are generally poor, and overland travel is difficult. You are advised to use four wheel drive vehicles, check the tide times, travel in convoy and ensure you bring adequate supplies of water and fuel.

For more information see Driving Abroad.

Rail Travel

The national mining company, SNIM, runs a train service for both people and vehicles between Nouadhibou and Atar (80km from Choum). It is essential to book in advance.

Air Travel

You should reconfirm all flights.

Mauritania Airways runs flights linking Nouakchott to Nouadhibou (daily), Zouerate, Atar, Kaedi, Kiffa, Tidjikja, Aioun and Nema.

Significant deficiencies have been identified in the level of safety oversight that Mauritania gives to aircraft on its register and to the airlines that it certifies.

Sea Travel

Sailing in the port at Nouadhibou can be dangerous because of the number of shallow shipwrecks.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Mauritania is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan.

You should respect Mauritanian laws and regulations. It is considerate to dress modestly. Sale and consumption of alcohol is against the law, although some restaurants do serve it. Police sometimes object to photography without prior permission.

It is highly advisable to carry ID, especially when travelling outside Nouakchott (where you may encounter many police road checks). You are also advised to comply promptly with directions from the police and other Mauritanian security forces, and to carry copies of your personal identity papers (passport) with you at all times.

Homosexuality remains a punishable offence in Mauritania.

Drugs laws are severe. Those found in the possession of any illegal drug may receive a prison sentence.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

Visas are required for entry to Mauritania. They should be obtained prior to travel from the Mauritanian Consulate General in Paris, 89, rue de Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, Tel +33 1 45 48 23 88, Fax +33 1 45 44 72 42. Open Monday - Thursday 1000 - 1300.

Passport validity

The minimum passport validity for entry to Mauritania is three months.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Mauritanian Embassy in Paris at: ambassade.mauritanie@wanadoo.fr.

Health

Medical facilities are extremely limited, particularly outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, where lack of communications makes dealing with an emergency very difficult. Clinics in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou charge for medical care (sometimes in Euros or US dollars), and may not accept foreign insurance cards. You should ensure that your insurance covers medical repatriation by air ambulance.
The weather can be very hot and dry. Fluid intake should be kept high, making sure enough salts are included.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 14,000 adults aged 15 or over in Mauritania were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.8% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Mauritania and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health and Swine flu.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Your insurance should also cover you for medical repatriation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
More about registering with LOCATE

Representation in Mauritania

There is no British Embassy in Mauritania. The British Ambassador in Rabat, Morocco is accredited to Mauritania. There is a British Honorary Consul in Nouakchott, Mr Sid'Ahmed Ould Abeidna. If you decide to travel to Mauritania, you should endeavour to register with the Honorary Consul.
Contact details of the British Honorary Consulate are as follows:

Mr Sid’ Ahmed Ould Abeidna:

Tel: +222 525 8331

Mob: +222 630 1217/+33 6800 19567

Fax: +222 525 3903

Honorary Consul is authorised to issue emergency passports in Mauritania.

Money

Local currency (Ouguiya) is not convertible and may not be exported. US Dollars or (preferably) Euros can be changed for Ouguiyas at banks, some hotels and official Bureaux de Change. The rate for Sterling is very poor. Credit cards can be used at a few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. ATMs do not accept foreign credit or debit cards.

Libya travel advice

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (Swine Flu) in Libya (source: Libyan Health Ministry). Please see 'health' below for details of monitoring/quarantine procedures at Libyan ports of entry.
  
  
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its pandemic threat alert phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on pandemic flu is available on the UK Department of Health website.
  
  

• We advise against all but essential travel to areas bordering Sudan, Chad, Niger and Algeria (see specific advice below on the towns of Ghadames and Ghat), owing to the threat from cross-border criminal activity and instability in the region. With the exception of the official land border crossings to Tunisia and Egypt, visitors and residents are not permitted to travel in the interior or to border areas without an officially sanctioned guide or specific permission from the Libyan authorities.
  
  

• The Libyan authorities may restrict access to the more remote parts of the country (e.g. desert areas and remote towns) at short notice. Visitors should check with their tour operator or the Libyan authorities for the latest information.

• There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in Libya and the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances, e.g. recent adverse developments in Swiss/Libyan relations have created difficulties for Swiss citizens in Libya.
  
  
• British citizens who are currently in Libya or planning to visit Libya should keep in close touch with political developments that might impact on British interests. British organisations in Libya should keep their contingency plans up-to-date.
  
  
• A visa is required for travel to Libya. Following the introduction of a new biometric visa system on 1 December 2008, visa-applicants are required to visit the Libyan People’s Bureau to give their fingerprints and submit the required documents and passport photos. Multiple entry visas are available for business people. On 11 November 2007, the Libyan authorities reimposed a requirement for all travellers entering (including those re-entering) the country to have an Arabic transcript of their passport’s details page. If you travel without this transcript, you may not be able to enter the country. Travellers requiring a visa on arrival in Libya are required to prove they have access to $1000 upon entry. See the Entry Requirements (Visas) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Thousands of UK citizens visit Libya every year. Most visits are trouble-free. 10 British nationals required consular assistance in Afghanistan in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (3 cases), hospitalisations (2 cases), and arrests, for a variety of offences (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (24 cases).
  
  
• We recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the general (insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see terrorism abroad.

There is a risk of kidnap from terrorists operating in North Africa. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increase the risk of further hostage taking.

Crime

Violent crime is not a major problem in Libya, but it is on the increase. You should take steps to protect your safety and personal security. There are increasingly frequent incidents of pick pocketing in the busy market areas and house break-ins. Ex-pats may be a particular target. Car theft has increased recently: be vigilant at all times.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Libya country profile

You should be aware of the impact that the situation in Iraq, as well as violence between the Israelis and Palestinians, has had across the Arab world and the risk of public disturbance in response. You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances. For example, a recent deterioration in Libyan/Swiss relations has caused difficulties for Swiss citizens in Libya. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.

British citizens who are currently in Libya or planning to visit Libya should monitor political developments that might impact on British interests. British organisations in Libya should keep their contingency plans up-to-date.

Local Travel

We advise against all but essential travel to areas bordering Sudan, Chad, Niger and Algeria (see specific advice below on the towns of Ghadames and Ghat), owing to the threat from cross-border criminal activity and regional instability. There is a higher threat from terrorism and other criminal activity in these areas. With the exception of the official land border crossings to Tunisia and Egypt, visitors and residents are not permitted to travel in the interior or to border areas without an officially sanctioned guide or specific permission from the Libyan authorities.

Given their proximity to the border, you should exercise caution in the towns of Ghadames and Ghat, taking sensible precautions for your personal safety and travelling only with an officially sanctioned guide or specific permission from the Libyan authorities.

You require prior permission (a desert pass) from the Libyan authorities if you intend to travel to the desert regions. Your tour operator will usually be able to do this for you. If you obtain a desert pass you should avoid those desert areas where oil extraction is in operation and the border areas mentioned above. Oil companies will provide passes for their employees.

The Libyan authorities may restrict access to the more remote parts of the country (e.g. desert areas and remote towns) at short notice. Visitors should check with their tour operator or the Libyan authorities for the latest information.

Road Travel

The standard of driving in Libya is very poor, but the roads are generally in a reasonable condition. You should take care when driving anywhere in Libya - always wear a seatbelt and drive defensively. All off-road driving to the desert is best done in groups. You should ensure that you are well prepared with enough fuel, water and food etc.

For more general information see driving abroad.

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Libya is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. You should dress accordingly at all times, covering arms, shoulders and legs. Avoid shorts, tight fitting or revealing clothes in public. As a courtesy during Ramadan, non-Muslims should be careful not to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. Greater emphasis is placed on the need to dress and behave modestly. For more general information see travelling during Ramadan.

You should respect Libyan laws and regulations. Severe penalties are imposed for criticising the country, its leadership or religion. Sale and consumption of alcohol are against the law. Stern penalties are imposed for the possession or use of alcohol. You should on no account attempt to bring alcohol into the country.

Drugs laws are severe. Those found in possession of any illegal drug may receive a prison sentence.

You are advised to carry some form of identification with you at all times.

Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Libya, for which the minimum prison sentence is three years. The authorities are known to charge and convict homosexuals under this law. Sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.

You are advised not to use cameras close to military or official sites.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals should obtain a visa before travelling to Libya. Passports showing previous travel to Israel are not accepted for travel to Libya.

On 1 December 2008, the Libyan Government introduced a new biometric visa system. This requires visa-applicants to visit the Libyan People’s Bureau to give their fingerprints and submit the required documents and passport photos. Multiple entry visas are available for business people, but must be requested on application. Tour groups may be able to arrange through their tour agency to receive visas on arrival in Libya (i.e. without visiting the People’s Bureau). However they should check with their tour agency whether this is possible. For further information on entry requirements and biometric visas, you are advised to check with the Libyan People’s Bureau in London.

On 11 November 2007, the Libyan authorities reimposed a requirement for all travellers entering (and including those re-entering) the country to have an Arabic transcript of their passport’s details page. You can obtain a stamp in your passport, which provides the format for this transcript, from the Identity and Passport Service. UK travel authorities cannot provide the Arabic transcript itself. You should obtain this from a reputable translator, who will provide an accurate and legible transcript. The translator must stamp their translation. You should then submit your passport, containing the stamps and the transcript, to the Libyan People's Bureau in London, in order to obtain a visa. Transcripts on a separate piece of paper are not acceptable to the Libyan authorities. If you travel without the correct transcript in your passport, you may not be able to enter the country.

There is a requirement for all travellers to Libya to carry with them $1,000 (or equivalent in another currency) on entry to the country. While the law is seldom enforced, individuals have occasionally been turned back on arrival for failing to carry this sum.

Passport validity

Passports should have at least six months' remaining validity.

Registering with the Libya authorities

All tourists and short stay visitors must register their passports with the police within one week of arrival. This is usually arranged by the company you are visiting or the local travel agency you are travelling with. A fee of LD 10-15 is usually charged for this. Failure to comply with this requirement may lead to you being fined when you come to leave the country.

Health

There are confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (swine flu) in Libya (source: Libyan Health Ministry). The Libyan authorities have announced a number of measures to combat the spread of the H1N1 virus in Libya.

• On arrival in Libya, all passengers must complete an information card, giving details of recent travel and any flu-like symptoms that they have experienced in the last two weeks. A copy of the card [PDF, 85KB] can be found on the website of the National Centre for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases.
• The Libyan authorities may also take the temperatures of passengers arriving from abroad. This is done using a forehead thermometer.
• Any travellers displaying flu-like symptoms may be placed in quarantine for several days or barred entry and returned to the country from which they have come.

The latest information (in Arabic only) on swine flu in Libya can be obtained from the National Centre for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) pandemic threat alert phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated the swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website.

The Libyan authorities confirmed a small outbreak of bubonic plague in the Al-Tarsha area, approximately 40 km south of Tubruq, in May 2009. A World Health Organisation (WHO) team travelled to the area and reported that the outbreak had been contained.

Health care in Libya is on the whole below the standard available in the UK. There are, however, a couple of private clinics in Tripoli. If you require treatment local hospitals and private clinics should be able to stabilise you, but you would normally be medically evacuated to Malta or mainland Europe for further treatment. You should ensure that your insurance covers you for such an event.

If your itinerary includes travel to remote or desert areas you should be aware that it might prove impossible for you to receive timely assistance in the case of serious injury or illness. Even if your travel agent or insurance company has arrangements with an international air ambulance provider, they may not be allowed to carry out a rescue operation within Libya. The current status of Libyan rescue services is undetermined.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Libya and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see travel health.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake, including the costs of medical evacuation. For more general information see travel insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is how we can help.

Registration

British nationals visiting Libya for short periods may wish to register with the British Embassy so that contact details are available in case of emergency. British nationals remaining for longer periods should register as soon as possible. Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

If you need your passport replacing

The Consular Section at the British Embassy in Libya offers a full passport issuing service. If you lose your passport while on holiday, you should immediately report the loss first to the nearest Police Station, and then to the Consular Section, who will advise on the arrangements for a replacement passport to be issued.

Money

Libya has a cash society. Credit cards are not widely used although VISA and MASTERCARD are starting to be accepted in some outlets. There are a few reliable ATMs in Tripoli. There are branches of Western Union and Moneygram at Tripoli International Airport and in Tripoli. Money transfers can also be arranged through some banks.

Lebanon travel advice

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) – swine flu in Lebanon. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on pandemic flu is available on the UK Department of Health website.
  
  
• Travel to some areas of Lebanon requires caution. We advise against all travel to Palestinian refugee camps and against all but essential travel to south of the Litani.
  
  
• On 11 September 2009, two rockets were fired from a location south of Tyre, southern Lebanon into Akhziv, north of Nahariya in northern Israel. The Israelis responded by firing a number of shells near rocket launch site. No casualties were reported on either side.
  
  
• Although the situation overall in Lebanon is calm, it is fragile. On several occasions in recent years, the security situation has deteriorated quickly. Anyone travelling to Lebanon should keep themselves well informed and closely monitor political and security developments.
  
  
• 36 British nationals required consular assistance in Lebanon in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (10 cases), hospitalisations (2 cases), and arrests, for a variety of offences (8 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (17 cases).
  
  
• If you choose to travel to Lebanon we recommend that you register with the British Embassy. You can do this online at LOCATE . See the general (registration) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism in Lebanon. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as hotels and restaurants. See the terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• If you decide to travel to Lebanon we recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance. You should check your travel insurance covers visits to Lebanon, and all the activities you want to undertake. See the general (insurance) section of this advice and the travel insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism in Lebanon. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers such as hotels and restaurants. Previous terrorist attacks have taken various forms, including vehicle bombs, hand grenades and small, improvised bombs. There is a risk that Western and British interests may be targeted as well as areas where large numbers of people congregate. You are advised to maintain a high level of vigilance in public places, including tourist sites. For more general information see terrorism abroad.

On 11 September 2009, two rockets were fired from a location south of Tyre, southern Lebanon into Akhziv, north of Nahariya in northern Israel. The Israelis responded by firing a number of shells near rocket launch site. No casualties were reported on either side.

Since 2004 a number of Lebanese and Palestinian politicians and officials have been assassinated. Civilians have also been killed and wounded in these attacks as well as in random bombing incidents. A car bomb killed a senior politician in the Chouf Mountains east of Beirut on 10 September 2008 and bomb attacks in Tripoli on 13 August and 29 September 2008 against the army, killed and injured a number of people.

Since March 2009 the Lebanese army has been taking action against armed criminal gangs in the Beka’a valley involved in drug smuggling and car thefts. The army has been the target to reprisals. Four soldiers were killed in an incident on 13 April.

There has also been a number of attacks against UN troops in Lebanon. In June 2007, a roadside bomb killed six Spanish peacekeepers in south Lebanon. On 8 January 2008 a roadside bomb near Sidon targeted a UN convoy injuring two peacekeepers.

For further information read the terrorism abroad.

Crime

The risk to tourists from petty or violent crime is low by international standards, though vehicle crime and bag snatching continues to be relatively high. In addition there are increasing reports of armed robberies taking place in shared taxis (known locally as Service taxis) with passengers being robbed by either the driver or other passengers. It is advisable to only use taxis from recognised companies and to not use shared taxis or taxis hailed on the street. Normal precautions should be taken.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Lebanon country profile

Parliamentary elections held on 7 June 2009 passed off peacefully. The political situation remains calm as the constitutional process for forming a new government takes place, but events can change dramatically. Anyone travelling to Lebanon should try and keep themselves well informed and closely monitor political and security developments.

Local Travel

We advise against all travel to Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, which remain in a state of tension and where the Lebanese state has limited capacity to impose law and order.

There has long been a pattern of violent clashes in particular in Ein El Helwe camp near Sidon in southern Lebanon. There is a risk that this instability in Ein El Hilwe could directly affect Sidon itself. Beddawi camp near Tripoli has also experienced particularly high levels of tension.

We advise against all but essential travel south of the Litani River. Although a large scale de-mining operation has made a big impact on the large amount of unexploded ordnance, including cluster bombs remaining from the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah this still poses a danger to civilians in the more remote areas. Since 2006 the UN have deployed extra peacekeepers in the area south of the Litani which has led to a period of relative calm between Israel and Lebanon. However, the situation remains unpredictable.

Care should also be exercised if travelling to Tripoli where clashes have erupted between rival groups in the past leading to the death and injury of a number of people. Areas around Bab el Tabaneh and Jebel Mohsin are particularly tense.

Road Travel

An international driving licence is compulsory in Lebanon. This must be certified by the authorities on arrival.

Driving standards are poor and the accident rate is high. Traffic lights are not always observed. Self-drive hire is best left to the experienced. Seat belts must be worn (if fitted). Taxis are not always in good condition or safe; hotels can advise on firms with cars that are recognised as being safe and well maintained. Night driving should be avoided if possible, especially outside well-lit urban areas. Should you choose to drive your own car to Lebanon you should be aware that vehicles with diesel engines are now banned. Anyone attempting to enter the country in a diesel car will be required to leave the vehicle at the Syrian border.

You should carry identity papers with you at all times and be prepared to stop at check points and to show your papers. Since 20 May 2007 the army have been setting up temporary check points on major and minor roads.

For more general information see driving abroad.

Local laws and customs

Lebanon is part Muslim, part Christian. In many areas you will find dress codes more relaxed than in other countries of the region, but you should still dress modestly when visiting sites of religious significance such as mosques or churches, and also where it is clear that local people expect it.

You should respect the local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. During Ramadan eating, drinking or smoking in public places between the hours of sunrise and sunset may cause offence in some areas. For more general information see travelling during Ramadan.

Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious offences in Lebanon, which carry custodial sentences.

Photography should be limited to tourist sites. Photographing military sites may result in your arrest.

The Lebanese Criminal Code contains a general provision concerning 'every sexual act against nature'. Lebanese courts consider that this provision includes homosexuality. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable with a custodial sentence of up to one year.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

Child Abduction

The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Lebanon in 2007 was from mothers seeking help in overturning travel bans placed on their children by their fathers. Lebanese family law is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when, for example, child custody becomes an issue.

If you have concerns about child custody you should seek advice before travelling to Lebanon about 'travel bans' that may be imposed by male heads of family to prevent wives, children or female family members leaving Lebanon. Even if a child holds a British passport they may be Lebanese automatically by descent and so be subject to Lebanese laws and regulations.

If children are travelling without their father accompanying them, proof that they have their father’s permission to travel may be requested by the immigration authorities.

Please see child abduction.

Entry requirements

Visas

British Citizens can apply for a single entry tourist or family visit visa on arrival at the port of entry. British Overseas Citizens and British Protected Persons are still required to obtain a visa prior to travel. Visa requirements are subject to change, so you may wish to contact the nearest Lebanese Embassy.

Overstaying without the proper authority is considered to be a serious matter. You may be refused permission to leave until a fine has been paid.

If your passport contains Israeli stamps you will be refused entry to Lebanon, even if you hold a valid Lebanese visa.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for at least 9 months from the date of your in arrival Lebanon.

Health

There are confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) – swine flu in Lebanon. The World Health Organisation (WHO) pandemic threat alert phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated the swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website.

Medical treatment in Lebanon can be expensive. Most hospitals are well equipped. Doctors are generally well qualified though nursing standards vary. The majority of medical staff speak French and English.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 3,000 adults aged 15 or over in Lebanon were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Lebanon and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct 0845 46 47.

For more general information see travel health.

Natural disasters

Lebanon is in an earthquake zone. However there have been no damaging tremors in recent years.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See travel insurance for further information.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then see how we can help.

Registration

We recommend that British residents in Lebanon as well as British visitors (tourists and business visitors) register with the British Embassy in Beirut.

You can register via our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are in Lebanon so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. When you are first registered with us you will be assigned a Warden who will, in turn, contact you to make themselves known. You only need to register for the service once and then update your account when you make a new trip abroad. You can even add planned trips abroad up to a year ahead. Help in register is available by contacting the Embassy.

Ensure that your travel documents are readily available and that your permission to remain or reside in Lebanon is up to date as failure to do so may impede your departure from Lebanon.

Where to get information during a crisis

In the event of a situation arising where we need to get information to you urgently your Warden network will contact you. If, however, there is a loss of communication between you and the Warden network you should monitor the following media outlets for updated information and advice to the community:

TV Stations:
LBCI
New TV
NBN
Future News
OTV

Radio Stations:
Radio One 105.5 FM
Voice of Lebanon 93.3 FM
Radio Oreint 88.3- 88.6 FM
Sawt El Ghad 97.1- 96.7 FM
BBC Arabic 93.1 FM

Websites:
www.naharnet.com (English Website)
www.nowlebanon.com (English website)
www.dailystar.com.lb (English)
www.bbc.co.uk (English)
www.bbc.co.uk/arabic (Arabic)
www.elnashra.com (Arabic Website)
www.tayyar.org (Arabic Website)

Kuwait travel advice

Travel Summary

• On 24 August 2009, one of the main pumping stations in Kuwait City has broken down and untreated sewage has been released into the sea. It is strongly advisable to avoid swimming in the sea off Kuwait City until the problem has been resolved.
  
  
• There have been confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (swine flu) in Kuwait, including a death (source: the Kuwait Government). The Kuwaiti authorities are screening visitors and transiting passengers for A (H1N1). This may result in the request for payment for medical procedures. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its pandemic threat alert phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on pandemic flu is available on the UK Department of Health website.
  
  
• There remains a general threat from terrorism. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. See the terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• In August 2009, Kuwaiti security forces disrupted a Kuwaiti terrorist cell and arrested six Kuwaiti nationals who were in the final stages of planning a major attack against a US military base in Kuwait. In January and February 2005, Kuwaiti security forces mounted operations against suspected militants and discovered bomb-making equipment and material linked with planned kidnaps. Three individuals associated with these incidents are still at large and remain a threat to Westerners and Western interests in the region.
  
  
• You should review your security arrangements carefully and maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. Exercise caution if you intend to travel through or to conservative areas such as Jahra, where there have been a significant number of incidents involving firearms, and Jleeb As Shuyoukh where there were riots by migrant workers protesting about their conditions in summer 2008.
  
  
• Most visits are trouble-free. 35 British nationals required consular assistance in Kuwait in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (11 cases), hospitalisations (6 cases), and arrests, for a variety of offences (10 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (16 cases). Labour disputes are common; the Embassy cannot usually intervene in these, so if you are considering coming to work in Kuwait you are advised to check the details of your contract thoroughly in advance.
  
  
• Penalties for trafficking, dealing and using illegal drugs are severe. Penalties for drug trafficking include the death sentence. See the local laws and customs section for more details.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the general (insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There remains a general threat from terrorism. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Attacks could be directed against Western, including British, interests.

Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. In August 2009, Kuwaiti security forces disrupted a Kuwaiti terrorist cell and arrested six Kuwaiti nationals who were in the final stages of planning a major attack against a US military base in Kuwait. In January and February 2005, Kuwaiti security forces arrested nearly 40 suspected militants in a series of operations, some involving shooting. Bomb-making equipment and material linked with planned kidnaps were discovered. Most of those arrested have since been sentenced to death or to imprisonment. Three individuals associated with these incidents are still at large and remain a threat to Westerners and Western interests in the region.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. For more general information see terrorism abroad. Please also check the British Embassy website.

Crime

Incidents of violent crime against foreigners are rare. Some 6,000 British nationals live in Kuwait, and we estimate over 40,000 visit each year. Most visits to Kuwait are trouble-free. However, you should exercise caution if you intend to travel through or to conservative areas such as Jahra, where there have been a number of incidents involving firearms, and Jleeb As Shuyoukh where there were riots by migrant workers protesting about their conditions in summer 2008.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Kuwait country profile

Developments in Iraq, Iran and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region. Emotions are currently high due to the Israeli attacks on Gaza and there have been several public demonstrations. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues and follow news reports about regional developments. Take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.

Local Travel

Only authorised road border crossing points into Iraq and Saudi Arabia should be used. Any other unauthorised movement in the vicinity of borders is illegal and dangerous: armed guards patrol the border area. If you are planning to cross the border from Kuwait into Iraq you, should ensure that you have the correct paperwork. The British Embassy can offer advice on this.

Landmines and other hazardous ordnance are still present in Kuwait. Off-road driving is therefore discouraged. However, if you do travel off-road, confine your movements – whether by bicycle or on foot - to clearly identifiable tracks, and exercise great care, because even if an area has been officially cleared, there is still a danger of unexploded ordnance. Do not pick up any strange metal, plastic or other objects lying around or souvenir-hunt for war memorabilia.

Road Travel

You can drive on an International Driving Licence. Third party insurance is compulsory. Anyone applying for residence in Kuwait can also drive on an International Driving Licence until such time as the residency permit is issued. Thereafter, a Kuwaiti driving licence is required.

Driving is hazardous. Many drivers pay scant attention to other road users; driving in excess of speed limits, switching lanes without warning, frequently ignoring traffic lights and using mobile phones while driving. You should remain vigilant at all times.

If you have an accident you must stay with the vehicle and not attempt to move it. Call the police. It is an offence to leave the scene of an accident before the police arrive.

Hailing a taxi from the road is not advisable in Kuwait, particularly if you are female. There have been a few incidents of passengers being harassed while doing so. We recommend that you book a taxi in advance by telephone, from a known and reputable taxi company.

For more general information see driving abroad.

Sea Travel

On 24 August 2009, one of the main pumping stations in Kuwait City has broken down and untreated sewage has been released into the sea. It is strongly advisable to avoid swimming in the sea off Kuwait City until the problem has been resolved.

Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. The area in the northern Gulf, between Iran, Iraq and Kuwait has not been demarcated and vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected; and there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.

In March 2006, a Dhow capsized in Bahrain. There were 58 fatalities, including 12 British nationals. Exercise care when travelling by Dhow, as the safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. You should also ensure that life jackets are available.

For more general information see river and sea safety.

Local laws and customs

Kuwait is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan (corresponding to mid-August/ September in 2009) or if you intend to visit religious areas.

For more general information see travelling during ramadan

In public, general modesty of behaviour and dress is expected. Women who wear shorts or tight-fitting clothes, in particular in downtown areas, are likely to attract unwelcome attention.

You should carry your passport or a Kuwait civil identification card, if you have one, at all times.

The importation of narcotics, alcohol, pork products and obscene material is forbidden and can lead to imprisonment. Convictions of possession and abuse of drugs can lead to a prison sentence of between five years and ten years and a heavy fine. Bail is usually not given for drug offences and even if found not guilty you can expect to spend several months detained in prison while the case progresses through the judicial system. Penalties for drug trafficking include the death sentence.

Drunken behaviour in public or driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a fine or imprisonment and/or deportation and the withdrawal of the driving licence.

Photography near government, military and industrial sites, particularly oil fields, is forbidden.

'Bouncing' cheques is illegal and the law does not provide for offenders to be released from custody on bail. 'Post dated' cheques can be banked immediately.

Homosexual behaviour is illegal, and so is any public display of affection between men and women.

Co-habiting of unmarried partners in Kuwait is illegal. If you wish to live with your partner in the same house, you need to be married.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

British nationals travelling by air can obtain a 90-day visit/business visas on arrival in Kuwait. You will be charged three KD 3,000 (three Kuwaiti Dinars, just over £7) for the visa. Further information can be obtained from the Kuwait Embassy in London. Exchange facilities are available at Kuwait International Airport 24 hours a day, every day. You should have a ticket for travel out of Kuwait. It may speed the processing of the visa if the traveller is able to show a sponsor's letter or confirmation of a hotel reservation. If you have an Israeli stamp in your passport you may be refused visas/entry to Kuwait.

Travellers arriving by land or sea should obtain visas in advance from the Kuwaiti Embassy in London.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay.

Entering from Iraq

If you are planning to enter Kuwait overland from Iraq, it is best to obtain a visa in advance. Take careful and up-to-date advice (including from the FCO travel advice) about travel in Southern Iraq, which remains very dangerous.

Applying to work or live in Kuwait

For work or residency visas you should apply to the Kuwaiti Embassy in London.

British nationals intending to apply for a residence visa for their dependants in Kuwait must make sure that they have their original marriage certificates legalised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK or by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country in which they got married. The same procedure applies to their children’s original birth certificates. These documents are a must for processing a residence visa in Kuwait.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Kuwaiti Embassy in London.

Health

There is a state medical service with local clinics and several good hospitals. There are also a number of doctors and dentists in private practice/hospitals. Fees are controlled by the State and are expensive.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Kuwait and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general diseases protection and prevention you should visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct 0845 46 47.

For more general information see travel health.

Avian influenza (bird flu)

Early in 2007 the Kuwaiti authorities reported outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) in the Wafra area (60km south-west of Kuwait city) and in Kuwait zoo. There have been no human infections or deaths reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

H1N1 influenza (swine flu)

There have been confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (Swine Flu) in Kuwait, including a death (source: the Kuwait Government). The Kuwaiti authorities are screening visitors and transiting passengers for A (H1N1). This may result in the request for payment for medical procedures. The World Health Organisation (WHO) pandemic threat alert phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. There is a dedicated swine flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website.

Any person arriving from a country diagnosed with Swine Flu, eg UK, will be screened in arrival in Kuwait. The previous three-part health surveillance cards are no longer being given out. Passengers are now provided with an information card, instructing them to report to a clinic if they are experiencing influenza-like symptoms. If you are diagnosed with H1N1 Influenza you can expect to be quarantined in the infectious diseases hospital until cleared.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.

If things go wrong when you are overseas, this is how we can help.

Commercial dispute

Anyone involved in a commercial dispute with a Kuwaiti company or individual may be prevented from leaving the country pending resolution of the dispute.

Retention of passports

It is common practice for the passports of foreign nationals resident in Kuwait to be retained by sponsors. You should keep a copy of your passport.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways require flights to be reconfirmed at least 48 hours before departure.

Money

ATMs are widespread and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.