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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Kuwait International Parental Child Abduction Information

International Parental Child Abduction

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Kuwait International Parental Child Abduction Information

Kuwait

Kuwait
State of Kuwait
Reconsider Travel to Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict, landmines, and crime.

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

Reconsider Travel to Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict, landmines, and crime.

Advisory summary

On March 5, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait suspended operations (including routine consular services).  U.S. citizens in Kuwait should contact the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 or +1-888-407-4747 for emergency assistance or services. 

Armed conflict

Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial flights have also been seriously disrupted.

Aviation safety

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).  This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait.  Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings.

Crime

  • Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime.
  • The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area.

Landmines

  • Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the desert area and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge and near the border with Iraq.
  • The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are not marked, so it can be hard to know where they are.
  • There may be unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.
  • Do not travel to areas that are “off the beaten path.” Do not touch or move objects in those area as they could explode.

For U.S. citizens in Kuwait:

  • Visit our website for information on travel to High-Risk Areas.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe (text or call). 
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
  • Review local laws and conditions before traveling.  Kuwait has strict laws prohibiting the possession or trafficking of drugs (including marijuana) and alcohol.  Do not bring drugs or alcohol in your luggage and do not attempt to purchase them in Kuwait.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Stay alert especially in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Kuwait.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
  • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Party to the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
Learn why the Hague Abduction Convention Matters.

What You Can Do

Learn how to respond to abductions FROM the US
Learn how to respond to abductions TO the US
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Embassy Kuwait

Bayan, Block 13,
Masjed Al-Aqsa Street,
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Fax: +(965) 2259-1438
Email: 

For information concerning travel to Kuwait, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Kuwait.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here.

 

Kuwait is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Kuwait and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Kuwait and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.  

The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction. For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children’s Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child. The Office of Children’s Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.

Contact information:

Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone:  1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Fax: 202-485-6221
Email: MiddleEastIPCA@state.gov
Website: travel.state.gov/

Unless a child’s removal is in violation of a Kuwaiti court order, parental child abduction is not a crime in Kuwait.  

Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court. Please see  Pressing Criminal Charges for more information. 

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country.  Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Kuwait and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.

The Office of Children’s Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States.   Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait for information and possible assistance.

Neither the Office of Children’s Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait are authorized to provide legal advice.

The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

The Kuwaiti government does not provide mediation services.  Parents should consult with an attorney in Kuwait to learn of possible mediation services in Kuwait.

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent.  Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

  • Endanger your child and others;
  • Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and
  • Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.  

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney. 

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. 

 

Last Updated: May 8, 2018

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Kuwait
Bayan, Block 13,
Masjed Al-Aqsa Street,
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Telephone
+(965) 2259-1001
Emergency
+(965) 2259-1001
Fax
+(965) 2259-1438
Email
KuwaitACS@state.gov
Website
https://kw.usembassy.gov/

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