July 13, 2016
In light of recent terrorist attacks in Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkey, and other countries in the region and around the world, the Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of measures they can take to enhance their safety and security. We are not aware of specific, credible threats against U.S. citizens in Kuwait at this time. Nonetheless, recent attacks around the world, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that U.S. citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance, and the Embassy advises U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans and remain alert to their surroundings at all times.
In recent attacks, extremists have continued to target both official and private interests, including shopping malls, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, office buildings, open markets, aviation services, and other public areas where people gather in large numbers. Although there is no evidence that recent attacks were directed specifically at U.S. citizens, harm can occur simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The following are measures you and your family can take to increase your personal safety and security:
- Stay informed. Monitor the media for the latest security developments.
- Avoid crowds. Large gatherings can quickly become dangerous.
- Keep a low profile. Be aware of how others dress and behave in public and try to blend in.
- Vary your routes and times of travel. Being less predictable makes you more difficult to target.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Understand what “belongs” and what does not.
- Avoid traveling alone. Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark. Tell friends, colleagues, or neighbors where you’re going and when you intend to return.
- Know where you are going and your destination. Find exits and havea plan to escape. Select “safe havens” along your route, such as government buildings, friends’ residences, shops or restaurants, or gas stations.
- Always carry a charged cell phone. Make sure you have programmed emergency numbers in all your family members’ phones.
- Be prepared to postpone or cancel activities.
- Report concerns you may have to the police and to the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Kuwait Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait. The U.S. Embassy is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance in Kuwait, you may reach the U.S. Embassy by calling +965-2259-1001 and requesting the duty officer.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
