February 22, 2016
Kuwait National and Liberation Days will be Thursday, February 25, and Friday, February 26. Festive celebrations, large crowds, and heavy traffic congestion are expected in downtown areas. Expect heavy traffic congestion and pedestrian traffic from early afternoon to evening hours around Gulf Road and in Salmiya. In years past, the police have blocked U-turn lanes on Gulf Road forcing traffic to the next intersection or roundabout to turn around. Many celebrants engage in water gun fights, throw water balloons, and set off fireworks as part of these national holidays.
While the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait is not aware of any specific security threats, the Regional Security Office has instructed personnel to practice good personal security and traffic safety measures. Avoid crowds, be vigilant of surroundings, and keep vehicle doors locked at all times.
It’s also a good idea to carry a mobile phone at all times and contact Kuwait Emergency Services at 112 for emergencies.
For State Department and Embassy information:
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Kuwait Country Specific Information.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Kuwait enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution , Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Kuwait Country Specific Information. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait, at +965-2259-1001. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +965-2259-1001
