Kuwait International Airport (KWI) is the only international airport in Kuwait. It is in Farwaniya, about 15 km south of Kuwait City. Right now it is open, but with limited flights. Flights run through Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. This guide covers terminals, immigration, SIM cards, and currency exchange in simple steps.

Before you plan anything, read the status section below. Airport operations have changed several times this year and can change again at short notice.

Important before you fly

Recent reports say flights use Terminals 4 and 5, Terminal 1 is closed, and transit (connecting) flights are suspended. Always confirm your flight and terminal with your airline before you leave for the airport.

Quick Overview of Kuwait Airport

Topic What current sources say
Airport code KWI (the only international airport in Kuwait)
Terminals in use Terminal 4 (Kuwait Airways) and Terminal 5 (Jazeera Airways)
Terminal 1 Reported closed in recent updates
Connecting flights Transit operations are suspended
Visa eVisa or visa on arrival, depending on your passport or residence
SIM cards Zain, Ooredoo, and STC shops in the arrivals area
Currency Kuwaiti dinar (KWD)

Treat this table as a starting point. Your airline and the official portals have the final word.

Check Airport Status and Travel Advice First

Kuwait International Airport has faced repeated disruption in 2026 because of regional security conditions. Flights restarted at Terminals 4 and 5 in late April after a long closure, and schedules are still below normal. Some foreign airlines have cut or paused service.

Check the latest advice before booking

Read your own government's travel advice for Kuwait, ask your airline about changes and refunds, and check your travel insurance terms before you pay for non-refundable tickets. Advisories and flight schedules can change quickly.

Kuwait Airport Terminals

Terminal Used by Status
Terminal 4 (T4) Kuwait Airways Open
Terminal 5 (T5) Jazeera Airways Open
Terminal 1 (T1) Most foreign airlines in normal times Reported closed. Ask your airline which terminal to use.
Terminal 2 (T2) New terminal designed by Foster + Partners Not open yet. Officials have said completion is expected by November 2026.

Some older guides still say T1 is the main terminal or that T2 is open. Do not rely on them. Opening dates can also move, so check the news close to your trip.

Immigration at Kuwait Airport

Which visa route you use depends on your passport or residence. Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival, and reports list 53 eligible countries, including the US, UK, Germany, and France. Others can apply online for an eVisa. Some nationalities must apply through a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate. You can see the wider list on our visa eligible countries page.

Step-by-Step: What Happens When You Land

  1. Sort your visa first. Use the eVisa portal or plan to get a visa on arrival. Use only the official government portal and avoid look-alike sites.
  2. Go to the visa counter if you need one. It is before passport control. Keep your passport, return ticket, and stay address ready.
  3. Pay the fee. Visa on arrival is usually paid by card or phone wallet. Do not rely on cash.
  4. Give your fingerprints. Expect a biometric scan. Reports say it takes about a minute per person.
  5. Answer the officer's questions. Be clear about where you will stay and how long you will be in Kuwait.
  6. Collect your bags and clear customs. You must complete a customs declaration form, even if you have nothing to declare.
  7. Head to arrivals. SIM shops, exchange desks, and taxis are here.

Immigration officers make the final decision at the border. Neither an eVisa nor a visa on arrival guarantees entry.

Visa Fees

Fees are one area where sources do not agree, so we do not give one fixed number.

What sources say

Some guides report a KWD 3 base fee, plus a health insurance charge and a monthly residency fee that can bring a one-month stay to about KWD 18. The US State Department lists KWD 10 for a single-entry visa on arrival, payable by Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or KNet. Check the Kuwait visa fees page, then confirm on the official government portal before you pay.

Documents Commonly Needed

For a fuller checklist, see Kuwait visa requirement documents.

  • A passport valid for at least six months after arrival, with a blank page
  • A return or onward ticket
  • Your hotel booking or host address in Kuwait
  • A printed or saved copy of your eVisa, if you applied online
  • A bank card or phone wallet that works for payment

Buying a SIM Card at Kuwait Airport

Kuwait has three networks: Zain, Ooredoo, and STC. All three have shops in the arrivals area. Bring your passport, because the SIM must be registered in your name by law.

Option Good for Things to know
Airport SIM Travellers who want a local number One guide lists about KWD 5 for 5 GB and 30 days. Airport prices can be higher than city shops. Prices change, so ask before you pay.
eSIM Travellers who want data the moment they land Buy and install it before you fly. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked. Compare a few providers first.

Many travellers say Zain has strong coverage. Ooredoo is also popular, and STC is often the budget choice. Coverage can differ by area.

Currency Exchange and Cash

Kuwait uses the Kuwaiti dinar (KWD). Listings show an exchange branch in Terminal 4 and another in the arrivals section. ATMs are also widely available in Kuwait.

  • Keep it simple. Get a small amount of dinars at the airport for a taxi and tips. Use an ATM or a city exchange for the rest.
  • Airport rates. Exchange desks at airports often give less favourable rates and charge higher fees.
  • ATM cards. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, and Cirrus. If asked, choose to be charged in dinars. Check foreign fees with your own bank.
  • Cash declaration. You must declare cash above 3,000 KWD (about $9,700), in any currency, when entering or leaving. The same applies to gold and some high-value items.

Customs: What Not to Bring

Banned items

Alcohol and pork are banned in Kuwait. Vaping products are also not allowed. Fill in the customs form honestly and declare anything above the limits.

Before You Fly Checklist

  1. Check your flight status the day before and on the day.
  2. Confirm your terminal with your airline (T4 or T5).
  3. Do not plan a connection through Kuwait while transit is suspended.
  4. Check that your passport has six months of validity after arrival.
  5. Print your hotel booking, return ticket, and visa copy.
  6. Install an eSIM or keep your passport ready for a SIM shop.
  7. Arrive early. Extra security checks are possible.

Common Mistakes

  • Going to Terminal 1 because an old guide said it is the main terminal.
  • Booking a connection through Kuwait while transit is suspended.
  • Planning to pay the visa on arrival in cash.
  • Travelling on a passport that has less than six months left.
  • Forgetting your passport when you buy a SIM card.
  • Paying a look-alike website instead of the real portal.

If an application is refused, our guide to Kuwait visa rejection explains common causes and what to check next. You can also track an application on the visa status check page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent reports say yes, with flights through Terminals 4 and 5 and a reduced schedule. Confirm with your airline before you travel.

Terminal 5. Kuwait Airways uses Terminal 4.

Not yet. Officials have said it is expected to be completed by November 2026, but dates can change.

It depends on your passport or residence. Many nationalities are eligible, and some must apply through an embassy. Check the official portal for your case.

Yes. Zain, Ooredoo, and STC have shops in the arrivals area. Bring your passport for registration.

Change a small amount at the airport for immediate costs. For better rates, use an ATM or a city exchange office.

Disclaimer

This website is a private visa assistance service. It is not a government website and is not affiliated with the Government of Kuwait, the Ministry of Interior, or any airport authority. This article is for general information only and is not legal, immigration, or travel-safety advice. Last reviewed: October 2026.