Travel Guide To Salmiya

Embassy of India
Address: Diplomatic Enclave, Arabian Gulf Street, P.O. Box 1450, Safat-13015, Kuwait.
Working Hours: 8.00 A.M to 4.30 P. M (Sunday to Thursday)
Tel. Nos.: (00-965) 22530600, 22530612 - 14

The following documents are required to get a visa to Kuwait

• The applicant should have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of stamping the visa
• One visa form along with a photocopy of the same size
• One passport-size photograph
• Air tickets
• Indian passport holders are required to obtain "Emigration Clearance" from the office of Protector of Emigrants (POE), Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs for travelling to Kuwait

The city of Salmiya is located in the Hawalli Governorate in Kuwait. Administratively divided into 12 blocks, Salmiya is mostly a residential location towards the blocks which are located closer to the interior of the district. On the other hand, those situates beside the Persian Gulf coastline comprise of some significant commercial as well as upscale residential real estate. The interior residential areas of the city are home to a great population of foreigners. These are mainly the ones belonging to the Indian sub-continent along with some other Arabs who don’t belong to the Persian Gulf area.

• Al Shaheed Park - Located on the periphery of Kuwait City, this park reflects upon the story of a land, its culture and history. The park comprises a significant amount of greenery, consisting of stunning botanical gardens, a visitor centre, two museums - Thekra & the Habitat, a lake, jogging track, and walkways. All of these features make Al Shaheed one of the largest urban parks in Kuwait.

• Abraj Park - Water Towers Park in Adailiya – This public park contains nine glasses of water “mushroom-like” towers, making it one of Kuwait’s most iconic landmarks. This park has a spectacular spot where visitors watch the sunset. During the night, the water towers are stunningly lit in different colours. You can also get a great view of the water towers and click pictures.

• The Grand Mosque – The official mosque of Kuwait is also the largest mall in the county. Its area spreads around 45,000 square metres, out of which the building of the mosque itself covers 20,000 square metres. The primary prayer hall is approximately 72 metres wide on all sides, consists of teakwood doors, and has lighting offered by 144 windows.

• The Scientific Centre - The Scientific Centre is located in Salmiya along the waterfront. There three primary places of attraction inside the Science Centre are the Aquarium, Imax Cinema, and the Discovery Palace. The Dhow Harbour is also situated right along the waterfront. One of the most enormous aquariums in the Middle East, there consists a massive variety of species in various kinds of environmental conditions. This centre is an absolute delight if you are planning a trip with children, as the place showcases plants, animals as well as marine life.

Kuwait International Airport is situated in Farwaniyah is about 21 kms from Salmiya. The private carrier of Kuwait called Jazeera Airways operates in international flights to more than 30 destinations within the topmost Middle Eastern and Indian countries. Apart from that, the national carrier Kuwait Airways also has operations to and from Europe. You can easily travel from the airport to Salmiya, thanks to the convenient taxi services available outside the airport. Moreover, bus service is also available right outside the arrivals, which further connects to the main bus station in Kuwait and many other popular stops on the way. Some of the best hotels in Salmiya also arrange for shuttle services for their respective guests.

The typical temperatures in the city of Salmiya are extremely varying. The place is immensely hot and humid for about half of the year. Otherwise, it’s enjoyable with a considerably low chance of rainfall throughout the year. The area is somewhat temperate as compared to the various other tourist destinations across the globe. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Salmiya, the hottest months are June, July, and August. Salmiya has the most perfect weather around the months of September to November.

Packing the essentials products like clothes and footwears usually depends on what the weather conditions are like in Salmiya. Here is a list of some of the travel essentials one must never forget to pack:

• Sunscreen
• Covered Clothes
• Umbrella
• First Aid Kit
• Important documents such as travel insurance policy

• Harees – This thick soup-like dish comprises wheat cooked along with meat which is then mashed. This scrumptious mixture usually consists of a topping of cinnamon sugar. Even though this dish has an unappealing texture and appearance, it is still an extremely filling dish which makes the most amazing comfort food and keeps the residents of Salmiya warm during its winter nights.

• Gers Ogaily – Considered like an average Kuwaiti dessert, this tasty sponge cake is the best way to finish off a heavy meal. The cake comprises of strong elements of sesame, saffron, rose water, and cardamom accompanied with a fluffy and light texture.

• Muttabak Samak –This is a fish dish which is served over rice cooked in fish stock which is delicious and well-spiced. All types of variations of this dish are found around the country, making it an authentic Kuwaiti dish when it’s accompanied with Zubaidi fish. Apparently, the Zubaidi fish is also the national fish of Kuwait.

• Machboos – Popular for being Kuwait’s national dish Machboos is an iconic dish made of mutton, chicken, or fish and is accompanied with fragrant rice that has been cooked in a well-spiced broth. This dish is mostly served with a red gravy which is also known as dakoos, which may or may not come with soft potatoes. The key is to simmer the meat so it’s a lot tender when served.

• Al Salam Mall - Al Salam Mall is a small mall located right in the heart of Salmiya. The mall is popular for housing one of the biggest shopping store Lulu Centre. Apart from that, the mall is also home to various cafes and boutiques. It’s also got a play area for children on the second floor while also offering a good selection of cheap and mid-range eating outlets.

• Boulevard Mall – An ideal place to roam around, this mall has a big walking path around the park. The highlight of the park is its good sports facility consisting of various courts like tennis, football, and cricket. This mall is first-of-its-kind mall, which offers integrated entertainment, dining, retail and leisure activities all in a single dynamic attraction. This mall not only magnetises the residents but also the tourists from all across the world.

• Taal
  Location: Al Tawa'an Street, Bida'a, Salmiya، Safat 13131, Kuwait
  Contact: +965 2225 3142

• Mughal Mahal Salmiya Marina Plaza
  Location: Salem Al Mubarak St, Above Zara Home، Marina Plaza, Adjacent to Marina Plaza, Block No.7, 5th Floor, Salmiya, Kuwait
  Contact: +965 9555 4591

• Asha's Restaurant
  Location: Marina Mall, Salmiya, Kuwait
  Contact: +965 2208 1121

• Al-Rashid Hospital
  Location: Amman St, Al-Salmiya، Kuwait
  Contact: +965 1886 886

• New Mowasat Hospital
  Location: Salem Al Mubarak St, Salmiya, Kuwait
  Contact: +965 1826 666

• Al Seef Hospital
  Location: 3 Al Blajat St, Salmiya, Kuwait
  Contact: +965 1881 122

Kuwaiti Dinar is the official currency of Salmiya

The official language in Kuwait is Arabic. However, the locals easily understand English; however, it is always better to keep a few local phrases handy for a great trip.

The following medical expenses are covered: 

• Travel insurance includes medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency medical evacuation. Even dental care expenses such as acute anesthetic treatment of teeth are covered.

“Deductible”means a cost-sharing requirement under this policy, that provides that the insurer will not be liable for a specified rupee amount or percentage of claim amount or number of days or number of hours, as specified in the policy schedule and which will apply before any benefits are payable by the insurer. A deductible does not reduce the sum insured and is applicable per event, upto the specified limits mentioned.

• Medical Expenses (inclusive of Repatriation and Emergency Medical Evacuation), Daily Allowance in case of hospitalization, Compassionate Visit benefits, the following will not be payable for Any pre-existing condition, Routine examinations, Expenses for rest or recuperation at spa/ health resort/ sanatorium, Pregnancy (including childbirth, miscarriage, abortion or related complications ) or treatment relating to the removal of physical flaws or anomalies (cosmetic treatment or plastic surgery).
• Cosmetic surgery, unless such cosmetic surgery is rendered medically necessary as part of treatment for accidents and burns whilst being abroad.
• Suicide, attempted or wilfully self inflicted injury or illness, mental disorder, anxiety, stress or depression, venereal disease, alcoholism, drunkenness or the abuse of drugs, or any loss arising, directly or indirectly, from any injury, illness, death, loss, expense, or other liability attributable to HIV and/or any HIV related illness including AIDS and/or any mutant derivative or variation thereof however caused.
• Treatment which could be reasonably delayed until the Insured’s return to India, which will be decided jointly by the treating Physician and the Emergency Assistance Service Provider and shall be in accordance with accepted standards of medical care.
• The Insured taking part in naval, military or air force operations; war and nuclear perils.
• Insured engaging in air travel unless he or she flies as a Fare Paying passenger in an aircraft licensed to carry passengers.
• Participation of the Insured in winter sports, mountaineering and such other professional sports or any other hazardous or potentially dangerous sport for which the Insured members are adequately trained, physically fit and using proper equipment. and that too only if specifically agreed and mentioned in the policy schedule.
• Hazardous occupation, or if engaged in any criminal or illegal act.
• Medical Expenses in respect of Experimental, investigational or unproven treatments or treatments which are not consistent with or incidental to the diagnosis and treatment of the positive existence or presence of any Illness for which confinement is required at a Hospital. Any Illness or treatment which is a result or a consequence of undergoing such experimental or unproven treatment.
• Naturopathy treatment.
• Non Allopathic treatment e.g. - Ayurvedic, Yogic, Homeopathic, Unani treatment(s).
• Under no circumstances shall this insurance contract be deemed to provide cover and no liability be incurred to pay any claim or provide any benefit hereunder to the extent that the provision of such cover, payment of such claim or provision of such benefit would expose us to any sanction, prohibition, or restriction under United Nations resolutions or the trade or economic sanctions, laws or regulations of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States of America & India

You can avail the Travel Insurance online and enjoy the benefits offered by ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Bharti AXA General Insurance*)

Loss of passport and documents:

Reimbursement of actual expenses incurred in connection with obtaining a duplicate or fresh passport or reasonable cost of replacing/obtaining the stolen documents/ tickets if the passport belonging to the Insured / Insured Person be lost

Home Fire Insurance Contents & Home Burglary Insurance (contents):

Cover against any loss or damage of the Contents at Home of the Insured in India caused by Fire and Allied perils or through burglary and/or housebreaking while the Insured is on a trip abroad.

Hijack Distress Allowance

Payment of distress allowance in case of hijack of a common carrier for more than certain number of hours whilst on the trip. You can easily avail the allowance by filing a claim online through Travel Insurance cover online process.

Medical Expensesinclusive of Repartration  and Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you are sick or injured during the journey, your medical expenses can prove to be costly. In such cases,  Travel Insurance cover greatly helps. The insurance company also offers a cashless settlement with the network hospitals or you can also opt for the reimbursement process within 30 days of hospitalization.

Legal Expenses

Payment of legal costs and expenses incurred by the Insured towards claims from third Parties for compensation in respect of death or disablement arising due to an injury whilst on a trip abroad.

Personal Accident

Payment of compensation if the Insured sustains accidental bodily injury during a trip resulting in death or Permanent Total Disablement or Permanent Partial Disablement within 12 months of occurrence of such injury.

Trip Cancellation/Or Interruption

Payment towards the non-refundable prepaid payments incurred on the trip being cancelled and additional cost of transportation in case of Interruption: due to medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters or other listed reason in policy wordings.

Trip Delay

 Reimbursement of additional expenses if trip is delayed beyond a period, due to airline problems, medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters.

 Daily Allowance in case of Hospitalisation

 Payment of daily allowance for the days the Insured is hospitalised beyond a specified number of days, as mentioned in the Policy Schedule, for which a valid claim is admissible under the Policy whilst on a trip abroad.Emergency Accommodation

 Payment of compensation for the additional cost of emergency accommodation if the Insured/ Insured Person could not stay in the accommodation originally booked due to ­fire& flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane, explosion, outbreak of major infectious diseases.

During a trip there are chances of unfortunate events such as loss of checked in baggage, medical emergency, loss of passport that can spoil your international trip, be it business or leisure. Travel insurance can protect you from such events ensuring that you are left stuck in foreign land.