For flights from Kuwait, the cheapest option is usually to book directly with Kuwait Airways or Jazeera Airways, or to compare fares on Wego, Skyscanner, Google Flights and Almosafer. Cleartrip’s Middle East business was taken over by Wego in 2022, so there is no Kuwait-focused Cleartrip storefront any more. For packages, Umrah, visas and group travel, use an IATA-accredited agency such as Al Mulla Travels, Alghanim Travel, Caesars Travel or Dadabhai Travel. Private-sector expat workers also need an employer-approved exit permit before they travel.
On this page
- Major travel agencies in Kuwait
- Cleartrip in Kuwait: what changed
- Booking flights online from Kuwait
- When to use a travel office instead of booking online
- Travel agency or online booking: quick comparison
- Exit permits for private-sector expats
- Kuwait International Airport terminals
- Tips for cheaper tickets from Kuwait
- Before you travel: checks for residents
- Frequently asked questions
- Related guides
Major travel agencies in Kuwait
Kuwait has hundreds of travel offices (مكتب سفريات), from small ticketing counters in Farwaniya and Khaitan to large groups with corporate desks. The agencies below are among the best known. All of them sell airline tickets and hotels; the differences are in packages, branch networks and the communities they serve.
| Agency | Known for | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Al Mulla Travels | Oldest IATA agency in Kuwait (1948); flights, hotels, cruises, Umrah and Hajj packages | Kuwait City (Al Mulla Group HQ), branches across governorates |
| Alghanim Travel | Corporate travel, American Express partner, holiday packages; tel 2496 2000 | Shuwaikh and Alghanim branches |
| Caesars Travel | Largest branch network (30+ offices), budget tickets, South Asia specialists | Khaitan, Salmiya, Fahaheel, Jleeb, Farwaniya, Hawally |
| Dadabhai Travel | World Travel Awards 2024 “Kuwait’s Leading Travel Agency”; visas and holidays | Kuwait City, Salmiya |
| Al Rashed International Travel | Corporate and leisure travel, Europe packages | Kuwait City |
| Alshamel Travel | Holiday packages and hotel deals | Kuwait City, Salmiya |
| Barakat Travel, IFA International, Jumbo Travel | Group tours, Umrah, cruise bookings | Salmiya, Hawally, Farwaniya |
| Q’go Group (Boodai) | Airline general sales agent (Turkish Airlines, Air France-KLM) and travel services | Kuwait City |
Before you pay a smaller office, check that it is IATA-accredited or that it issues tickets through an accredited consolidator. Ask for an official invoice and the airline ticket number, not just a booking reference.
Cleartrip in Kuwait: what changed
Many people still search for “Cleartrip Kuwait”. Cleartrip was once a popular way to book flights from the Gulf, but its Middle East operation was bought by Wego in 2022. Today cleartrip.com mainly serves the Indian market and prices in rupees.
- For departures from Kuwait, use Wego’s Kuwait site, the airline websites or a local agency, which price in dinars and usually accept K-Net.
- Indian booking sites (Cleartrip, MakeMyTrip, Yatra) are still useful for domestic flights inside India, for example Mumbai to Kochi after you land.
- If you hold an old Cleartrip Middle East booking or credit, contact Wego customer support with the booking reference.
Booking flights online from Kuwait
| Option | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait Airways (kuwaitairways.com and app) | Direct flights on its own network | Prices in KD; K-Net accepted; promotions often appear here first |
| Jazeera Airways (jazeeraairways.com) | Low-cost regional and South Asia routes | Baggage is extra on basic fares |
| Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia) | One-stop connections worldwide | Compare the total trip time, not just the price |
| Wego, Skyscanner, Google Flights | Comparing many airlines | Wego has a Kuwait storefront with KD prices |
| Almosafer and Rehlat | Flights and hotels with Arabic support | Check refund rules before paying |
Wego’s January 2026 data shows that about two-thirds of flight searches from Kuwait are regional: Dubai, Cairo, Riyadh, Doha, Mumbai and Manila are among the most searched routes. On these routes direct airline fares are often the lowest, especially when booked a few weeks ahead.
International credit cards sometimes fail the 3-D Secure check on foreign booking sites. Paying with K-Net on a Kuwaiti site, or through a local agency, avoids most payment failures.
When to use a travel office instead of booking online
- Umrah and Hajj packages: visas, hotels and transport bundled together. Agencies must be licensed by the Ministry of Awqaf.
- Visas that need an agent or invitation: Schengen appointment help, Saudi visit visas for some nationalities, group visas for Egypt or Jordan. See our Saudi visa for Kuwait residents guide.
- Group and school trips, cruises and multi-city tickets: an agent can hold fares and combine airlines.
- Domestic workers’ tickets: home leave and final exit, where the sponsor pays and the agency issues a paper itinerary for the residency file.
- Complex changes and refunds: agencies chase airlines for you, which is useful after cancellations.
Travel agency or online booking: quick comparison
| Factor | Travel agency | Online (airline or comparison site) |
|---|---|---|
| Price on simple routes | Similar or slightly higher | Often lowest, especially direct airline fares |
| Packages, Umrah, visas | Strong – everything in one place | Limited; you arrange each part yourself |
| Changes and refunds | Agent handles the airline for you | You deal with the airline or the website |
| Payment | Cash, K-Net, card; sometimes instalments | Card or K-Net only |
| Opening hours | Office hours, many open evenings | 24 hours |
For a simple return ticket to Dubai or Cairo, booking online is usually fastest. For a family trip with visas, hotels and transfers, or for an Umrah package, a good agency saves time and handles problems for you.
If something goes wrong with an agency
Keep the invoice, the ticket number and all messages. Ask the agency for a written explanation and a refund timeline first. If the dispute is not resolved, you can file a consumer complaint with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Paying by card or K-Net rather than cash makes it much easier to prove what you paid.
Exit permits for private-sector expats
Since 1 July 2025, expatriates working in Kuwait’s private sector need an exit permit approved by their employer before leaving the country. The employee requests it and the employer approves it through the government e-services (the Sahel app offers the request in English and Arabic). Book non-refundable tickets only after the permit is approved, or choose fares you can change.
- Agree your leave dates with your employer.
- Request the exit permit in the Sahel app and wait for the employer’s approval.
- Book or confirm your ticket once the permit is approved.
- Carry your passport, Civil ID and a copy of the approved permit when you travel.
Dependants on family residency, domestic workers and government employees follow different rules. Check with your sponsor or employer before booking.
Kuwait International Airport terminals
| Terminal | Main airlines | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 4 | Kuwait Airways | Check your ticket – some partner flights also use T4 |
| Terminal 5 | Jazeera Airways | Separate building; allow time if you are being dropped off |
| Terminal 1 | Most foreign airlines | Busiest terminal at peak holiday times |
During school holidays, Eid and National Day weekends the airport is very busy. Arrive at least three hours before an international flight, and check the Kuwait public holidays calendar when you plan, because fares rise sharply around long weekends.
Tips for cheaper tickets from Kuwait
- Avoid booking for the first days of school holidays and the days before Eid; fares often fall once the rush is over.
- Compare a direct flight with a one-stop option through Dubai, Doha or Bahrain – sometimes the saving is large.
- Set fare alerts on Wego, Skyscanner or Google Flights for your home route.
- Check baggage allowances: low-cost fares may look cheaper until you add a checked bag.
- Ask your bank whether your card gives airline miles or travel insurance when you pay for tickets.
- Keep an eye on airline apps for flash sales, which often run for only a day or two.
Before you travel: checks for residents
- Make sure your residency and Civil ID are valid for your full trip. See Civil ID renewal.
- Check for travel bans or unpaid cases through the Ministry of Justice inquiry.
- Pay outstanding traffic fines – see traffic fines check.
- Declare cash, gold and valuables worth more than KD 3,000 to Kuwaiti customs when travelling.
- Change some money before you go – our exchange companies guide compares options.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cleartrip work in Kuwait?
Cleartrip’s Middle East operation was bought by Wego in 2022. cleartrip.com now serves the Indian market in rupees, so for departures from Kuwait use Wego, the airline sites or a local travel agency.
Which is the best travel agency in Kuwait?
Al Mulla, Alghanim and Dadabhai are strong for full-service and corporate travel, Caesars for low-cost tickets to South Asia, and Alshamel and Jumbo for packages.
What is the cheapest way to book Kuwait Airways tickets?
Book directly on kuwaitairways.com or the app, where promotions and K-Net payment are available, and compare with Wego before paying.
Do expats need an exit permit to travel from Kuwait?
Private-sector expat workers have needed an employer-approved exit permit since 1 July 2025. It is requested through the Sahel app.
Can a travel agency in Kuwait arrange Umrah?
Yes. Licensed agencies sell Umrah packages with visa, hotel and transport. Check that the agency is licensed by the Ministry of Awqaf.
Which terminal does Jazeera Airways use?
Jazeera Airways uses Terminal 5 at Kuwait International Airport, and Kuwait Airways uses Terminal 4.
Is there VAT on flight tickets in Kuwait?
No. Kuwait has no VAT, although tickets include airport and government fees set by the airline and the airport.