Is Codeine legal in Kuwait?
- Legal status
- Codeine is a controlled narcotic under Law No. 74 of 1983 (as amended); low-dose codeine is below the capital tier absent trafficking intent. Kuwait carries out drug executions (its first in a decade in April 2023; at least 12 drug death sentences in 2023), but capital exposure attaches to aggravated narcotic trafficking, not therapeutic codeine.
- Consequences if caught
- Aggravated narcotic trafficking is death-eligible; unauthorised possession or supply of codeine draws imprisonment, while prescribed use is lawful.
- If prescribed or medical
- Licit medical supply exists but is very small: Kuwait's INCB estimated requirement for codeine for 2026 is 2,000 g (morphine 2,500 g). For a traveller this is stricter than it sounds — Kuwait's own competent authority (Narcotic and Psychotropic Licensing Control, Drug and Food Control Sector, Ministry of Health, sheet dated 10 March 2024) states: "Narcotic drugs are currently not allowed." Codeine is a 1961 Convention narcotic. Psychotropics are capped at 30 days with a valid prescription. Contact the Ministry of Health before carrying codeine into Kuwait.
- Documentation
- Ministry of Health prior authorisation is required to import controlled medicines - carry prescription documentation.
- hri.global
- INCB Estimated World Requirements of Narcotic Drugs for 2026 (April update): https://www.incb.org/incb/uploads/documents/Narcotic-Drugs/Status-of-Estimates/2026/EstApr26.pdf
- incb.org
Court records
We have not yet assessed whether court records are publicly available for this jurisdiction.
Other substances confirmed in Kuwait
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Kuwait’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →