Kuwait was an independent Sheikhdom placed under British protection after the World War I.

The first dedicated post office opened 21 January 1915, and used stamps of India. From 1 August 1921 to April 1941 the office was administered from nearby Basra in Iraq. On 1 April 1923, India stamp were issued with "KUWAIT" overprints, this practice continued for many years.

Kuwaiti took over postal administration on 31 January 1959.