Kuwait e-Visa: Simplifying Your Travel

The State of Kuwait welcomes international visitors through the Kuwait e-Visa program, a streamlined electronic visa service introduced in 2016. Designed to facilitate the entry of eligible tourists, the Kuwait eVisa system exemplifies the government’s commitment to enhancing the visa application process, negating the necessity for physical applications through embassies or consulates.

What is the Kuwait e-Visa?

The Kuwait e-Visa is an electronic travel authorisation designed for tourism purposes (Kuwait Tourist Visa), enabling eligible travellers to secure entry by completing a streamlined online application.

The digital portal for Kuwait visit visa applications is now accessible, offering a simplified visa acquisition method, negating the need for embassy or consulate visits.

The e-Visa grants single-entry access to Kuwait, permitting a stay of up to 90 days. Comprehensive details on the Kuwait e-Visa, including application guidelines, are available below on this page.

Kuwait eVisa Types:

Kuwait has different visa types to differentiate between the visitor’s entry requirements, stay lengths, and trip purpose. We provide information about Kuwait visas and the Kuwait visa types available, including the Kuwait Tourist Visa, the Kuwait visit visa, the Kuwait Multiple-Entry Visit Visa, the Visit Visa for Business, and the Visit Visa for Relatives.

1. Kuwait Tourist Visa
2. Kuwait Visit Visa
3. Kuwait Multiple-Entry Visit Visa
4. Visit Visa for Business
5. Visit Visa for Relatives

Kuwait Tourist Visa

• Travellers of various nationalities intending to visit Kuwait as tourists can apply for an e-visa for the Gulf state.
• The holder of a Kuwait e-visa is allowed one entry with a maximum stay of 90 days.
• It can be obtained via a simple online eVisa application form. The foreign visitor must provide basic information, including their passport number and contact details, and respond to a series of questions.
• This usually takes minutes to complete and can be done from the traveller’s home or office, so they do not have to arrange an appointment at a Kuwaiti embassy to get their visa.
• A Kuwait e-visa can be processed in one 1 to 3 business days. Once approved, the e-visa is sent to the traveller by email.

Kuwait Visit Visa

• A visitation visa for Kuwait must be sponsored by a Kuwaiti business or by a foreign relative who is a resident of the nation. Before travelling to Kuwait, a visitor can have his visa processed and his passport stamped at the Kuwait embassy.
• To acquire the visitor's visa in Kuwait, a sponsor based in Kuwait may fax a copy of the traveller's passport. A faxed copy of the visa can grant the visitor entry into Kuwait.  Upon entering the country, they can meet at the airport with the original visa. A designated counter where the sponsor can drop off the visa documents in the arrival hall. Inside the immigration area, the visitor must pick up his original documents from a similar special counter. To finish the entry procedures, the original documents are needed.
• The processing time for a visitation visa to Kuwait is about 2 working days. Hotels can arrange business visit visas, which take about 7 days.

Kuwait Multiple-Entry Visit Visa

• People who obtain a multiple-entry visit visa can enter Kuwait as often as they want during one year. This visa is particularly useful for foreigners travelling to Kuwait on business.
• Unlike other Westerners, Americans can obtain multiple entry visit visas for Kuwait with a validity of 10 years and unlimited entries.

Visit Visa for Business:

The applicant must have a sponsor to obtain a Kuwait visit visa for Business.

• Kuwaiti business or sponsor
• A copy of the visitor's passport, together with the sponsor's completed security form and application for a visitation visa to Kuwait
• A duplicate of the sponsor's signature that is registered for commercial use
• A copy of the invitation letter from the sponsor explaining the reason for the visit to The company.

Visit Visa for Relatives:

Immediate family members and relatives who reside in other countries can visit family members living in Kuwait. No eligibility or criteria is required. You can stay with your Kuwait Visit Visa if you have proof of a relationship.

Required documents for family visit visa type are:

• Evidence of kinship or link
• A copy of the traveller's current passport
• Both the original and a duplicate of the sponsor's (or the Kuwaiti family's) civil identification document
• Latest pay stub for overseas sponsor

Process family visit visa type:

• Visit the Kuwaiti Embassy in your nation and provide the documentation needed for the family visitation visa mentioned above.
• Fill out the service application form (Visa Application Form). 
• Pay the fees due. 

Kuwait eVisa Requirments:

To apply for your Kuwait e-visa, you must provide the following:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to arrive.
• A digital replica of your passport's biodata page.
• An eligible credit or debit card to pay the required fee.
• If relevant, a GCC Residency Card.
• GCC residents and their dependents may apply online if the residency validity exceeds six months, including all required documents and ensuring the principal applicant accompanies dependents upon entry.
• Additionally, ensure you have access to a valid email address for receiving your eVisa and print a copy for presentation at Kuwaiti border control.

Kuwait e-Visa Eligibility:

Citizens from the countries mentioned below can apply for a Kuwait e-visa. Please note that travellers with residency in the GCC countries (Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE) can apply for an eVisa regardless of nationality.

Apply for a Kuwait e-Visa:

Those eligible to apply for an eVisa are required to complete the online Kuwait visa application form by entering their personal information, including the following:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Address
• Passport ( last 6 months validity from arrival date)
• Passport number
• Passport issue date and expiration date

The information must be accurate, and applicants must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival.

The online visa for Kuwait is a single-entry visa type which allows travellers to enter Kuwait for travel purposes for a maximum stay of 90 days. The visa is not reusable for multiple entries into Kuwait. When the validity period has passed, the eVisa becomes invalid and can no longer be used to enter Kuwait.

After the applicant completes their online application, all eVisa notifications and updates are emailed.

How to Apply

A visa for Kuwait can be obtained via e-visa (online), Visa on Arrival (at the airport), or at your country's Kuwait embassy/consulate. The process and requirements may differ, so it is essential to check before applying.

Applying for a Kuwait eVisa Online:

If you opt for Kuwait online eVisa, you have to follow several steps in this process such as:

Step 1: Fill in the application form

On the website, find the e-visa application form for Kuwait and fill out the whole form ( check for mistakes in your provided information)

Step 2: Upload the required documents

Remember your visa type? In this step, you must provide the required documents per your Visa type. The general requirements for a Kuwait e-Visa application are Personal details, Passport, digital photograph, visa type, date of arrival, method of payment, etc.

Step 3: Pay the visa fee

Now all you need to do is provide details on your payment method and Card details for successful payment of the Kuwait e-Visa application.

Step 4: Wait until the visa is processed and approved

Your application processing time depends on the type of processing you opt for; the normal processing time is 1 to 6 business days.

Kuwait e-Visa Validity

The Kuwait eVisa allows single entry to the holders and is valid for 1 month. Furthermore, the online visa lets travellers stay in Kuwait temporarily for 90 days or 3 months.

• One Single entry- e-Visa with a single number of entries valid for 1 month or 30 days. Applicants can stay in the country for up to 90 days.
• One Single entry- e-Visa with a single number of entries valid for 3 months or 90 days. Applicants can stay in the country for up to 90 days.

Urgent e-Visa Application

In case of emergency? Urgent need of your e-Visa? The Kuwait e-Visa system allows for urgent applications, providing a quick way for eligible travellers and GCC residents to obtain entry visas. Applicants need a valid passport, a digital passport-sized photo, a good credit/debit card for payment, and a GCC Residency Card if applicable. This expedited process is ideal for last-minute travel plans, ensuring faster visa approval. Check the official e-Visa portal for up-to-date details on urgent application requirements and processing times.

• Urgent Processing: Through Urgent processing, you can obtain your e-Visa in 1 - 3 working days.

• Super Urgent Processing: Super Urgent processing provides the ability to cut the queue for applicants 

Visa Exempt

Kuwait offers visa exemption to citizens of several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, allowing them to enter Kuwait without a visa. These GCC countries typically include:

• Bahrain
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

Citizens of these countries can enter Kuwait using their national ID cards or passports without the need to apply for a visa in advance. This exemption is part of the GCC agreement to facilitate easy movement among its member states for their citizens.

Regular Visa

Obtaining a regular visa to enter Kuwait typically involves a more traditional application process than the e-visa system. This process is designed for individuals who may not be eligible for an e-Visa or are applying for visa types requiring a more detailed application, such as work visas, student visas, or other long-term stay visas. Here's a general overview of the process:

Types of Regular Visas for Kuwait:

1. Tourist/Visitor Visa: For those visiting Kuwait for leisure or to see family and friends.
2. Business Visa: For individuals intending to conduct business, attend meetings, or participate in business-related activities.
3. Work Visa: Required for individuals who have obtained employment in Kuwait. This visa requires a sponsorship from a Kuwaiti company.
4. Student Visa: For individuals planning to study in Kuwaiti educational institutions.
5. Family Visa/Dependent Visa: For the immediate family members of those working in Kuwait, allowing families to live together.

Kuwait E-Visa Cost and Processing Time

The cost and processing time for a Kuwait e-Visa application can depend on several factors, including the applicant's nationality, type of visa, processing time and the time of year. 

Your Visa cost can vary according to the processing time you opt for. There are 3 processing times you can choose as per your need. 

• Normal Processing ( 1-6 working days )
• Urgent Processing ( 1-3 working days )
• Super Urgent Processing ( within 24 hours )

Which one should you choose: an e-visa or a sticker visa?

The decision between a Kuwait e-Visa and a conventional sticker visa is mainly based on your situation, considering factors like your nationality, the reason for your visit, and how long you plan to stay. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which option might be best for you:

• The Kuwait e-Visa is a digital visa system that allows eligible travellers to apply for and receive a Kuwaiti visa electronically without the need to visit a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate. This system seeks to streamline and speed up the visa application process for visitors to Kuwait.
• A Kuwait sticker visa is a traditional, physical visa affixed to a traveller's passport. This type of visa is required for those who either do not qualify for an e-visa or need to enter Kuwait for purposes not covered by the e-visa, such as work, study, or long-term stays.

Which one to choose?

• Purpose of Visit: If you're visiting for tourism or a short business trip from an eligible country, the e-visa is likely the best choice. A sticker visa is necessary for work, study, or longer stays.
• Nationality and Eligibility: Not all nationalities are eligible for the e-Visa. Verify whether the list of nations that accept e-visas includes your country of citizenship.
• Time Frame: If you need a visa urgently and are eligible, the e-visa can be processed more quickly.
• Stay Duration and Entry Requirements: Consider the length of your stay and whether you need multiple entries, as these factors may require a traditional visa.

Visa Expired

If your Kuwait visa expires, dealing with it immediately is essential to prevent legal issues or penalties. If your Kuwait visa expires, follow these steps to resolve the issue:

• Contact Kuwaiti Immigration: Contact the Kuwaiti General Directorate of Residency Affairs for guidance immediately.
• Apply for an Extension: If eligible, apply for a visa extension. Eligibility varies by visa type.
• Expect Fines: Be prepared to pay fines for the period your visa has expired, calculated daily.
• Regularize Status: Apply for a new visa or change your visa type to regularise your status.
• Leave Kuwait: If you can't extend or change your visa, plan to exit Kuwait promptly to avoid escalating penalties.
• Seek Embassy Assistance: Contact your embassy in Kuwait for help and advice.
• Consider Legal Advice: For complex cases or significant penalties, consult a legal expert specialising in Kuwaiti immigration law.

Kuwait e-visa Extension

Getting a visa extension in Kuwait is possible, but it is more complex than applying for the original visa. Visitors can apply for a 1 - month extension of the Kuwait online visa.

It is straightforward to apply for a Kuwaiti visa extension from outside Kuwait. One solution is to leave Kuwait, obtain an eVisa renewal, and then return.

Extending a Kuwait e-Visa involves a specific process, which can vary depending on the type of visa and the reason for the extension. Kuwait's e-Visa system generally caters to short-term visits, such as tourism or business, and the options for extension might be limited. Here's a general guide on how you might proceed if you're looking to extend your Kuwait e-Visa:

1. Check Eligibility:

• Initially, determine if your e-Visa type is eligible for an extension. This information can be found on the official Kuwait e-Visa portal or by contacting Kuwait's General Directorate of Residency Affairs.

2. Visit the Immigration Department:

• For an extension, you may need to visit the Kuwaiti immigration department or a local service centre. Some extensions require a visit in person to submit additional documentation or explain the reason for your request.

3. Prepare Necessary Documentation:

• You'll likely need your valid passport, the original e-Visa, proof of onward travel or a reason for extending your stay, and evidence of sufficient funds for the extended period.

4. Submit an Extension Application:

• Fill out any required forms for the visa extension. This might be done at an immigration office or through an online portal if available.

5. Pay Any Required Fees:

• There may be a fee associated with the visa extension. Ensure you know the amount and acceptable payment methods.

6. Wait for Approval:

• After submitting your application for an extension, you must wait for it to be processed. The time frame can vary, so applying well before your current e-visa expires is advisable.

7. Follow Up:

• Maintain tabs on the status of your application and be ready to supply more details upon request from the immigration authorities.

Work culture in Kuwait

Working in Kuwait involves a series of steps and legal requirements due to the country's regulations on employment for expatriates. Here's an overview of what you need to know if you're considering working in Kuwait:

1. Job Offer and Sponsorship

• You typically need a job offer from a Kuwaiti company or employer to work in Kuwait.
• The employer acts as your sponsor for your employment and residency in Kuwait.

2. Work Visa/Permit

• A work visa must be applied for on your behalf by your employer.
• The process involves submitting documents, including a copy of your passport, a no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, and a health certificate proving you are free from certain diseases.

3. Medical Tests

• You will need to undergo medical tests in your home country and possibly again upon arrival in Kuwait.
• These tests typically screen for infectious diseases.

4. Residency Visa (Iqama)

• Once in Kuwait, your work visa allows you to enter the country, but you must obtain a residency visa (iqama) to stay and work legally.
• Your employer usually guides you through this process involving fingerprinting and additional paperwork.

5. Civil ID

• After obtaining your residency visa, you must apply for a Civil ID, which is required for all residents of Kuwait.
• The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) issues the Civil ID, and it's necessary for everyday tasks and services in Kuwait.

6. Driver's License

• You must obtain a Kuwaiti driver's license if you plan to drive in Kuwait.
• The process and eligibility can vary, especially for expatriates.

7. Bank Account

• Opening a local bank account is often necessary for receiving salary payments.
• Your Civil ID and other documentation will be required to open an account.

Visa on Arrival (Kuwait)

Visitors from certain countries can obtain a Kuwait visa on arrival. Eligible travellers arriving by plane can queue at the border to complete the visa-on-arrival Kuwait application.

Alternatively, visitors can apply for a Kuwait online visa designed to simplify obtaining a visa. The application can be completed in a few minutes, saving the time and hassle of queuing at the border for a visa on arrival in Kuwait. Travellers can enter Kuwait by presenting a copy of their eVisa and passport.

The list of eligible countries for the Kuwait tourist visa on arrival is the same as those eligible for the online visa to visit the country. The Kuwait on-arrival visa has been available since 2004.

FAQS

What is a GCC resident? If the information on my processed e-visa does not match my passport, what should I do? What should I do if my Kuwait visa application is rejected? Can a Kuwait e-Visa be extended, and what is the process? What is the validity period of a Kuwait e-Visa, and is there an option for urgent processing?