Kuwait Launches New Tourist Visa System

Everyone is invited. This was the message from Kuwaiti officials as they unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance tourism and attract visitors by simplifying the visa issuance process.

At a recent press conference, a representative from Kuwait’s General Department of Residency Affairs emphasized that the updated visa procedures have made it easier for travelers planning to visit the Gulf nation.

This reform introduces four types of online visas for all nationalities except Israelis, according to Lieutenant Colonel Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Assistant Director of Electronic Services at the department.

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Here are the four new visa options provided by Kuwaiti authorities:

1. Tourist visa

The new system offers four categories of tourist visas:

1 – Citizens from 52 countries can obtain visas without restrictions, requiring only a passport valid for over six months from entry.

These countries include: Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Vatican City, Germany, Norway, Finland, Japan, Greece, Ireland, Australia, Estonia, Italy, Andorra, Iceland, Brunei, UK, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bhutan, Poland, US, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, Switzerland, France, Croatia, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Latvia, Laos, Luxembourg, Malta, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Hungary, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Austria, Ukraine, Georgia, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Turkey.

2 – Professionals with financial means for travel and tourism, residing in GCC countries, US, UK, and Schengen nations, must have:

• A passport valid for over six months

• For GCC residents: Valid residency showing profession, valid for over six months

Eligible professions include judges, prosecutors, businessmen, managers, doctors, pharmacists, lawyers, diplomats, university professors, shareholders, directors, officers, engineers, consultants, journalists, media professionals, system analysts, computer programmers, pilots.

3 – Nationals of other countries (Not activated yet)

This category requires proof of financial capacity via methods set by Kuwaiti authorities. Required documents include:

• A passport valid for over six months from entry

• Proof of financial solvency through a recent bank statement

• Confirmed hotel reservation for the entire stay

An insurance fee will be charged to the visitor’s credit card (Visa or MasterCard) at visa payment, refundable upon departure if no violations occur.

4 – Visa applicants for international and local events. Requirements vary per event.

Tourist visas are available in two formats:

• Single entry for 1, 2, or 3 months with 30-day validity

• Multiple entries for 3, 6 months, or 1 year with stays not exceeding 30 days per entry

2. Family visit visa

Applicants must provide proof of family relations in Arabic or certified translation, such as a marriage contract or birth certificate.

The relationship can be up to the fourth degree by blood or third degree by marriage.

Family visit visas come in two types:

• Single entry for 1, 2, or 3 months with 30-day validity

• Multiple entries for 3, 6 months, or 1 year, with stays not exceeding 30 days per entry

3. Business visa

Granted to individuals invited by private entities for business purposes.

Available in two formats:

• Single entry for 1 month with 30-day validity

• Multiple entries for 3, 6 months, or 1 year, with stays not exceeding 30 days per entry

4. Government visa

Issued to individuals invited by government entities for official purposes.

No specific requirements; need is determined by the government entity.

Available in two formats:

• Single entry for 1, 2, or 3 months with 30-day validity

• Multiple entries for 3, 6 months, or 1 year, with stays not exceeding 30 days per entry

Fees and Application Process

The fee for the new visas is 3 Kuwaiti dinars (about Dh36). For a detailed application guide, watch this video: