Now Kuwaiti Citizens Can Apply for E-Visas To India
E-Visa Categories and Application Process
Dr. Swaika stated that the new system is fully digital and does not require applicants to visit any Indian visa application centers. The entire process—from form submission and document upload to payment—can be completed online through the designated portal.
The e-visa will be available in five main categories:
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Medical Visa
Conference Visa (To attend Seminars/Workshops or similar events)
AYUSH Visa (for those seeking treatment or training in traditional Indian medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga)
One of the key highlights of this initiative is the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, which will cost just $80. Visa fees for other categories will vary between $40 and $80, depending on the duration and purpose of the visit.
'The application process is very simple,' Dr. Swaika explained. 'Kuwaiti applicants can complete everything online, and biometric data such as fingerprints will be collected upon arrival at an Indian airport.'
He also noted that the typical processing time for an e-visa is 3 to 4 working days, although some initial technical challenges may occur as the system is newly introduced.
Motivations Behind the E-Visa Launch: 5 Key Reasons
The ambassador outlined five strategic reasons behind India's decision to offer e-visas to Kuwaiti citizens:
Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The move reflects the historically strong and friendly relations between India and Kuwait.
Boosting Tourism: India seeks to attract more Kuwaiti tourists to explore its diverse cultural and natural attractions.
Expanding Economic Relations: The increasing volume of Kuwaiti investment in India underscores the need for easier business travel.
Growing Indian Business Presence in Kuwait: A significant number of Indian companies are now operating in Kuwait, necessitating easier reciprocal travel.
Encouraging Cultural Exchange: The initiative aims to foster greater people-to-people contact and mutual cultural understanding.
Current Travel Volume and Air Connectivity
Dr. Swaika shared that between 8,000 and 9,000 Kuwaiti citizens traveled to India on tourist visas in the previous year. With the introduction of the e-visa facility, he expects these numbers to rise substantially.
He also highlighted the robust air connectivity between the two nations. Under the civil aviation agreement, 12,000 weekly flight seats are allocated to each side. These flights are operated by Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways on the Kuwaiti side, and by IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air on the Indian side, connecting Kuwait directly to nine Indian cities.
Student Visas Remain Paper-Based
While the e-visa platform covers a wide range of travel purposes, student visas are not yet part of the electronic system. Dr. Swaika clarified that such visas must still be obtained through conventional visa centers via paper applications.
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