Kuwait launches new online visa portal for tourists, families, and business visitors
The portal enables users to submit visa applications for approved categories and access detailed visa guidelines before travelling to the country.
Launched under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, the platform supports four major visa types: government, business, family, and tourism.
Kuwait e-visa types explained
The new Kuwait visa portal enables visitors to apply for the following:
Government visa: Issued to officials or government employees visiting Kuwait for official purposes. Valid for 30 days from the date of entry.
Business visa: Issued for commercial visits such as meetings or establishing partnerships. Requires a local sponsor. Valid for 30 days from the date of entry.
Family visa: Issued to individuals visiting family members residing in Kuwait. Valid for 30 days from the date of entry
Tourist visa: Issued to visitors entering Kuwait for leisure or tourism. Entry permit is valid for 30 days from issuance, with a maximum stay of 90 days from the date of entry.
Each of these visas is single-entry and does not permit employment.
The platform also outlines full details for residency permits, visit visas, and special entry categories, including entry durations, document requirements, and applicable fees or penalties.
Kuwait residency entry permits
Kuwait issues residency entry permits under the following categories:
Government work
Private Sector work
Domestic workers and similar cases
Commercial or industrial activity
Family dependents
Students
Temporary government contracts
منصة كويت فيزا
Kuwait Visa Portal https://t.co/ZKm6JEvarn #CGCKuwait pic.twitter.com/rJCdRPnvsP
— مركز التواصل الحكومي (@CGCKuwait) July 16, 2025
Kuwait residency permit requirements
Passport validity: Minimum 1 year and 6 months
Entry permit validity: 90 days from the date of issuance
Stay duration (pre-residency): Up to 60 days from the date of entry
Criminal record certificate: Required from the home country (issued within 90 days), or from the country of residence if the applicant has lived there for two years
Post-arrival process: Must report to the General Directorate of Residency Affairs to finalise residency
Note: Entry permit is considered invalid if it does not match the passport details
Short-term visit visas: Rules and Categories
Visit visas include:
Government visit visa
Family visit visa
Private visit visa
General conditions
Passport validity: Minimum 6 months
Entry permit validity: 30 days from issuance
Maximum stay: 30 days from the date of entry
Entry type: Single entry
Employment: Strictly prohibited
Special Kuwait visa categories
Visa type Stay duration Entry validity Entries Notes
Tourist visa 90 days 30 days from issuance Single Work prohibited
Business visa 30 days 30 days from issuance Single Requires local sponsor
Multiple entry visa 30 days per entry Up to 1 year Multiple Work prohibited
Transit visa 7 days 30 days from issuance Single Must hold visa for destination
Transport drivers 14 days 30 days from issuance Single Work prohibited
Emergency visa 7 days 30 days from issuance Single Work prohibited
Kuwait residency visa fees and penalties
Visit visa fees and overstay penalties
Visa Type Entry Fee Overstay Penalty
Government Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33)
Family Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33)
Private Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33)
Tourism Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33)
Business Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33)
Multiple Entry Visa KD3 + KD/month (~$3.25/month) KD10/day (~$33)
Transit Visa KD2 (~$6.50) KD10/day (~$33)
Transport Drivers Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33)
Emergency Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33)
Important reminders for all visa holders
All visa holders must exit Kuwait before the visa expires
Employment is not permitted under visit or transit visas
Entry permits must match passport details exactly
Criminal record certificates are required for all residency permits
For official applications and complete visa information, visit the new Kuwait visa portal.
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