New e-visa system positions Kuwait as a top tourist destination
In his address, Colonel Al-Kandari provided a detailed explanation of the updated entry visa procedures, focusing on the new requirements and classifications available on the "Kuwait Visa" platform. He also reviewed the most prominent amendments introduced to the visa categories.
Key visa categories
Colonel Al-Kandari explained that the tourist visa is divided into four main categories, each with specific criteria:
First Category: Unrestricted Tourist Visa: This category allows nationals from 52 countries to obtain a tourist visa without any restrictions. Visitors must ensure their passports are valid for more than six months from the date of entry.
Second Category: Professionals and Gulf Residents: This category is for professionals who are residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as well as residents of the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union (Schengen) countries. In addition to having a passport valid for over six months, applicants must provide proof of their Gulf residency, which must clearly state their profession and expiry date.
Third Category: Financially Solvent Applicants (Under Development): This category applies to nationals from other countries who can prove their financial solvency. Applicants will need to provide a recent bank statement, a confirmed hotel reservation, and a valid passport. A credit card security deposit (Visa or MasterCard) will be required upon visa payment, which will be returned upon departure, barring any violations.
Fourth Category: Special Events and Activities: This visa is granted for attendees of international and local events and activities, with specific requirements set according to each event.
Types of tourist visas
Tourist visas to Kuwait are categorized into two types:
Single entry visa: Valid for one, two, or three months, with each entry allowing a 30-day stay.
Multiple-entry visa: Valid for three, six, or twelve months, with each entry permitting a stay of up to 30 days.
Family visit visas
Family visit visas are subject to new amendments. Applicants must now provide proof of kinship through documents such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate. The relationship must be within the fourth degree of kinship or the third degree of marriage. Similar to tourist visas, family visit visas are available in both single and multiple entry categories, with a maximum stay of 30 days per entry.
Commercial and government visas
Commercial visas: These are granted to individuals invited by a civil authority, institution, or company for business purposes. These visas are also available as single or multiple entry, with stays not exceeding 30 days per entry.
Government visas: Issued to individuals invited by a government authority for specific purposes. There are no additional special requirements for these visas, as government agencies assess the need for each visit. Like the other categories, government visit visas are available in single and multiple entry formats.
Colonel Al-Kandari concluded by emphasizing Kuwait's commitment to making the visa process more efficient, transparent, and accessible for visitors from around the world. He also underscored the importance of these reforms in positioning Kuwait as a premier destination for tourism, business, and government-related visits.
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