All You Need to Know About Kuwait's New Tourist Visa Rules

Arab Times

3 days ago

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 12: Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has announced a new visa framework aimed at streamlining entry procedures and aligning with the aspirations of the country's leadership. The initiative follows directives from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and is supervised by Acting Undersecretary Major General Ali Al-Adwani.
Brigadier General Al-Kandari, speaking to Kuwait TV on Monday, explained that the General Administration of Electronic Services in the Residency Sector conducted a comprehensive study and proposed a new vision for regulating visas. The updated framework incorporates amendments recently published in the Official Gazette, "Kuwait Alyoum," and will be implemented by the Residency Affairs Department.
Four Tourist Visa Categories
Category 1: Citizens of approved countries ranked by global peace indices, passport strength, crime rates, and per capita income. No additional requirements apply. Applicants can choose from six tourist visa options—single or multiple entry—with stays ranging from one to three months, up to six months, or even one year (single-entry stays capped at one month).
Category 2: Residents of GCC countries, the United States, Britain, and EU states, as well as holders of valid tourist visas from those countries. Eligibility requires holding an approved high- or medium-level profession, which implicitly demonstrates financial solvency without formal proof.
Category 3: Currently under review, this category would grant open tourist visas to applicants providing proof of financial solvency, such as a bank statement.
Category 4: Issued for local and international events and exhibitions, with visa duration set according to event requirements, such as tournaments and the World Cup.
Key Changes and Digital Transformation:
Unlike previous requirements, the new framework removes the 'national carrier' requirement, allowing visitors to arrive by air, land, or sea.
The ministry has also launched the Kuwait Visa platform (developed in cooperation with the General Administration of Information Systems), which enables applicants to obtain visas online without visiting the Residency Affairs Departments. The platform is available as both a website and a mobile application, currently offering four visa types: tourist, family visit, government visit, and business visas.
Notably, the salary requirement for family visit visas has been abolished, and applications are now accepted for relatives up to the fourth degree and in-laws up to the third degree. Business visit applications can be submitted entirely online, including document uploads and fee payments.
The system features passport data scanning, allowing transactions to be completed in as little as five minutes under normal conditions. Upon arrival in Kuwait, visas can be issued electronically or at the port of entry, with mandatory security checks. Visitors who fail to meet security requirements will be denied entry and returned to their country.
No Ban on Nationality
Al-Kandari stressed that no nationality is categorically barred from entering Kuwait if requirements are met. Approved country and profession lists are reviewed periodically based on global indicators.
'Our goal is to attract tourists, offer them a unique experience, and ensure smooth entry procedures,' he said, advising prospective visitors to review all requirements before applying to avoid unnecessary costs or travel disruptions.