Latest news with #KuwaitVisaPlatform
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Welcomes the World, Keeps Ban on Israelis
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: Director of the Electronic Services Department at the General Department of Residency Colonel Abdulaziz Al-Kandari says there is no ban on the entry of any nationality to Kuwait except for Israeli nationals, as there is a clear Amiri Decree stating that Kuwait is in a state of war with Israel. He stressed that every decision taken by the Ministry of Interior is based on thorough studies that consider both immediate and long-term implications, with regulations developed accordingly. During a visual presentation titled 'Kuwait Visa Platform... New Entry Visas' at the Government Communication Center, Colonel Al-Kandari explained the new system that is introduced through the 'Kuwait Visa' platform. He highlighted the main updates aimed at facilitating the procedures for issuing various entry visas, noting that the new electronic visa system enhances Kuwait's position as an attractive destination for tourists. Colonel Al-Kandari began the presentation with a detailed explanation of the new entry visas, including the lists of approved countries and professions. He explained that each visa type has specific controls and requirements that must be met. Among the most prominent requirements for obtaining a tourist visa are that the applicant must not be subject to any restrictions or security concerns, must pay the prescribed fees, and must submit all required documents. The tourist visa is divided into four main categories. The first category includes 52 approved countries whose citizens can obtain a tourist visa without restrictions, provided their passport is valid for more than six months from the date of entry. These 52 countries are the following: Austria; Malta; Ukraine; Georgia; Belgium; Cyprus; Liechtenstein; Vatican City; Lithuania; Turkey; Australia; Finland; Portugal; Iceland; Romania; Croatia; Japan; Czech Republic; Brunei; San Marino; Greece; United Kingdom; Denmark; Cambodia; Slovakia; Ireland; Canada; Malaysia; Monaco; Slovenia; South Korea; New Zealand; Latvia; Hungary; Laos; Netherlands; Sweden; Spain; Bulgaria; Singapore; Bhutan; Switzerland; Estonia; Germany; Italy; Norway; Poland; France; Luxembourg; United States; Andorra; Hong Kong. The second category covers professionals with financial solvency for travel and tourism, as well as residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union (Schengen) countries. This category also requires a passport valid for more than six months from the date of entry. The residents of GCC countries must present proof of GCC residency. The residency document must clearly state the profession and expiration date and must be valid for more than six months from the date of entry. The third category, which has not yet come into effect and is currently under development, includes visitors from other countries who can prove financial solvency through criteria set by the administration. This category requires a passport valid for more than six months from the date of entry, a recent bank statement as proof of financial solvency, and a confirmed hotel reservation for the duration of the stay. A security deposit will be held from the visitor's credit card (Visa or MasterCard) at the time of visa payment. This deposit will be forfeited in the event of a violation and refunded upon departure. The fourth category is designated for international and local events, with requirements determined based on the nature of each event at the time. Colonel Al-Kandari stressed that tourist visit visas to Kuwait are divided into two types - 'single-entry' visas, which are valid for one, two, or three months with a stay of up to 30 days, and 'multiple-entry' visas, which are valid for three months, six months, or one year, with each stay not exceeding 30 days per entry. Colonel Al-Kandari also highlighted the amendments to family visas, explaining that the most important controls and requirements include: providing proof of kinship through a document in Arabic or translated into Arabic by an accredited translation office, presenting documents such as a marriage contract or birth certificate, and that the relationship must be within the fourth degree of kinship or the third degree through marriage. He noted that family visit visas are divided into two categories. The first is 'single-entry' for one, two, or three months with a stay of up to 30 days; and the second is 'multiple-entry' for three, six, or one year, provided that each stay does not exceed 30 days per entry. As for the commercial visa, which is issued to individuals invited by a civil entity, institution, or company for business purposes, Colonel Al-Kandari explained that it includes two categories: 'single-entry' for one month with a stay of up to 30 days, and 'multiple-entry' for three, six, or one year, with each stay not exceeding 30 days per entry.
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
New e-visa system positions Kuwait as a top tourist destination
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has unveiled a new electronic visa system aimed at streamlining the entry process for various types of visas. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance Kuwait's position as an attractive tourist destination. Colonel Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Director of the Electronic Services Department at the General Administration of Residency Affairs, highlighted the importance of the new system during a presentation at the Government Communication Center titled "Kuwait Visa Platform... New Entry Visas." 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.
