New Kuwait visa rules allow digital applications and flexible entry

Kuwait has introduced a new tourist visa framework, categorizing applicants into four distinct groups to streamline entry procedures and enhance tourism. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Interior.

Four Categories of Tourist Visas

Category 1: Citizens from countries with strong passports and robust economic indicators. Applicants can choose from six visa options, including single or multiple entries, with stays ranging from one to six months, or even up to one year.

Category 2: Residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union states. This category also includes holders of valid tourist visas from these countries. Eligibility requires holding an approved high- or medium-level profession, implicitly demonstrating financial solvency.

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
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, enabling applicants to obtain visas online without visiting the Residency Affairs Departments. The platform offers 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.