The entry requirements for Kuwait have changed over the last couple of years. To quicken the process of obtaining permission to enter the country, the government has introduced the Kuwait eVisa. Other types of visa are still available.
There are various requirements for an entry visa. To enter Kuwait it’s necessary to have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and there are more conditions which are specific to each type of visa.
Nationals from the 6 GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar) can enter visa-free. Every other nationality needs a visa.
How to enter Kuwait?
To enter Kuwait it’s necessary to have a valid passport (with at least six months remaining) and a Kuwait visa (unless you’re from a GCC country). For tourists, there are three different types available:
Entry Requirements to enter Kuwait with an eVisa
The eVisa is the quickest and simplest way of obtaining a visa for Kuwait. The eVisa application only takes a few minutes to complete and are normally processed within 24 hours (up to 72 hours in some cases).
Approved eVisas are sent by email and allow visitors to enter for singular periods of up to 90 days. The eVisas are available to citizens from 54 countries including:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Brueni
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Dernmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of Cyprus
- Romania
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Togo
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vatican City
All foreign nationals with residency in GCC Countries, regardless of their citizenship, are also eligible to apply for the Kuwait eVisa as long as they hold certain professions.
Entry Requirements to enter with a Visa on arrival
The eligible nationalities for the visa on arrival are the same as the eVisa. Visitors can queue at the border to complete the application and pay the fee for the visa on arrival. This is particularly useful for last-minute travelers who can’t wait 3 days for an eVisa application to be processed.
Entry Requirements to enter with a Visit visa
A Kuwait visit visa needs to be sponsored by a Kuwait company or by a relative who is staying in the country. Applications are completed at Kuwaiti embassies and consulates. The sponsor must complete the appropriate documentation and meet the visitor at the airport.
Kuwait Visa Requirements: Passport and e-Visa
The Kuwait eVisa application process only takes a few minutes to complete. Applicants just need to meet the following requirements to get a Kuwait eVisa:
- Have a passport from an eligible country with at least six months remaining.
- Complete the online application form without making any errors.
- Pay this visa fee using a credit or debit card.
- Print a copy of the eVisa to present at the Kuwaiti border.
- Keep a copy of the eVisa at all times during the trip.
The application form involves entering a range of basic information including their name, address, date of birth, passport details, and travel plans. Applicants should carefully revise all the information before submitting the form as any inaccuracies can lead to delays and even visa rejections.
The Kuwait eVisa, visa on arrival, and visit visa are all for designed for tourism.