KUWAIT VISA RULES

Planning a trip to Kuwait? Discover the different visas available to you.

Kuwait offers a blend of traditional charm and modern elegance, such as the majestic Kuwait Towers, the historic Old Souk, and the impressive Al Shaheed Park. But before you dive into all that Kuwait has to offer, you may need to get your visa sorted.

We'll walk you through the visa requirements, helping you understand what you need for a smooth entry into Kuwait. Let’s get started.

Do I need a visa to enter Kuwait?

Kuwait is part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), along with Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Nationals from these countries are visa-exempt. Chinese citizens with ordinary passports endorsed for public affairs are also visa-exempt.

Holders of diplomatic or official passports from several countries are also visa-exempt, including Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom.

More than 50 countries can get a Kuwaiti visa on arrival or apply online for an eVisa. These include EU nations, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, USA, and Vietnam. GCC residents also qualify for an eVisa provided they meet certain conditions.

All other nationalities that are not visa-exempt or eligible for an eVisa/visa on arrival will need to apply for a visa at a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate. If you’re not sure whether you need a visa, please get in touch with the Kuwaiti diplomatic mission in your country.

Kuwait Visa 101: Types and requirements

Kuwait offers several types of visit visas depending on the purpose of the visit.

• Kuwait Tourist Visit Visa (eVisa): This visa is for travelers who wish to visit Kuwait for tourism purposes.

Learn more about the Kuwait eVisa.

• Kuwait Business Visa: Designed for business travelers visiting a company in Kuwait, which must sponsor their stay.

• Kuwait Visit Visa: For individuals visiting family or friends in Kuwait who will act as their sponsors.

• Kuwait Work Visa: Applicants need an employer in Kuwait to secure a work permit from the Ministry of Labor. The Ministry of Interior then has to approve this permit before the applicant can apply for a visa at a Kuwaiti embassy.

• Kuwait Family Visa: Issued to the foreign spouses and dependent children of residents in Kuwait.

• Kuwait Student Visa: For international students admitted to educational institutions in Kuwait.

• Kuwait Transit Visa: Available online or through an embassy and requires a valid visa for the next destination and a confirmed ticket for onward travel.

The general requirements for obtaining a Kuwait Visit Visa include a passport (valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay), a completed application form, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and proof of financial means. To get the complete list of required documents for each visa, please visit the Kuwait Government website.

How to apply for a Kuwaiti visa

Applying for a Kuwait eVisa

We offer a Kuwait Visa service that handles eVisa applications. You’ll have access to a simplified application form that’s easy to fill out and understand (you’ll be done in less than 15 minutes!).

Our team of visa experts will review your application once you’re done to make sure it’s correctly filled and free from mistakes, thus increasing your chances of visa approval.

Here’s how to apply:

• Step 1: Go to our website or download the [iVisa app] to start your visa application. Enter your personal and travel details.

• Step 2: Verify that all your information is accurate. Pay the service and visa fees with a credit or debit card, PayPal, or Venmo.

• Step 3: Finish filling out the application form, upload the required documents, and submit your application.

When your visa is approved, we’ll notify you via email. Make sure to print it out and save a digital copy on your phone before you head to Kuwait.

Applying for a Kuwait embassy visa

1. Contact the Kuwait embassy or consulate in your home country for a complete list of required documents and how to get/download the application form.

2. Fill out the visa application form and gather the required documents.

3. Submit your visa application at the embassy.

4. Wait for the application to be processed.

5. Pick up your passport from the embassy. If your application is successful, the visa will be affixed to your passport.

What else should you know about Kuwait before packing your bags? Check out our trip guide.

Get support for your Kuwait eVisa application

If you want to apply for a Kuwait eVisa and have questions, you can get in touch with our customer support team. Contact them any time via WhatsApp or through the [iVisa chat].