Kuwait Tourist Visa – Eligibility, Requirements and Fees

Although it is hard to label Kuwait as an exciting nation, it has a lot to offer foreign nationals. However, for a Kuwait Tourist Visa to be worth it, you need to find out if you are eligible for the visa.

There are certain countries whose citizens do not require a Kuwait Tourist Visa to visit the country. Specifically, they are citizens of Kuwait’s regional neighbors – the Gulf Cooperation Council. However, other foreign nationals must apply for a Kuwait Tourist Visa, whether online or in person.

To obtain a tourist visa to Kuwait, there are specific requirements that you must fulfill. Also, considering that Kuwait is not as liberal as it is developed, there are rules that all visitors must abide by. However, this does not make Kuwait less attractive or touristic. To visit Kuwait, learn about the Kuwait Tourist Visa – Eligibility, Requirements, and Fees.

About Kuwait

Kuwait is a small country between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with a population of about 4.2 million. The country is rich in oil and has many high-rise buildings, golden beaches, luxury restaurants, and resorts.

The currency is Kuwaiti Dinar (KD), and the official language of Kuwait is Arabic and English. Kuwait is one of the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and also a member of the Arab League of States.

About the Kuwait Tourist Visa

Foreign nationals who wish to visit the Gulf country – Kuwait – must obtain a visa if they are not citizens of the Gulf Cooperation. In addition, if they visit Kuwait for tourism, they must obtain a Kuwait Tourist Visa.

Foreign nationals obtain a Kuwait Tourist Visa to visit the country for tourism. The tourist visa is a short-stay visa valid for 90 days but only permits its holder to stay in Kuwait for 30 days. The Kuwait Visa on Arrival (VOA), eVisa, and visit visa are all for tourism.

Who is eligible for a Kuwait Tourist Visa?

All foreign nationals who are not citizens of Kuwait’s regional neighbors, the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC), must obtain a tourist visa to Kuwait. The Gulf Countries are Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. There are various ways to get a tourist visa to Kuwait – the online visa application (eVisa), Visa on Arrival (VOA), and the consular visa application.

About the Kuwait eVisa

The Kuwait eVisa came into existence in 2016 as a simple way of applying for a Kuwait Tourist Visa online. This eliminates the stress of going to Kuwait embassies and consulates to apply for a consular visa.

Among the foreign nationals who must obtain a Kuwait Tourist Visa to enter the country, certain foreign nationals can obtain a visa through an online application. They are:

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Cambodia
• Canada
• Czech Republic
• Denmark Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Georgia
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• South Korea
• Croatia
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Republic of Cyprus
• Romania
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vatican City
• Ukraine

Kuwait Tourist Visa on Arrival

Citizens of the countries listed above can also apply for a VoA if they urgently need to be in the country and cannot wait for the processing time of an eVisa. To apply for a VoA, you must have your valid passport, flight return ticket, and visa fee. You must submit these and other required documents at the Kuwait airport to obtain your VoA.

Kuwait Tourist Visa for GCC residents

Foreign nationals who reside in any of the GCC may apply online for a tourist visa to Kuwait, notwithstanding their nationality. However, they must hold a residence permit valid for at least six months in the GCC.

To apply for the Kuwait eVisa, a GCC resident must be a spouse or dependent of a foreign national who holds any of the following professions:

• Lawyers
• Doctors
• Pilots
• Computer Programmers
• System Analysts
• Managers
• Businessmen
• Owners or Managers of Organizations and Establishments
• Engineers
• University Lecturers
• Pressmen and Media Staff
• Judges and Public Prosecutors
• Diplomatic Corps Members

What are the requirements for a Kuwait Tourist Visa?

Here’s a list of what you require to apply for a tourist visa to Kuwait

1. A passport valid for at least six months from the date you intend to arrive

2. A completed and signed visa application form

3. 2 passport-sized photographs taken in blue background

4. Flight itinerary

5. Proof of finance

6. Proof of accommodation

7. Travel Health Insurance

7. Documents showing that you will return to your country of residence, e.g., employment letter, salary pay stubs, letter of permission from your employer, e.t.c.

Specific Requirements for a Kuwait eVisa

To apply for a Kuwait eVisa, eligible foreign nationals must have the following requirements:

1. A valid passport

2. A valid email address

3. A credit or debit card

4. For GCC residents, a scanned copy of their residency document

How to apply for a Kuwait eVisa

Step #1. Apply online

Provide necessary information about yourself and the intended trip by filling in some fields and answering some, depending on must be careful when answering to avoid being denied based on insufficient or incorrect information.

Step #2. Pay the visa fee

You can pay the visa fee with a credit or debit card. The Kuwait Tourist Visa fee is 3KD ($9.87)

Step #3. Add the required documents

Once you add electronic copies of the required documents listed above (e.g., proof of finance, travel and flight itinerary, and a valid passport), submit your application.

Step #4. Receive your eVisa to Kuwait

Usually, it takes 2 to 3 business days to process your application for a Kuwait eVisa, although sometimes, it can take longer. Therefore, once you receive the eVisa by email, print it and keep a copy with you. In addition, you must present a copy of your eVisa to the visa officer at the airport in Kuwait.

Check out the Kuwait family visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the validity period of a Kuwait Tourist Visa?

A Kuwait Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days, but you can only stay for 30 days out of this period. However, it is possible to extend your stay, but you must do that before your tourist visa expires.

What is the processing time for a Kuwait Tourist Visa?

It takes 2 to 3 business days to receive an answer about your Kuwait Tourist Visa application. This is for the eVisa application for which most visitors are eligible.

Can I extend my Kuwait Tourist Visa?

Kuwait does not usually have many tourists but people who visit hardly want to leave. Therefore, it is not unusual to receive a request for a tourist visa extension in Kuwait. To extend your tourist visa, apply for an extension to the Immigration Department before your visa expires. To extend your stay in Kuwait, you must pay a fee of 10 KWD ($32.87) for every day you spend in the country after your visa expires. You will not be allowed to leave the country until you pay the total extra fee.

When is the best time to visit Kuwait?

The best time to visit Kuwait is undoubtedly not from June to August because the heat is at its peak by this time. February is probably the best month because of Kuwait National Day and Kuwait Liberation Day. This is when the country will be lit up with many decorative lights. Kuwait is beautiful from February to April, which is its springtime. Winter in Kuwait starts from November to March and is quite chilly in the evenings.

What are the things to know before visiting Kuwait?

If you are visiting Kuwait, be mindful of the following:

• Possession of alcohol or driving under the influence can send you to a Kuwait prison.
• Also, possessing or using illegal drugs and ingredients used to produce drugs is a crime that can attract long jail terms and heavy fines.
• You cannot take pictures of government buildings, military installations, or similar facilities.
• It is considered an offense to take pictures of people, especially women, without their consent.

Conclusion

Kuwait is awash with exciting places and phenomena that a tourist would find entertaining. It is one of the best countries in the GCC, and you would never be disappointed if you visited Kuwait.

There are many places to visit in Kuwait, like the Kuwait Towers, Failaka Island, and the Grand Mosque. And while you’re in the country, be sure to taste their commendable cuisine. Dishes like Machboos, Muttabaq Samak, and Harees are unforgettable and genuinely Kuwaiti. Don’t envy Kuwaitians, though, because the hot weather can be unbearable until you become used to it. Alcohol and pork are banned, so be careful not to consume either.

You may also like to read Kuwait Visit Visa – Documentation, Duration, and Application.