Kuwait Relaunches e-Visa Platform: Easier Travel for 53 Countries

Great news for globetrotters! Kuwait has officially relaunched its electronic visa program after a brief hiatus for system enhancements. This revamped system boasts a user-friendly online portal designed to streamline the application process for tourists and future business travellers.

Kuwait e-Visa: A Convenient Solution for Travellers

The Kuwait e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization that simplifies the visa application process for eligible visitors. It eliminates the need for in-person appointments, allowing travellers to apply online from the comfort of their homes.

A New and Improved e-Visa Platform

Last month, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior paused operations on the previous e-Visa website (evisa.moi.gov.kw) to upgrade and enhance user experience. During the downtime, travellers could still obtain a tourist visa upon arrival.

The updated platform now offers a streamlined application process tailored for tourists and will soon cater to business travellers and residents hosting visitors.

How to Apply for a Kuwait e-Visa

The application process for a Kuwaiti tourist visa is now more straightforward than ever. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do:

1. Create an Account: Head over to the “Kuwait Visa” portal and register for an account.

2. Complete the Online Application: Once logged in, you’ll find an online application form. As a tourist from one of the 53 eligible countries, you’ll need to provide details such as:

• Passport Information: Passport number, issuance and expiry dates
• Traveller Details: Full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, etc.
• Basic Information: Religion, marital status, profession, mobile phone number
• Previous Visits (if applicable): Details of any past trips to Kuwait

3. Upload Required Documents: The following documents must be uploaded electronically:

• Passport Photo: A clear passport-sized photograph
• Passport Data Page: A scan of your passport’s information page
• Accommodation Details: A confirmed hotel reservation (or your host’s address in Kuwait)

4. Pay the Visa Fee: The electronic visa fee is a nominal 3 Kuwaiti dinars (KWD), which is roughly equivalent to 10 EUR or USD. The fee can be conveniently paid online.

Also Read: Kuwait’s New Expat Residency Laws: Key Visa and Permit Updates

Requirements for Kuwait e-Visa

To apply for a Kuwait e-Visa, travellers must meet the following requirements:

• Visa Fee Payment: Complete the payment of 3 Kuwaiti dinars online.
• Eligibility: Be a citizen of one of the 53 eligible countries or territories.
• Valid Passport: Ensure the passport has at least six months of validity from the intended date of entry.
• Supporting Documents: Provide a passport-sized photograph, the passport’s data page, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address).
• Contact Details: Include a working mobile phone number and email address for correspondence.

Eligible Countries for Kuwait’s e-Visa

Currently, the electronic tourist visa is available to citizens of 53 countries and territories, including:

Future Visa Categories on the Horizon

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior plans to expand the “Kuwait Visa” portal to include additional visa types, such as:

• Business Visa: For professional visits, including attending meetings, conferences, or forming partnerships.
• Family Visa: For visiting relatives residing in Kuwait.
• Government Visa: For officials attending international conferences or bilateral meetings.

What This Means for Travellers

The relaunch of Kuwait’s e-Visa service simplifies the visa application process for tourists while setting the stage for broader accessibility with new visa categories. Travellers are encouraged to use the new platform to ensure a seamless experience.

For more information, visit the official Kuwait Visa portal.