Most travelers who plan a visit to Kuwait require a Kuwait visa. Many visa types are available for short-term and long-term visits. Visa on arrival and Kuwait evisa are also available, depending on your country of origin and length of stay. For long-term stays, a Kuwait work visa and a Kuwait study visa are available, with additional requirements that must be met.
You will likely need a Kuwait visa when traveling, as only five countries are exempt. However, many travelers will find they are eligible for a visa on arrival at the Kuwait airport or Kuwait evisa. Below are the countries which are exempt from needing a visa for Kuwait:
Kuwait visa types include short- and long-term visas, each with varying requirements. Below are some of the most popular types of visa for Kuwait.
To obtain a visa to Kuwait, you will need the following:
It’s important to note that certain visas may require additional documents for approval.
Kuwait visa fees differ depending on the type of visa which you apply for and the service through which you apply. For short-term visas, like business and tourism, expect to pay about $35-$40 per visa. Long-term visas have a higher price, which can range up to $340. These do not include any additional fees which may occur during the application process.
You can apply for a visa to Kuwait online as a more convenient option than applying in person. Go to our "Services" tab for more information on the available visa types for your nationality and country of origin. Once you type in your country of residence and where you wish to travel, you'll find a list of visas. Each type of visa has detailed notes on the processing time, fee, and duration of the stay.
What is Kuwait evisa?
Kuwait evisa, also known as an electronic visa, is a visa that you can apply for online that is sent via email upon approval. Once approved, the evisa is useable for up to three months. Residents from many countries are eligible for the evisa, including the following:
Yes, Kuwait offers visas on arrival for residents of specific countries. A visa on arrival allows visitors to receive a visa at the Kuwait airport. The countries eligible for visa on arrival for Kuwait are the same countries that are eligible for Kuwait evisa.
Kuwait visa on arrival is also valid for up to three months. It's important to note that a visa on arrival is only available for those traveling by plane. Once you arrive at the airport, you can apply for a visa. You will need a valid passport, plane ticket, and payment method for the visa fee.
The requirements for a visa on arrival for Kuwait vary slightly from standard Kuwait visa types. When applying for a visa on arrival, you will need the following:
The wait for a Kuwait visa generally takes about 3-5 business days, assuming the paperwork is in order. This timeline begins once the application and appropriate paperwork is submitted. Keep in mind that weekends and holidays do not count in this timeline. Therefore, it's best to ensure you submit your application and begin the process promptly to avoid any trip delays.
If you have any questions regarding the Kuwait visa process, please reach out to us via the “Contact” tab.
Upon receiving a Kuwait visa, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days. It’s important to note that once a Kuwait visa has been issued, it is only valid for 30 days. Ensure you plan accordingly so that your visa is valid while visiting Kuwait.
The Kuwait visa is a single-entry visa. If you leave the country, you will need to apply for a new visa for re-entry. This remains true even if your 90 days have not expired. Overstaying your visa will result in a fine of $30 per day.
Yes, you can get an extension for a Kuwait visa. If approved, the extension will allow you to stay in Kuwait for an additional 30 days before you must exit the country. You must apply for a visa extension before the expiry date of your initial visa.
If you have been approved for a Kuwait job, you will need to obtain a Kuwait work visa. This visa requires a work permit to be submitted by your employer. Once approved, you’ll need to obtain a work visa. Work visa requirements differ slightly from standard Kuwait visa requirements. You'll also need the following for a work visa:
You will need a tourist visa to visit Kuwait as a US citizen. When applying for a Kuwait visa for US citizen, you can apply from the comfort of your home via an online application. US citizens are eligible for an online visa (Kuwait evisa), which is eligible for stays of up to 90 days. To apply for an evisa, you will need details such as name, address, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. You will also need an image of the bio page from your passport and a payment method for the visa fees.