Kuwait Launches New E-Visa System
Kuwait has launched a new electronic visa system aimed at streamlining and accelerating entry procedures for both travelers and residents. The platform, which went live earlier this week, marks a pivotal step in the country’s strategy to position itself as a regional hub for tourism, trade, investment, and international cooperation.
Four Visa Categories
The new system currently offers four types of visas: tourist, family, business, and government. This categorization allows the application process to be tailored to various types of visitors—ranging from tourists and family members to corporate representatives and public officials. All visa types are now available online, reducing paperwork and significantly shortening processing times. The tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days, is intended for those interested in exploring the country. The family visa, valid for 30 days, allows Kuwaiti residents to invite their relatives.
The business visa, also valid for 30 days, is designed for representatives of foreign companies and institutions attending meetings or conferences. The government visa is issued to members of official delegations and diplomatic missions, underscoring Kuwait’s active engagement in international affairs.
In the near future, Kuwait is also expected to be part of the GCC Grand Tours visa initiative, which aims to enable travel across six Gulf Cooperation Council member states. Although the project has not yet been implemented, its goal is to simplify regional tourism and strengthen inter-GCC cooperation.
Visa Requirements and Processing Time
According to Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior, the standard processing time for visa applications is between one and two business days, with many applications being approved within minutes. Applicants are notified of their visa status via email or mobile phone.
To apply for a visa, applicants must submit a valid passport (with at least six months' validity), a recent passport-sized photograph, a confirmed round-trip airline ticket, and hotel booking or other proof of accommodation in Kuwait. Depending on the visa type, additional documents may be required, such as an invitation letter from a private individual or institution, an employer’s letter of intent, proof of the visit’s purpose, or employment verification.
