Kuwait has a solid visa policy that includes all the requirements and rules that expats must follow. However, they are doing constant changes and implementing new regulations. For this reason, it is advisable to be informed regarding the Kuwait visit visa new rules 2023. This is particularly helpful if you are planning to visit the country or apply for a family visit visa. Thus, by following the Kuwait visit visa new rules, you can be sure your application is going to be approved.
In this article, we are going to go through all the Kuwait visit visa new rules 2023, as well as the types of visas and fees. Let us observe:
- See the Kuwait visit visa 2023 news
- Everything you should know about Kuwait visit visa new rules 2023
- Understanding Kuwait visit visa types and fees
- What is the validity of a Kuwait visit visa?
- Kuwait visit visa extension fee
1. See the Kuwait visit visa 2023 news
Almost all nationalities that are planning to travel to Kuwait need to apply for a visa. Thus, depending on the nationality and the purpose and length of stay, the individual may be eligible for a visa on arrival or for an electronic visa.
On the other hand, other nationalities are not eligible for an eVisa or a visa on arrival. In this case, they have to apply for a visa at the Kuwaiti embassy or diplomatic entity in their residence country before travelling.
1.1 Kuwait visit visa new rules 2023 regarding family visa
As part of the Kuwait visit visa new rules 2023, the Government announced that they will be effective from January 2023.
But, one of the most notable changes is that the Residence Affairs Sector announced that the issuance of family visit visas will be resumed.
This is very important for those expatriates working in Kuwait since they can now bring their families with them.
Also, the issuance of family visas was suspended for almost two years, mainly due to the covid-19 pandemic crisis.
As you can see, this news is different than those of the Kuwait visit visa new rules 2021, since at that time individuals were not allowed to apply for a family visa for their relatives.
But the process is gradually resuming, since the first stage only covers sponsoring children as long as the following conditions are met:
- Both parents must have a valid residence permit in Kuwait.
- The sponsor must earn KWD 500 per month.
- The salary cap is waived if the infant is less than one year old or the sponsor is an engineer or a doctor.
After this stage, the process will extend to wives, fathers and mothers to join their relatives, based on the criteria the Ministry will announce.
2. Everything you should know about Kuwait visit visa new rules 2023
Another of the important rules announced by the Ministry is related to Kuwaiti residents returning to the country.
As part of the Kuwait visit visa new rules 2022, Kuwait had enforced travel restrictions, even for residents looking to get back to the country.
So, as part of the Kuwait visit visa new rules 2023, the Ministry stated that there are no more covid-19 entry restrictions.
Thus, visitors, residents, and even those with a transit visa do not have to comply with vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements.
Nonetheless, when it comes to Kuwaiti residents returning to the country, the Ministry has not announced any specific rules.
3. Understanding Kuwait visit visa types and fees
Once you are aware that travel permits regulations have changed, and that they are very different from the Kuwait visit visa new rules 2018, you may want to know how to apply for a visa.
But first, you must know the different types of visas available as well as their corresponding fees.
3.1 Tourist visa
A tourist visa is issued for those individuals that want to travel to Kuwait for sightseeing purposes. To get to know its cultural heritage, modern architecture and discover the best attractions and places to visit.
In this regard, Kuwait offers three methods for the issuance of tourist visas:
- Application through the Kuwaiti embassy.
- Visa on arrival.
- Electronic visas.
So, the method of your choice will depend mostly on your nationality. Some of the citizens that may use the e-visa system are those from Canada, Japan, the United States, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, and others.
Also, GCC residents may apply for a tourist eVisa if they have a UAE Residency, Qatar residency, Saudi Arabia residency card, Bahrain residency, or Oman residence visa.
By applying for the electronic visa, the individual will receive the approved document by email directly. After that, they can travel to Kuwait and stay in the country for up to 90 days.
Lastly, the fee for applying for an eVisa is 3 KWD, although it may vary depending on the nationality.
3.2 Business visa
Individuals that want to visit Kuwait for business-related purposes, such as events, meetings, or any other, may apply for a business visa.
Some of the documents required for a business visa are the visa application form, a Kuwaiti sponsor, and a letter of invitation.
The fee for a business visit visa is 3 KWD.
3.3 Family visit visa
Expatriates residing in Kuwait may apply for a family visa for their family members. With this document, their relatives may visit them in Kuwait.
There are no eligibility criteria regarding this type of visa. However, the sponsor has to gather the following documents for the application:
- Duly filled-out application form.
- Copy of applicant’s passport (it must be valid for 6 months).
- Proof of kinship.
- Recent salary certificate.
- Sponsor’s civil ID.
After that, the sponsor has to submit the application and documents to the General Department of Immigration. Lastly, the sponsor has to pay the fees and wait until it gets approved.
The fixed fee for a family visit visa in Kuwait is 3 KWD.
3.4 Kuwait multiple entry visa
With the multiple entry visa, the holder can enter Kuwait as many times as he or she wants within a year. US citizens may apply for a multiple entry visa that is valid for 10 years.
3.5 Kuwait transit visa
Individuals that are travelling to another destination from Kuwait and are going to stay in the country for more than 24 hours have to apply for a transit visa.
To obtain this visa, the person has to apply at the Kuwait Consulate abroad or a Port Authority. Also, it is required to submit proof of a flight ticket leaving Kuwait to the next destination.
The fee for a transit visa is 2 KWD, although the price is subject to change.
3.6 Kuwait Entrance Work Visa
This visa is for those expatriate professionals that are going to work in the civil sector. It does not have any eligibility criteria, but the sponsor has to apply for this on the employee’s behalf.
Thus, the documentation for this type of visa is the following:
- Work permit issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.
- Copy of the signature authorization.
- Sponsor’s passport copy.
The sponsor has to visit the General Department of Immigration and submit the documentation. Then, he or she has to fill out the visa and security application forms. Lastly, it is necessary to pay the fees.
So, as you can see, the sponsor has to apply for a work permit before applying for the visa. In this regard, it is necessary to have a copy of the employee’s passport too, as well as other documents about the job description.
This visa has a fixed fee of 3 KWD.
4. What is the validity of a Kuwait visit visa?
The validity of the electronic visit visa is 90 days. There are no changes regarding this in the Kuwait visit visa new rules 2023.
Visitors who apply for a visa on arrival also can stay up to 90 days in the country.
5. Kuwait visit visa extension fee
As an expatriate with a visit visa, you may apply for an extension twice if you would like to stay longer in the country. You have to fill out the application form and submit it to the Immigration Department.
However, make sure to apply for the extension before the expiration of your visa. Otherwise, you may incur overstaying and you will have to pay a fee.
The fee to extend your stay in Kuwait is 10 KWD per day. And, if your visa expires and you do not leave the country, you have to pay the total fine so you can leave.
As you can see, the Kuwait visit visa new rules 2023 are different from the Kuwait visit visa new rules 2017.
If you want to travel to Kuwait, you may want to learn more about the country. In our blog, you can find helpful information such as the ultimate expat guide for Kuwait labor law or how to do the Kuwait civil ID validity check.
