E-Visa Access
Kuwait has updated and expanded its electronic visa (e-visa) policy, opening access to a broader group of expatriates living in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. However, despite the broader inclusion, citizens of several countries—including Pakistan—remain excluded from this facility, sparking criticism and concern among affected communities.
Under the revised system, expatriates residing in GCC member states—Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—may now apply for a Kuwait e-visa, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements.
To qualify, applicants must have legally resided in a GCC country for more than six months and must hold passports with at least six months of validity from their intended date of entry into Kuwait.
However, this opportunity is not extended to nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen. Citizens of these countries are explicitly excluded from the e-visa program and must instead go through the more cumbersome process of applying for a visa in person at a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate located in their country of GCC residence.
In addition to residency and passport requirements, applicants must be employed in approved professional fields. These include doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers, journalists, and business managers. Applicants must also maintain a clean legal record to qualify.
For citizens of 53 designated countries—including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and other European and Asian nations—Kuwait continues to offer the convenience of a visa on arrival at Kuwait International Airport.
To avail of this, travelers must present a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a return flight ticket, and proof of registered accommodation.
The e-visa application process is entirely digital and is typically completed within one to three business days. Applicants are required to upload a scanned copy of their passport’s biodata page, proof of valid GCC residency, return ticket, a passport-sized photo, accommodation details, and, if necessary, documents verifying their profession.
Once approved, the e-visa is delivered via email, and travelers are expected to print and present it upon arrival in Kuwait. The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and visitors are allowed to stay in Kuwait for up to 90 days from their date of entry.
