Your Guide to Kuwait Visa for UAE Residents

Planning a trip to Kuwait for leisure, business or visiting family? As a UAE resident, understanding the visa requirements is crucial. Kuwait offers various visa options, including e-Visas and visas on arrival, depending on your nationality and residency status. This guide provides detailed information on eligibility, application processes and other essential details for UAE residents seeking to visit Kuwait.

• Kuwait Expands E-Visa Access for GCC Expats
• Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Kuwait?
• Kuwait Visa Types
• E-Visa Required Documents
• How to Apply for a Kuwait Visa from the UAE
• Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival
• FAQs

Kuwait Expands E-Visa Access for GCC Expats

In a recent update to its visa policy, Kuwait has expanded its e-visa eligibility for GCC expats, including those residing in the UAE. Applicants with valid GCC residency (over six months), approved professions and no legal restrictions can now apply online. This update simplifies the travel process for many GCC residents.

The application remains fully online and typically takes 1 to 3 business days for processing. Approved applicants will receive the e-visa by email and must print a copy for immigration checks on arrival. The visa allows a single entry and a stay of up to 90 days.

Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Kuwait?

Yes, UAE residents generally require a visa to enter Kuwait. Eligible residents can now apply online without visiting the embassy. Additionally, eligibility is primarily determined by the applicant’s profession as listed on their Emirates ID.

1. Visa Exemption for GCC Nationals

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, do not require a visa to enter Kuwait. They can enter using their national ID cards or passports without prior visa arrangements. This policy facilitates seamless travel among GCC member states.

2. e-Visa for UAE Expats

UAE expats may be eligible for a Kuwait e-Visa, provided they meet specific criteria:

Valid UAE Residency

Your UAE residency must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date into Kuwait.

Approved Professions

As per Kuwait’s eVisa portal, residents of GCC countries, including the UAE, holding the following professions are eligible to apply for an eVisa or obtain a visa on arrival:

• Doctors
• Judges and Prosecutors
• Managers
• Businessmen
• Doctors
• Pharmacists
• Lawyers
• Diplomatic Corps Members
• University Professors
• Shareholders, Directors, and Officers
• Engineers
• Consultants
• Journalists
• Media Personnel
• Pilots
• System Analysts
• Computer Programmers

Clean Legal Record

Applicants must not be blacklisted or have any legal restrictions preventing entry into Kuwait.

Note: It’s important to note that eligibility for the eVisa is subject to the discretion of Kuwaiti immigration authorities, and meeting the above criteria does not guarantee visa approval.

Kuwait Visa Types

1. Business Visa

Designed for individuals intending to visit Kuwait for business-related activities, including attending meetings, conferences or establishing partnerships with local companies. A local Kuwaiti company must apply for this visa on behalf of the applicant, providing proof of the business purpose of the visit.

2. Family Visa

Granted to individuals wishing to visit their family members residing in Kuwait. Typically, a family member living in Kuwait must submit a request to sponsor the visitor. This visa facilitates family gatherings or personal occasions, depending on the terms and conditions set by the Kuwaiti authorities.

3. Tourist Visa

Issued to individuals aiming to explore Kuwait for tourism and entertainment purposes. The tourist visa allows holders to visit various attractions and experience the country’s culture for a specified period.

E-Visa Required Documents

Gather the required documents before proceeding with the application process for a Kuwait visa for UAE residents. Having all required documents prepared and accurately completed can expedite the application process and reduce the likelihood of delays or rejections.

• Applicant’s passport, valid for a minimum of six months before the intended entry date.
• UAE residency permit, valid for more than six months. 
• Passport-size photograph with a white background.
• Proof of profession, for instance, an employment certificate, work ID, or others.
• Evidence of return or onward travel.
• Proof of accommodation in Kuwait.

How to Apply for a Kuwait Visa from the UAE

Follow these steps to apply for a Kuwait eVisa for UAE residents:

Process

• Go to the Kuwait eVisa Portal, which is the official site provided by the Ministry of Interior, State of Kuwait.
• Scroll down and select your visa type as ‘tourist’. Enter your nationality and specify whether you reside in the GCC and in which country. You will then be informed of your eligibility for an eVisa or visa on arrival.
• Sign up by providing your email address, full name, mobile number, and a password. Verify your account using the one-time password (OTP) sent to your email.
• Fill in your personal and travel details accurately, including your GCC residency details.
• Attach digital copies of the necessary documents mentioned above.
• Use a valid credit or debit card to pay the applicable fee.
• Review all information and submit your application.
• You will receive notifications via your registered email regarding the status of your application.
• Once approved, the eVisa will be emailed to you. Print a copy to present upon arrival in Kuwait and carry it alongside your passport.

Visa Validity 

• Entry permit validity: 30 days from the date of issuance 
• Stay duration: No more than 90 days from the date of entry 
• Number of entries: Single entry

Note: The visa holder is prohibited from working and must leave the country upon the expiration of the visit period.

Visa Fees

Note: All visa fees are non-refundable.

Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality. Tourist visas typically take between 1 and 2 business days. 

Track Visa Application Status

You can track the status of your application by logging into your account on the Kuwait eVisa Portal. The platform also sends you email notifications about the status of your application.

Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival

Nationals from the following countries are eligible for visa-on-arrival entry into Kuwait:

FAQs

That wraps up our guide on obtaining a Kuwait visa for UAE residents. You can now apply for your e-visa smoothly and travel with confidence. Other than that, you can visit any of of the visa-free countries for UAE residents to avoid visa process altogether.

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