Kuwait temporarily suspended its e-Visa service from accessing 53 countries to further improve the system. Those tourists, who previously went on the country’s website, where their visas were done online prior to arrival into Kuwait.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior states that the e-Visa service is temporarily stopped for the development and upgrade of the service, targeting it to be more efficient and friendly for visitors. A specified date when the e-Visa service will start is not available.
Alternate Visa Arrangements
Until the resumption of the e-Visa service, all visitors from the mentioned countries can receive a visa when they arrive at Kuwait International Airport. The list of countries involved includes:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, and Vatican City.
Procedure for Visa on Arrival
Eligible visitors can get a single-entry tourist visa valid for three months upon arrival. Requirements are as follows:
– Valid Passport: Should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.- Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of a return or onward journey.- Visa Fee: 3 Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD).- Residential Address: Declaration of the residential address during the stay.
Travelers must not be blacklisted by the State of Kuwait. At entry points, visa completion happens at immigration checkpoints.
More Alternatives
Those that will not qualify for visa upon arrival have other options like
– Visit Visa Sponsored by a Kuwaiti Resident: requires sponsorship by a local resident or entity.- GCC Residents’ Visa: offered for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries with specific professions.- Business Visa: to perform work-related travel; includes documentation such as an invitation letter and proof of business activity.
Conclusion
The suspension of e-Visa by Kuwait is only a temporary measure that enhances the system. During this time, visas on arrival and other alternatives can still be availed for visits to Kuwait without causing too much disruption. To be able to visit, people are advised to get updated information from the official Kuwait sources.
