Kuwait has announced the resumption of issuing visit visas for families, tourism, and commercial visitors, in alignment with the directives of Deputy Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah. This decision, effective from February 7, is part of a strategic initiative to stimulate commercial, economic, and tourist activities, considering social aspects.
For expat family members, certain conditions must be met, including a minimum salary requirement and providing proof of return air tickets. The visa is granted to parents, spouses, and children of expat workers, with a minimum salary of KD400 ($1,300) for family members and KD800 ($2,600) for other relatives.
Additional conditions for visit visas include a round-trip travel ticket on affiliated airlines, a written commitment not to convert visits into residence in Kuwait, and adherence to the specified visit duration. Medical treatment during the visit is restricted to private hospitals and medical centers, with government hospitals not permitted.
Violations, such as overstaying the specified period, will lead to follow-up actions by the General Department of Residency Affairs Investigations, including legal measures for violators of the Foreigners Residency Law.
Commercial visas are granted upon request by Kuwaiti companies, while tourist visas are available for individuals from 53 countries, either on arrival or through the electronic visa system. GCC residents with specific professions can obtain tourism visas, and automatic links with the General Department of Residency Affairs facilitate the process through eligible hotels and companies.
Countries eligible for visa-on-arrival in Kuwait include Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, 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, Hong Kong, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States.