
Kuwait launches new e-visa system for tourists, families, and business travelers
The e-visa platform currently offers four distinct visa types: tourist, family visit, business, and official, each tailored to meet various travel needs. All visa categories are now available online, streamlining the application process and reducing paperwork and processing times.
The tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days, caters to individuals seeking to explore Kuwait's cultural heritage, modern attractions, and scenic coastline. The family visa, valid for 30 days, allows Kuwait residents to invite relatives, supporting easier family reunification.
The business visa, also valid for 30 days, is designed for representatives of foreign companies and institutions visiting Kuwait for meetings, conferences, or professional engagements. Meanwhile, the official visa is reserved for members of government delegations and diplomatic missions on formal assignments, reinforcing Kuwait's active participation in international diplomacy.
Officials emphasized that the launch of the e-visa system supports the Ministry of Interior's broader digital transformation strategy. It is intended to enhance Kuwait's accessibility to tourists, professionals, and visiting delegations while positioning the country as a forward-looking destination for global cooperation.
Looking ahead, Kuwait is also expected to benefit from the upcoming GCC Grand Tours Visa — a unified short-term visa that will allow travel across six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Though not yet implemented, the initiative represents a major step toward streamlined regional mobility and greater tourism integration in the Gulf.
The new e-visa system reflects Kuwait's commitment to digital innovation, economic growth, and improved public services through modern, user-friendly platforms.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab Times
4 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait launches new e-visa system for tourists, families, and business travelers
KUWAIT CITY, July 5: In a significant step toward modernizing its digital infrastructure and enhancing global connectivity, Kuwait has launched a new electronic visa (e-visa) system aimed at simplifying and expediting entry procedures for both travelers and residents. The platform, introduced this week by Kuwaiti authorities, is a key milestone in the country's efforts to become a regional hub for tourism, trade, investment, and international cooperation. The e-visa platform currently offers four distinct visa types: tourist, family visit, business, and official, each tailored to meet various travel needs. All visa categories are now available online, streamlining the application process and reducing paperwork and processing times. The tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days, caters to individuals seeking to explore Kuwait's cultural heritage, modern attractions, and scenic coastline. The family visa, valid for 30 days, allows Kuwait residents to invite relatives, supporting easier family reunification. The business visa, also valid for 30 days, is designed for representatives of foreign companies and institutions visiting Kuwait for meetings, conferences, or professional engagements. Meanwhile, the official visa is reserved for members of government delegations and diplomatic missions on formal assignments, reinforcing Kuwait's active participation in international diplomacy. Officials emphasized that the launch of the e-visa system supports the Ministry of Interior's broader digital transformation strategy. It is intended to enhance Kuwait's accessibility to tourists, professionals, and visiting delegations while positioning the country as a forward-looking destination for global cooperation. Looking ahead, Kuwait is also expected to benefit from the upcoming GCC Grand Tours Visa — a unified short-term visa that will allow travel across six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Though not yet implemented, the initiative represents a major step toward streamlined regional mobility and greater tourism integration in the Gulf. The new e-visa system reflects Kuwait's commitment to digital innovation, economic growth, and improved public services through modern, user-friendly platforms.

Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Gulf Bank hosts tufting, embroidery workshop for red cardholders
Young red account customers take a group photo with Kuwaiti artist Aseel Mubarak. KUWAIT: In line with its ongoing commitment to enriching the youth experience, Gulf Bank recently organized a creative workshop on tufting and embroidery arts for its red cardholders, in collaboration with the talented young Kuwaiti artist, Aseel Mubarak. The workshop introduced participants to the techniques of punch needle embroidery and tufting – a form of textile art that involves threading loops of yarn through fabric to create soft, textured designs. Often referred to as 'thread painting,' this art form offers a relaxing and expressive outlet for creativity. A number of red customers took part in the engaging experience, where they learned the basics of this intricate art and crafted their own pieces under the guidance of Aseel Mubarak. With over 30 workshops led to date, Aseel has played a vital role in reviving and spreading the culture of textile arts across various segments of the community. red is Gulf Bank's youth-focused account, designed for individuals aged 15 to 25. It offers a wide range of benefits including prepaid cards, exclusive offers, rewards on purchases, and access to unique events and experiences that complement their lifestyle and aspirations. The workshop is part of Gulf Bank's broader strategy to deliver diverse and meaningful initiatives that resonate with younger generations, enabling them to explore their passions and develop new skills – including in the areas of creativity and the arts. This initiative also reflects Gulf Bank's dedication to supporting emerging Kuwaiti talents and creatives, while reinforcing its role as a community-centered institution that prioritizes sustainability and national development. As part of its long-standing efforts to empower youth in alignment with Kuwait's national vision, Gulf Bank has maintained an active partnership with INJAZ Kuwait for 19 years – contributing to the training of over 22,000 students in entrepreneurship. The Bank also continues to sponsor LOYAC's The Influencer 'AlMoather' program, which hones public speaking skills among youth, along with a range of sports, educational, and social activities that cater to their evolving needs. Gulf Bank remains committed to placing young people at the heart of its initiatives – nurturing the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.


Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Ministry of Islamic Affairs sets guidelines for Hajj 1447 registration
KUWAIT CITY, July 3: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs (MoIA) has issued an official circular outlining the registration procedures for the 1447 AH Hajj season, which will be conducted through a lottery system. The circular was directed to all licensed Hajj trip organizers and comes as part of ongoing cooperative efforts to serve pilgrims effectively, following the decision of the Supreme Hajj and Umrah Committee in its first meeting of the year 1447 AH. According to the circular released Wednesday, registration for the upcoming Hajj season will be facilitated through the government's unified electronic services application, Sahel. This registration process will remain open across several seasons until all applicants are processed. Registrants will maintain their lottery ranking until their nomination application is submitted. The circular detailed the general registration criteria and policies, stipulating that applicants must be Kuwaiti nationals who have not previously performed Hajj. Groups are limited to no more than five relatives, and women may include one mahram who has already completed Hajj. Additionally, each group may register one resident relative. Applicants can modify or replace pilgrims during the registration period by paying a non-refundable fee of 10 Kuwaiti dinars (approximately $32.80) at the time of expressing their intent to perform Hajj. Following the sorting and registration confirmation with a campaign, pilgrims are required to pay the Hajj cost amounting to 1,500 Kuwaiti dinars (around $4,900). Failure to pay within the designated timeframe will result in the application being canceled. Once accepted and registered with a campaign, pilgrims are permitted a one-time campaign change before January 15, 2026. Such changes will be contingent upon availability, with replacement candidates selected according to the lottery ranking. The new candidate will then have three days to complete the payment of 1,500 dinars. The circular clarifies that the sorting and acceptance process will strictly follow the lottery system, with notifications sent through the Sahel application. The cancellation policy allows pilgrims to receive refunds if cancellations are made before January 18, 2026; cancellations after this date will forfeit the full amount. The Ministry announced that further details regarding payment methods and registration deadlines will be provided in subsequent circulars. This comprehensive framework aims to streamline the Hajj registration process, ensuring fairness and transparency for all applicants.