Latest news with #evisa
Arabian Business
18-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Kuwait launches new online visa portal for tourists, families, and business visitors
The Kuwait Ministry of Interior has launched a new online visa platform that allows foreign nationals to apply for e-visas. The portal enables users to submit visa applications for approved categories and access detailed visa guidelines before travelling to the country. Launched under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, the platform supports four major visa types: government, business, family, and tourism. Kuwait e-visa types explained The new Kuwait visa portal enables visitors to apply for the following: Government visa: Issued to officials or government employees visiting Kuwait for official purposes. Valid for 30 days from the date of entry. Business visa: Issued for commercial visits such as meetings or establishing partnerships. Requires a local sponsor. Valid for 30 days from the date of entry. Family visa: Issued to individuals visiting family members residing in Kuwait. Valid for 30 days from the date of entry Tourist visa: Issued to visitors entering Kuwait for leisure or tourism. Entry permit is valid for 30 days from issuance, with a maximum stay of 90 days from the date of entry. Each of these visas is single-entry and does not permit employment. The platform also outlines full details for residency permits, visit visas, and special entry categories, including entry durations, document requirements, and applicable fees or penalties. Kuwait residency entry permits Kuwait issues residency entry permits under the following categories: Government work Private Sector work Domestic workers and similar cases Commercial or industrial activity Family dependents Students Temporary government contracts منصة كويت فيزا Kuwait Visa Portal #CGCKuwait — مركز التواصل الحكومي (@CGCKuwait) July 16, 2025 Kuwait residency permit requirements Passport validity: Minimum 1 year and 6 months Entry permit validity: 90 days from the date of issuance Stay duration (pre-residency): Up to 60 days from the date of entry Criminal record certificate: Required from the home country (issued within 90 days), or from the country of residence if the applicant has lived there for two years Post-arrival process: Must report to the General Directorate of Residency Affairs to finalise residency Note: Entry permit is considered invalid if it does not match the passport details Short-term visit visas: Rules and Categories Visit visas include: Government visit visa Family visit visa Private visit visa General conditions Passport validity: Minimum 6 months Entry permit validity: 30 days from issuance Maximum stay: 30 days from the date of entry Entry type: Single entry Employment: Strictly prohibited Special Kuwait visa categories Visa type Stay duration Entry validity Entries Notes Tourist visa 90 days 30 days from issuance Single Work prohibited Business visa 30 days 30 days from issuance Single Requires local sponsor Multiple entry visa 30 days per entry Up to 1 year Multiple Work prohibited Transit visa 7 days 30 days from issuance Single Must hold visa for destination Transport drivers 14 days 30 days from issuance Single Work prohibited Emergency visa 7 days 30 days from issuance Single Work prohibited Kuwait residency visa fees and penalties Visit visa fees and overstay penalties Visa Type Entry Fee Overstay Penalty Government Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Family Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Private Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Tourism Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Business Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Multiple Entry Visa KD3 + KD/month (~$3.25/month) KD10/day (~$33) Transit Visa KD2 (~$6.50) KD10/day (~$33) Transport Drivers Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Emergency Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Important reminders for all visa holders All visa holders must exit Kuwait before the visa expires Employment is not permitted under visit or transit visas Entry permits must match passport details exactly Criminal record certificates are required for all residency permits For official applications and complete visa information, visit the new Kuwait visa portal.
Gulf Business
14-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
India launches e-visa for Kuwaitis: What you need to know
Image credit: Getty Images The Embassy of India in Kuwait officially launched the e-visa service for Kuwaiti nationals on Sunday, July 13, marking a significant step toward simplifying visa procedures and strengthening bilateral relations. During a press conference, the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Adarsh Swaika, called the initiative a 'crucial development' aimed at streamlining travel and boosting people-to-people ties between India and Kuwait, a Read- Fully online visa process The e-visa application is entirely digital and can be completed on the Applicants no longer need to visit the embassy in person. The service covers five main categories: tourism, business, medical, ayush-yoga, and conference visas. 'This initiative aligns with India's vision of expanding access and enhancing digital service delivery,' said Ambassador Swaika. The tourist visa is valid for up to five years, the business visa for up to one year, and the medical visa for up to 60 days. Processing time typically takes three to four business days, and the fees range from $40 to $80, depending on visa type and duration. Required Paper visas still accepted Ambassador Swaika confirmed that the Indian Consulate in Kuwait will continue to accept paper visa applications for those preferring traditional processing methods. Additionally, biometric fingerprints will be collected at Indian airports from arriving Kuwaiti travelers who use the e-visa system. Activities allowed under e-visa India's e-visa accommodates a wide range of short-term, non-formal activities, such as: Tourism and sightseeing Visiting friends or relatives Attending short-term yoga programs Enrolling in informal courses (language, music, art, cooking, etc.) of less than six months Volunteering for non-paid work (up to one month) Medical treatment under general or Indian systems of medicine Business engagements Attending government or private conferences, seminars, or workshops Acting as an attendant for an e-Medical visa holder Conditions for eligibility To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria: Passport valid for at least six months at the time of application Must possess a return or onward journey ticket Should have sufficient funds for the duration of the stay Not applicable to holders of Pakistani passports or of Pakistani origin Not valid for diplomatic or official passport holders, or those with laissez-passer travel documents Each applicant must hold a separate passport Not valid for individuals with international travel documents other than a passport More details and Full list of Citizens from over 170 countries, including Kuwait, are eligible to apply for an Indian e-visa. The complete list is as follows: A–C Albania, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic D–G Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guyana H–L Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg M–N Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Niue Island, Norway O–S Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland T–Z Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe Boosting bilateral mobility This initiative is part of India's broader digital diplomacy efforts to modernize consular services and encourage tourism, investment, and cultural exchange. Ambassador Swaika expressed hope that more Kuwaiti citizens will take advantage of this simplified system to explore India's tourism, medical, and educational offerings.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait launches new e-visa system for tourists, families, and business travelers
Kuwait - 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.
Gulf Business
06-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Kuwait launches new e-visa platform to boost travel, digital efficiency
Image: Getty Images Kuwait has officially launched a new electronic visa (e-visa) system, aimed at simplifying and accelerating entry procedures for travelers, residents, and official visitors, as part of its broader digital transformation and tourism strategy. The newly implemented platform, managed by the Ministry of Interior, supports four visa categories — tourist, family, business, and official — and is expected to reduce processing times and eliminate administrative hurdles. The tourist visa allows a stay of up to 90 days and is designed for individuals wishing to explore Kuwait's cultural and leisure offerings. The family visa, valid for 30 days, enables Kuwaiti residents to invite relatives for short-term stays, facilitating family reunification. The business visa, also valid for 30 days, is tailored to foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, and corporate representatives visiting for meetings, events, or commercial negotiations. The official visa category is granted to diplomats and government delegations on formal missions, including international conferences and bilateral meetings, based on invitations from Kuwaiti authorities. How to apply on the e-visa platform The e-visa platform is accessible through the Ministry of Interior's official The move aligns with Kuwait's long-term strategy to enhance digital public services and reinforce its position as a key destination for tourism, investment, and diplomacy. The new system complements other regional initiatives, including the anticipated Read:
Khaleej Times
12-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
Saudi Arabia resumes e-visa services for visitors after Hajj concludes
Saudi Arabia has now resumed e-visa applications, the country's tourism authority has said. The e-visa process resumed on June 10, which means travelers from eligible countries can apply online with ease, making it simpler to plan a trip to Saudi this summer. Those holding valid Schengen, UK, or US visit visas — or who are residents of the EU, UK, or US - are also eligible for visa-on-arrival at Saudi entry points. As summer unfolds across Saudi, the country is alive with cultural festivals, coastal escapes, and international headline events like the Esports World Cup. Whether you're looking to explore ancient heritage sites, cool off in the mountains, or catch the global gaming action in Riyadh, this could be one of the most exciting times to visit the country. Umrah visas resume As Muslim pilgrims wrapped up days of worshipping and praying during Hajj in the holy sites of Makkah, Saudi authorities announced on Monday the resumption of issuing Umrah visas starting Tuesday, June 10. Over 1.6 million Muslims from more than 150 nations visited Makkah during the annual Islamic pilgrimage, authorities said earlier. The pilgrims performed the final leg of the highly significant religious journey by circling the Kaaba in a what is called the "farewell tawaf". It was also revealed that restrictions which were put in place for entering Makkah during the Hajj season were to be lifted starting Wednesday, June 11. Visa issues ahead of Hajj season In April 2025, ahead of the Hajj season, travelers were facing issues with their visa applications to Saudi Arabia. According to some travel operators, visa issuance was suspended in preparation for the Hajj season. Authorities in Saudi Arabia had announced that Umrah pilgrims could last enter the country on April 13. Umrah operators had said they were unable to get any categories of visas issued whether they are multi-entry, single-entry, Umrah, or family visit. Saudi Arabia
