[Kuwait] e-visa access for expatriates in GCC countries expanded

Kuwait has updated and clarified the eligibility rules for its electronic visa (e-visa) system, expanding access for qualified expatriates residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, MSN reports.

The move is intended to modernise immigration processes while maintaining security and regulatory safeguards.

The new guidelines reportedly allow expatriates living in GCC nations to apply for a Kuwait e-visa if they meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid GCC residency for more than six months

• Possess a passport valid for at least six months from their entry date

• Work in approved professions, such as:

• Doctors

• Engineers

• Lawyers

• Teachers

• Journalists

• Business Managers

• Maintain a clean legal record

Kuwait maintains exclusions for nationals from several countries. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen are not eligible for the e-visa and must apply in person at a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate in their GCC country of residence.

Citizens of 53 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, France, and several other European and Asian nations, can obtain a visit visa on arrival at Kuwait International Airport.

The requirements for a visa on arrival are:

• Valid passport (minimum six months)

• Return ticket

• Accommodation address registered at the visa counter

The Kuwait e-visa application process is entirely online and typically processed in 1 to 3 business days. Applicants must upload the following:

• Passport biodata page (digital copy)

• Valid GCC residency proof

• Return ticket

• Recent passport-sized photograph

• Accommodation details

• Proof of profession (if applicable)

Once approved, the e-visa is reportedly sent by email. Travellers must print and carry a copy upon entry.

Validity and stay duration

• e-visa validity: 90 days from the date of issuance

• Permitted stay: Up to 90 days from the date of entry

Expatriates must ensure that their documents remain valid throughout their stay and adhere to Kuwaiti laws and regulations.

Source: MSN

Kuwait has updated and clarified the eligibility rules for its electronic visa (e-visa) system, expanding access for qualified expatriates residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, MSN reports.

The move is intended to modernise immigration processes while maintaining security and regulatory safeguards.

The new guidelines reportedly allow expatriates living in GCC nations to apply for a Kuwait e-visa if they meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid GCC residency for more than six months

• Possess a passport valid for at least six months from their entry date

• Work in approved professions, such as:

• Doctors

• Engineers

• Lawyers

• Teachers

• Journalists

• Business Managers

• Maintain a clean legal record

Kuwait maintains exclusions for nationals from several countries. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen are not eligible for the e-visa and must apply in person at a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate in their GCC country of residence.

Citizens of 53 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, France, and several other European and Asian nations, can obtain a visit visa on arrival at Kuwait International Airport.

The requirements for a visa on arrival are:

• Valid passport (minimum six months)

• Return ticket

• Accommodation address registered at the visa counter

The Kuwait e-visa application process is entirely online and typically processed in 1 to 3 business days. Applicants must upload the following:

• Passport biodata page (digital copy)

• Valid GCC residency proof

• Return ticket

• Recent passport-sized photograph

• Accommodation details

• Proof of profession (if applicable)

Once approved, the e-visa is reportedly sent by email. Travellers must print and carry a copy upon entry.

Validity and stay duration

• e-visa validity: 90 days from the date of issuance

• Permitted stay: Up to 90 days from the date of entry

Expatriates must ensure that their documents remain valid throughout their stay and adhere to Kuwaiti laws and regulations.

Source: MSN