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3 ways to enter

Kuwait visas

Kuwait visa on arrival

Eligible nationalities can get a visa on arrival by air. Foreign GCC residents with qualifying residence validity can get a tourist visa at any entry point.

Ways to get a Kuwait visa on arrival

  1. Visa on arrival by air

    Visa on arrival

    Citizens of all European Union member states and the other listed countries and territories qualify when arriving by air.

    Valid for
    3 months.
    1. Arrive in Kuwait by air.
    2. Obtain the visa on arrival.

  2. Tourist visa with carrier confirmation

    Visa on arrival

    Travellers visiting for tourism who hold confirmation from their transport carrier may obtain this visa.

    Valid for
    1 month.
    1. Obtain confirmation from your transport carrier.
    2. Obtain the tourist visa on arrival.

  3. Tourist visa for foreign GCC residents

    Visa on arrival

    Foreign residents of GCC countries qualify if their residence permission has at least 6 months of validity.

    1. Check that your GCC residence permission has at least 6 months of validity.
    2. Obtain the tourist visa on arrival at a Kuwait entry point.

Who needs it

Travellers who need a visa and meet an arrival route's conditions may obtain it when they reach Kuwait.

Who doesn't

Citizens of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can enter without a visa.

How to apply

  1. Check which visa-on-arrival route you qualify for.
  2. Arrive at an entry point allowed by that route and obtain your visa.

What to bring

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months, unless you are a GCC citizen.

Good to know

  • The nationality-based route requires arrival by air.
  • The foreign GCC resident route requires at least 6 months of residence validity.
  • The stated visa validity does not specify the permitted length of stay.
  • Fees and processing times are not given.

Questions

Do I need a visa on arrival for Kuwait?

Travellers who need a visa and meet an arrival route's conditions may obtain it when they reach Kuwait. Citizens of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can enter without a visa.

What are the ways to get a visa on arrival for Kuwait?

There are 3 options: Visa on arrival by air (a visa at the border); Tourist visa with carrier confirmation (a visa at the border); Tourist visa for foreign GCC residents (a visa at the border).

How long is a Kuwait visa on arrival valid?

3 months for the listed nationality-based route.

What documents do I need for a Kuwait visa on arrival?

A passport valid for at least 6 months, unless you are a GCC citizen..

How do I apply for a Kuwait visa on arrival?

1. 1. Check which visa-on-arrival route you qualify for. 2. 2. Arrive at an entry point allowed by that route and obtain your visa.

What rules do I have to follow on a Kuwait visa on arrival?

The nationality-based route requires arrival by air. The foreign GCC resident route requires at least 6 months of residence validity.

Does my passport change whether I need a visa on arrival for Kuwait?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Kuwait visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a visa on arrival for Kuwait be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Kuwait visa on arrival rules?

On Kuwait's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my visa on arrival once I am in Kuwait?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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