Expanded e-Visa access for non-Kuwaiti professionals living in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations now available.
Streamlining Kuwait's E-Visa System for GCC Expatriates: Here's How to Apply
Kuwait recently upgraded its e-visa system to boost accessibility for qualified foreigners residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, all while maintaining national security and regulatory measures.
So, what’s the deal with the new rules? Take a peek below.
Who Can Apply?
First things first: let’s check if you’re eligible. To apply for a Kuwait e-visa as a GCC expat, you'll need the following:
- Legal residence in one of the GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, or Oman).
- At least six months of valid GCC residency.
- A legitimate passport that remains valid for the following six months from your planned entry date.
- A recognized profession (check out the list later in this guide).
- A clean slate: no travel bans or legal restrictions related to Kuwait.
What You'll Need to Apply
With eligibility squared away, let’s gather all the necessary documents:
- A digital copy of your passport's main page.
- Solid proof of your GCC residency that’s valid for at least six months.
- A confirmed return or onward travel ticket.
- A recent passport-sized photo against a white background.
- Your lodging details, such as a hotel booking or host’s invitation letter.
- If applicable, proof of your profession (official ID, a letter from your employer, or a relevant certificate).
Applying for the Kuwait E-Visa
Now that you have all your docs in order, let’s move on to the application process:
- Head over to the official Kuwait e-Visa portal.
- Fill out the online form with all the details like your personal info, travel plans, and required documents.
- Pay for the visa fee online and submit your application.
The Waiting Game
Your eagerly awaited e-visa should arrive via email within 1 to 3 business days, so keep an eye on your inbox. Once approved, don't forget to print out your e-visa and bring it with you when you enter Kuwait.
Important: Keep Your Documents in Check!
Your e-visa is valid for 90 days, allowing you to stay in Kuwait for up to 90 days too. Just remember: ensure that all your documents stay current throughout your stay, and abide by Kuwaiti laws and regulations.
This overhaul of Kuwait's immigrations processes aligns with broader efforts to simplify entry procedures, support tourism and business travel, and uphold regional safety standards.
Eligible Professions for the Kuwait E-Visa
Selected professions that make the cut include:
- Doctor
- Engineer
- Lawyer
- Teacher
- University graduate
- Consultant
- Journalist
- IT professional (e.g., programmer, system analyst)
- Pharmacist
- Pilot
- Business leader or manager
- Diplomatic corps staff
- Media personnel
After ensuring your profession is on the eligible list, consider applying for the Kuwait e-visa if you are a legal resident in one of the GCC countries and have a recognized profession such as a doctor, engineer, teacher, lawyer, university graduate, consultant, journalist, IT professional, pharmacist, pilot, business leader or manager, diplomatic corps staff, media personnel, or any related field. Once approved, you can use the e-visa to support your tourism, business travel, or other purposes within Kuwait for up to 90 days, maintaining the necessary compliance with Kuwaiti laws and regulations while embracing the advancements in technology that have streamlined the e-visa system for GCC expatriates.
