Kuwait e-Visa Halted & Visa on Arrival Open to 53 Countries

The Kuwaiti government has temporarily suspended its e-Visa service to update and improve the system. This means that travelers who were planning to obtain their visa online before arriving in Kuwait will need to find an alternative option for entry.

Why Is the e-Visa Service Suspended?

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Interior, the suspension is for development and enhancement purposes. The goal is to provide a more modernized e-Visa system that meets the growing expectations of visitors. While the exact timeline for when the service will be back online is unclear, it’s clear that the updates aim to improve the overall process.

Visa on Arrival Available for 53 Countries

During this period of suspension, travelers from 53 eligible countries can still obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Kuwait City International Airport. This alternative ensures that visitors won’t be penalized during the e-Visa downtime. The following countries and territories are eligible:

• Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican.
• Asia: Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea.
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
• North America: Canada, United States.

How to Obtain a Visa on Arrival

If you're from one of the eligible countries, here's how you can obtain your tourist visa upon arrival:

1. Arrival at Kuwait City International Airport: Upon landing, head to the immigration checkpoints.
2. Required Documents:
   • A passport that is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
   • A return or onward ticket to another destination.
   • A payment of 3 Kuwaiti dinars (KWD) for the visa fee.
3. Additional Requirements:
   • You must not be blacklisted by the State of Kuwait.
   • You’ll need to register your residential address during your stay when applying for the visa at the airport counter.

The visa issued is a single-entry tourist visa that is valid for three months.

Navigating the Temporary e-Visa Suspension

While Kuwait's e-Visa service is temporarily down, travelers from 53 eligible countries can still enjoy hassle-free entry with a visa on arrival. Make sure to have your passport, ticket, and visa fee ready when you land to ensure a smooth process at the airport. Keep an eye on updates from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior for more information about the resumption of the e-Visa service.