Kuwait resumes issuance of tourist visas with new guidelines

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has declared that starting from today, 7th February 2024, it will recommence the issuance of visit visas for various purposes, including family, business, and tourism, all in adherence to new guidelines.

This move is a strategic decision endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yusuf Al Sabah, with the objective of propelling the commercial, economic, and tourism sectors forward in Kuwait. It also aims to address the social needs of the expatriate community within the nation.

To apply for a visit visa, individuals are required to book an appointment through the Matta platform, preparing the residency affairs departments in different governorates to process these applications.

For family visit visas, the eligibility criteria have been set. Expatriate workers with a minimum monthly income of KD400 are allowed to sponsor visas for their parents, spouses, and children. For sponsoring other relatives, the minimum income threshold is KD800.

Applicants must comply with several conditions, such as providing evidence of round-trip flight bookings with national carriers, ensuring the visit does not lead to an application for residency conversion, adhering to the specified duration of the visit, and agreeing that any medical treatment for visitors will be provided by private healthcare institutions, excluding public hospitals. In instances of visa overstay, the visitor and sponsor will face legal repercussions under the Foreigners Residency Law.

Commercial visas are available for individuals holding university or technical degrees, upon request by a Kuwaiti company, provided the request aligns with the company’s operational nature and activities.

Kuwait has also updated its list to include 53 countries whose citizens are eligible for a visa upon arrival. This extensive list features countries from across the globe, including Andorra, Australia, Canada, China, and many European nations. In addition, citizens of Vatican City can now obtain a visit visa either upon arrival in Kuwait or through the online visa system, according to the newly implemented regulations.

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