Kuwait Relaunches e-Visa Platform: Easier Travel for 53 Countries

Kuwait has rebooted its electronic visa system, making it easier than ever for travelers to visit this captivating country. The revamped online portal offers a user-friendly experience for tourists and soon, business travelers and those visiting family.

Great news for globetrotters! Kuwait has officially relaunched its electronic visa program after a brief hiatus for system enhancements. This revamped system boasts a user-friendly online portal designed to streamline the application process for tourists and future business travellers.

Kuwait e-Visa: A Convenient Solution for Travellers
The Kuwait e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization that simplifies the visa application process for eligible visitors. It eliminates the need for in-person appointments, allowing travellers to apply online from the comfort of their homes.

A New and Improved e-Visa Platform
Last month, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior paused operations on the previous e-Visa website (evisa.moi.gov.kw) to upgrade and enhance user experience. During the downtime, travellers could still obtain a tourist visa upon arrival.

The updated platform now offers a streamlined application process tailored for tourists and will soon cater to business travellers and residents hosting visitors.

How to Apply for a Kuwait e-Visa
The application process for a Kuwaiti tourist visa is now more straightforward than ever. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do:

1. Create an Account: Head over to the “Kuwait Visa” portal and register for an account.

2. Complete the Online Application: Once logged in, you’ll find an online application form. As a tourist from one of the 53 eligible countries, you’ll need to provide details such as:

• Passport Information: Passport number, issuance and expiry dates
• Traveller Details: Full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, etc.
• Basic Information: Religion, marital status, profession, mobile phone number
• Previous Visits (if applicable): Details of any past trips to Kuwait

3. Upload Required Documents: The following documents must be uploaded electronically:

• Passport Photo: A clear passport-sized photograph
• Passport Data Page: A scan of your passport’s information page
• Accommodation Details: A confirmed hotel reservation (or your host’s address in Kuwait)

4. Pay the Visa Fee: The electronic visa fee is a nominal 3 Kuwaiti dinars (KWD), which is roughly equivalent to 10 EUR or USD. The fee can be conveniently paid online.

Requirements for Kuwait e-Visa
To apply for a Kuwait e-Visa, travellers must meet the following requirements:

• Visa Fee Payment: Complete the payment of 3 Kuwaiti dinars online.
• Eligibility: Be a citizen of one of the 53 eligible countries or territories.
• Valid Passport: Ensure the passport has at least six months of validity from the intended date of entry.
• Supporting Documents: Provide a passport-sized photograph, the passport’s data page, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address).
• Contact Details: Include a working mobile phone number and email address for correspondence.

Eligible Countries for Kuwait’s e-Visa
Currently, the electronic tourist visa is available to citizens of 53 countries and territories, including:

• Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

• Asia-Pacific: Australia, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Georgia, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Turkey.

• Other Regions: Andorra, Canada, Holy See (Vatican City), Serbia, San Marino, Ukraine, and the United States.

Future Visa Categories on the Horizon
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior plans to expand the “Kuwait Visa” portal to include additional visa types, such as:

• Business Visa: For professional visits, including attending meetings, conferences, or forming partnerships.
• Family Visa: For visiting relatives residing in Kuwait.
• Government Visa: For officials attending international conferences or bilateral meetings.

What This Means for Travellers
The relaunch of Kuwait’s e-Visa service simplifies the visa application process for tourists while setting the stage for broader accessibility with new visa categories. Travellers are encouraged to use the new platform to ensure a seamless experience.

Source: https://travelobiz.com/kuwait-relaunches-e-visa-platform-easier-travel-for-53-countries/