Kuwait has significantly modernized its travel landscape by launching a comprehensive electronic visa (e-visa) system in July 2025, alongside a series of relaxed entry requirements. These initiatives are central to Kuwait's Vision 2035, aiming to bolster international tourism and streamline public services.
The new e-visa platform, accessible through the Ministry of Interior's dedicated portal, simplifies the application process for various traveler categories, including Tourist, Family Visit, Business, and Official Visas. The Tourist Visa permits stays of up to 90 days, the Family Visit Visa allows visits of up to 30 days, the Business Visa is valid for 30 days for professional engagements, and the Official Visa is for diplomatic and government delegations, also valid for 30 days. The entire application process is conducted online, requiring applicants to select their visa type, complete a form, upload necessary documents, and make a payment, with approved e-visas delivered via email.
Citizens from 53 countries are now eligible to apply for the e-visa, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries who have held valid residency for at least six months can also apply. This expansion broadens access significantly, building upon previous regulations that limited visa-on-arrival to specific professions. Further enhancing accessibility, Kuwait removed the university degree requirement for visit visas in August 2025. This move is expected to attract a wider demographic of visitors, fostering closer family ties and making the country more approachable for individuals from diverse educational backgrounds. The maximum stay for visit visas has also been extended, offering greater flexibility for travelers.
These reforms underscore Kuwait's commitment to modernizing its visa policies, improving the travel experience for international visitors, and supporting its economic diversification goals as outlined in Vision 2035. The introduction of the e-visa system and the relaxation of entry criteria are poised to attract a greater number of tourists and business travelers, contributing to the nation's economic growth and its ambition to become a prominent regional hub.