KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait has officially opened its doors to visitors from all nationalities, implementing streamlined visa and residency processes to facilitate entry while enforcing stricter compliance measures.
Brigadier Hamad Al-Ruwaih, Director of the Special Services Department in the Residency Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), confirmed the development, stating that visa applications are now available to everyone except Israeli citizens.
Faster visa processing
Under the new regulations, visa applications can be processed in as little as one minute, with a maximum waiting period of 24 hours in cases requiring additional security checks.
Applicants can submit requests in person or online through the ‘Sahel’ government application and the Kuwait e-Visa platform.
Tourist visas are also now granted at border entry points for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, provided they work in approved professions. Additionally, citizens from 52 countries can obtain visas on arrival at Kuwait’s international airports.
Simplified entry
The revised visa policy also makes it easier for residents to bring their family members to Kuwait. Family visit visas and residency permits have been streamlined, while commercial visas for business travellers have been enhanced to promote economic activity.
Brigadier Al-Ruwaih highlighted that the Special Services Department is responsible for handling diplomatic and government-related visas. Transactions for diplomats and embassy staff are governed by international agreements, with a dedicated online platform set to launch soon to facilitate their applications securely.
Heavy penalties
To ensure compliance with Kuwait’s residency laws, authorities have introduced stricter fines and penalties for visa violations. As of 5 January, individuals overstaying their visas or failing to report changes in status face significant financial consequences. Fines for certain offences can reach up to KD 2,000.
For example, the penalty for failing to register the birth of a child in Kuwait has increased. Previously capped at KD 600, the fine now begins at KD 2 per day for the first month, rising to KD 4 per day from the second month onwards. If left unreported for over four months, the fine can escalate significantly.
Despite these penalties, Brigadier Al-Ruwaih emphasised that Kuwait’s goal is compliance rather than revenue collection from fines. Authorities urge all visitors and residents to adhere strictly to regulations to avoid penalties, deportation, or permanent bans on re-entry.
Tourism and economic growth
Inspired by the tourism successes of neighbouring Gulf nations, Kuwait is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for international visitors. New investments in tourism, including large-scale entertainment projects and improved infrastructure, aim to diversify the economy beyond oil revenue.
“These reforms are designed to make Kuwait a welcoming yet secure destination,” said Al-Ruwaih. “By modernising our visa processes and maintaining stringent security measures, we are fostering both economic growth and public safety.”
For those seeking to apply for a Kuwait visa, applications can be submitted online.