Kuwait to Resume Issuance of All Expat Visas
Last month, the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait announced the re-issuance of all kinds of expat entry visas. Entry to Kuwait is currently possible only for travellers who have been given the full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine approved by the government of Kuwait.
It has been a while since Kuwait was in the spotlight and it is now time to shine again! The country offers visitors a beautiful mix of modernity and tradition. You can enjoy an amazing view from the top of its Burj Al-Hamra tower, explore its rich history at Kuwait National Museum, or take part in one of many cultural festivals like the Hala February Kuwait.
In September 2020, the authorities of Kuwait suspended the issuance of all types of visas as the country closed its borders due to the spread of COVID-19 cases. Starting from Oct.24th, Kuwait restored visas to all foreign travellers who have been fully vaccinated. Kuwaiti authorities have noted that the visa handling process can take more time than usual due to the huge number of applications. Moreover, travellers to Kuwait will also need to register on the Kuwait Mosafer platform and download the Shlonik application before their trip.
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COVID-19 vaccines approved in Kuwait
In order to be granted a visa to Kuwait, an applicant must receive a full dose of one of the following vaccines:
Two doses:
- AstraZeneca/Oxford
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Moderna
Single dose:
- Johnson & Johnson
Travelers who have been fully vaccinated with Sinovac, Sputnik, or Sinopharm can enter Kuwait only if they take the third dose of one of the coronavirus vaccines approved by Kuwait (listed above).
All visa applicants need to submit the COVID-19 vaccination certificate proof with QR code which will be checked before granting a visa to Kuwait.
Current conditions to issue expat visas to Kuwait
Electronic visas
e-Visa to Kuwait is a single-entry permit that allows spending even 3 months in Kuwait. The stay must cover tourism-related activities.
The issuance of electronic visas is possible for:
- Citizens included on the list of countries eligible for Kuwait eVisa
- Embassies of Kuwait located abroad
- Companies and hotels registered in the automated system under the Special Services Department procedures.
- GCC countries residents holding specified professions
Other visas
Dependent visas are granted only to the spouses of the applicants and to children of a Kuwaiti woman who is married to a foreigner (tourist visas too). Residents who wish to apply for a dependent visa need to draw a min. salary of $1,655 (per month). Kuwait restored also business and work visas.
