Kuwait Visa Fee, How to Apply & Eligibility Process

In 2025, Kuwait will provide visas issued by the Embassy for Tourism, Visa arrival, family tour, work, and business. Tourist E-Visa allows a 30-day stay for more than 170 nationalities. Family visit visas may be increased by 3 months with a local sponsor. Work visas require job offers, sponsorship, and medical clearance, which is valid for 3 years. Business visa with corporate sponsorship for the last 30 days. The visa fee depends on the visa type, from $ 10 to $ 450. GCC citizens have been exempted.

Types of Kuwait Visas

Kuwait offers several visa types based on your purpose of visit:

• Tourist Visa (eVisa): For sightseeing, valid for up to 30 days.
• Family Visit Visa: For visiting relatives living in Kuwait, valid for 1–3 months.
• Work Visa (Article 17/18): For employment, valid for 1–3 years (renewable).
• Business Visa: For meetings or conferences, valid for up to 30 days.

Eligibility Criteria

Most Kuwait visa applications require:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry with 2 blank pages.
• Photos: 2–5 recent passport-size photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background, taken within 6 months).
• Application Form: Completed accurately, online or at an embassy.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements (last 6 months, not older than 1 month) showing enough money (e.g., $100–150/day for tourists).
• Travel Itinerary: Confirmed return flight tickets and hotel bookings or invitation letter.
• Health Requirements: Medical certificate from a GAMCA-approved clinic for work/family visas, screening for infectious diseases.
• Sponsorship: For family, work, or business visas, a Kuwaiti sponsor (e.g., employer, relative, or company) is often required.
• No Israeli Stamps: Passports with Israeli stamps or evidence of travel to Israel lead to visa denial.
  

Visa Fees of Kuwait

Visa Type	Fee
eVisa (Government Fee)	8 KWD (~$25 USD)
eVisa (Service Fee via Agencies)	$49 USD
Visa on Arrival	$10 – $20 USD
Work Visa Transfer	150 KWD (~$490 USD)

Specific Requirements by Visa Type

1. Tourist Visa (eVisa)

• Eligibility: Available for ~170 nationalities, including India, the US, and the UK.
• Documents: Passport copy, digital photo, travel itinerary, proof of funds.
• Processing Time: 1–3 business days.
• Cost: $20–$50, depending on nationality.
• Validity: 30 days, single entry.

2. Family Visit Visa

• Eligibility: For husband and wife, children under 18, or other relatives of Kuwaiti residents. The sponsor requires a legitimate residence permit and a minimum wage of KWD 800 (any degree required for the spouse below 14 years; required for children up to 14-18 years until in specific businesses such as medicine or engineering).
• Document: Evidence of relationship (marriage/birth certificate), Salary certificate of sponsor, invitation letter.
• Processing time: 4-8 weeks.
• Cost: It varies from nationality, usually $ 30- $ 100.
• Validity: 1-3 months, expandable up to 90 days.

3. Work Visa (Article 17/18)

• Eligibility: Requires a job offer from a Kuwaiti employer. Minimum age: 21. No criminal record.
• Documents: Job offer, work permit from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, medical certificate, police clearance (for some nationalities), and employer’s security clearance.
• Processing Time: 3–4 weeks.
• Cost: Varies, often covered by employer.
• Validity: 1–3 years, renewable. A residency permit must be obtained within 30 days of arrival.

4. Business Visa

• Eligibility: Requires a Kuwaiti company sponsor.
• Documents: Invitation letter from the company, proof of business purpose, passport copy, and photos.
• Processing Time: 5–10 business days.
• Cost: $50–$100.
• Validity: Up to 30 days.

Application Process

For eVisa (Tourist/Business)

1. Visit the Kuwait Ministry of Interior website (kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw) or use trusted platforms like iVisa or VisaHQ.
2. Fill out the online form with personal and passport details.
3. Upload documents (passport copy, photo, itinerary, etc.).
4. Pay the fee online.
5. Receive the eVisa via email within 1–3 days. Print and carry a digital copy.

For Embassy/Consulate Visa (Family/Work/Business)

1. Contact the Kuwaiti embassy or consulate in your country for the application form.
2. Gather required documents (passport, photos, sponsor letters, etc.).
3. Apply in person, by mail, or through an authorized agent.
4. Pay the non-refundable fee (varies by country/visa type).
5. Wait for processing (3–8 weeks, depending on visa type).
6. Collect your passport with the visa stamp or receive it electronically.

For a Visa on Arrival

• Eligible nationalities can get a visa at Kuwait International Airport.
• Show your passport, photos, travel itinerary, and proof of funds at immigration.
• Pay the fee (around $10–$20).
• The visa is granted immediately and remains valid for three months.

Financial Requirements

• Tourist Visa: Show bank statement with adequate amount ($ 100–150/day, like $ 3,000 for 30 days). The statement must be recent (within 1 month).
• Family Visit Visa: The sponsor will have to prove a minimum wage of KWD 800/month. Applicants may need to show personal money if the sponsors’ support is inadequate.
• Work Visa: No specific amount, but the employer sponsor often covers the cost. Applicants may require $ 1,000- $ 2,000 in savings for initial expenses.
• Business Visa: Proof of money to live (eg, $ 1,500- $ 2,500) or financial guarantee of sponsor for 30 days.

Tips for a successful application

• Apply early: Start 2-3 months in advance for embassy visas, or 2 weeks for e-visas.
• Check the documents: Ensure that all are in full, accurate, and correct format; Translate into Arabic when needed. Use reliable sources: Apply through official sites or iconic agencies to avoid scams.
• Plan Time: Workday may intensify in the morning.
• Track Status: Check through Kuwait’s Internal Ministry or Embassy.
• Honor Culture: Avoid issues by following local laws and admission rules.
• Extend on time: Apply at least 1 week before the end of fines or restrictions.
• Take advice: For complex cases, consult an embassy or visa specialist.

General cause of rejection

• Incomplete or a fake document.
• The passport lacks 6 months’ validity or 2 empty pages.
• Inadequate money or vague travel objective.
• Sponsor disqualification or missing invitation letter.
• Criminal records or pre-viz violations.

Who Needs a Visa?

• Visa-Exempt: Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) can enter with ID cards for an indefinite stay. Chinese citizens with public affairs passports and holders of diplomatic/official passports from countries like India, Pakistan, and the UK are also exempt.
• eVisa or Visa on Arrival: Citizens of 53 countries (e.g., the US, Canada, UK, India) can apply for an eVisa online or get a visa on arrival (3 months validity for tourism).
• Pre-Arranged Visa: Others must apply through a Kuwaiti embassy or sponsor before travel.