Kuwait has just made some major changes to its visa policy, aiming to open up the country to more tourists, families, and business travellers. The changes, which took effect this week, reflect a wider shift in how Kuwait is positioning itself on the global travel map.
Key Changes to the Kuwait Visa Policy
Kuwait has rolled out several visa updates to make travel easier and more flexible, including scrapped degree requirements, longer visit stays, and more airline options for travellers.
Here’s a quick look at what’s changing in Kuwait’s visa policy and why it matters.
1. University Degree Requirement Scrapped
Until now, applying for certain visit visas required a university degree. That rule is now gone. Starting Tuesday, August 05, travellers planning to enter Kuwait no longer need to hold a degree to be eligible for entry.
This is a major step toward making Kuwait more accessible, especially for families of expatriates and visitors from countries where higher education isn’t always common.
2. Visit Visa Extended to 3 Months, With Option to Renew
The government is rolling out a more flexible visit visa system: A new three-month visit visa will be available, replacing the previous single, multiple-entry visa. Visitors will be able to extend their stay for up to six months or even a year by paying the required fees.
- Initial stay: 3 months
- Extension: Possible up to 6 months or even 1 year
- Entry type: Single or multiple entry
- Fees: Final pricing to be approved by the Cabinet soon
Visitors can choose their preferred duration and pay accordingly. Authorities say visa overstay violations have been rare, so there’s confidence in relaxing the rules.
3. No More National Carrier Requirement
One of the biggest policy shifts: visitors are no longer required to fly on Kuwait’s national carriers to enter the country. This opens the door for more airlines, foreign and regional, to compete in the market and serve Kuwait-bound travellers.
In fact, Middle East Airlines (MEA) has already received the green light to carry passengers holding family visit visas, which until now could only be used on Kuwaiti airlines.
The Minister made it clear: “The state is not a marketer for airlines. They need to market themselves.”
Kinship Rules Expanded
Family visit visa eligibility has been broadened to include relatives up to the fourth degree. Previously, the rules were stricter, often limiting visits to immediate family. This is especially important for Kuwait’s large expatriate population, many of whom come from cultures where extended families are closely connected.
What About Those With Security Flags?
Anyone flagged for security reasons will now be notified immediately. But resolving these issues isn’t handled by the visa platform itself; it’s up to the applicants to clear their records through the proper legal or diplomatic channels.
Kuwait Wants Airlines and Tourists Back
Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah, stressed that these visa changes are part of a bigger plan. The country is building a new airport and wants to encourage airlines that previously exited the market to return.
His broader goal? To make Kuwait a hub for tourism and trade.
Visa Fees Still Under Review
While many of the new policies are already active, the final decision on visa fees is expected from the Cabinet soon. The aim is to set fair pricing that encourages visitors without burdening them.
Kuwait Wants to Compete in the Region
The Interior Minister ended his update by saying Kuwait is shaping its visa platform into a regional leader, making it more efficient, more transparent, and more open to feedback.
“We accept the comments with open hearts,” he said. “Our goal is to make Kuwait a leader.”
What’s New with Kuwait Visa Policy?
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| University degree requirement | Scrapped |
| Visit visa duration | 3 months, extendable up to 6 months or 1 year |
| National carrier rule | Removed |
| Kinship eligibility | Extended to 4th-degree relatives |
| Multiple airlines permitted | Yes, including MEA and other non-Kuwaiti carriers |
| Visa fee structure | Awaiting Cabinet approval |
| Security restrictions | Applicants will be notified and must resolve issues independently |
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been considering a trip to Kuwait or bringing family to visit, this might be the right time. The visa process just got a whole lot easier.
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