Shawdesh Desk:

Kuwait has announced the temporary suspension of its e-Visa service in order to upgrade and improve the system, enhancing the overall visitor experience. This decision affects travelers from 53 countries who had planned to apply for their visas online before arriving in the country.

The Ministry of Interior of Kuwait explained that this temporary halt is part of an initiative to modernize the e-Visa platform and better serve international visitors. While a specific date for the resumption of the service has not been provided, the government assures that alternative visa options are available to travelers during the upgrade.

Why is Kuwait Suspending e-Visa Services?

The suspension of the e-Visa service is part of Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to refine the visa application process and ensure that the system meets the needs of travelers. The update will focus on enhancing functionality and streamlining the visa issuance experience. While travelers will not be able to apply for their e-Visas online during this period, the government has assured that other visa options remain in place to facilitate travel to Kuwait.

Visa on Arrival: An Alternative for 53 Countries

For citizens of 53 countries, there’s good news! You can still obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Kuwait City International Airport. This option allows travelers to secure their visa without the need for an online application.

Eligible Countries: The following 53 countries are eligible for a visa on arrival in Kuwait:

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Cambodia
• Canada
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Georgia
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Laos
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Vatican

How to Obtain a Visa on Arrival in Kuwait

Travelers eligible for a visa on arrival can complete the process at the immigration checkpoint upon their arrival at Kuwait City International Airport. Here’s a quick guide to the requirements:

Documents Required:

1. Nationality: You must be a citizen of one of the 53 eligible countries.
2. Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Kuwait.
3. Return/Onward Ticket: You must have a return or onward ticket showing your departure from Kuwait.

Once these requirements are met, the immigration officers will process your visa upon arrival. The visa will typically be issued for a stay of up to 90 days, depending on your nationality and the discretion of the immigration authorities.

What Travelers Should Expect During the Suspension

While the e-Visa service is temporarily unavailable, travelers should expect no disruptions in their ability to enter Kuwait as long as they follow the standard visa on arrival process. This interim suspension offers a great opportunity for the authorities to refine the online visa system, which is expected to provide a more user-friendly experience once it is back online.

Conclusion

Kuwait’s temporary suspension of the e-Visa service reflects the country’s commitment to improving its visa processing system and enhancing the visitor experience. Travelers from 53 countries can still access visa-on-arrival services, ensuring that travel to Kuwait remains smooth and convenient during this period of transition. Keep an eye on the official government channels for updates on when the e-Visa service will resume, and be sure to follow the outlined procedures to ensure a hassle-free arrival in Kuwait.