BUSINESS VISA

Application for visas to Kuwait can be made in the country of the applicant's residence at the Kuwait Embassy or, alternatively, at any Kuwait Embassy outside the country of residence. A visa can also be obtained from the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait through the visitor's sponsor or host. Hotels also provide entry visas to Kuwait, provided you stay at their premises.

New visa regulations are in effect now and allow certain nationalities (Andorras, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA, Vatican) to obtain Tourism visa valid for 3 months upon arrival.

Also professionals of other countries not covered in the list and residing in any of the GCC countries can enter Kuwait for a 3 months tourism visa.

For others an application form stating the reason for the visit should be completed and submitted to the Embassy alongwith two passport size photographs of the candidate. The application must also be accompanied by two letters - one from the sponsor (containing an invitation) and the other, a letter of introduction from the candidate's company.

If the application is accepted, a one month visa will be issued. Upon arrival, the passport is stamped and a sheet is attached which states the date of expiry of the stay. A person in Kuwait on a tourist visa may not take up employment, for which he or she must have a residence visa. The passport should be carried always with the person as frequent checks for correct documentation is a way of life in Kuwait.

If the three month stay is insufficient and needs to be extended, then the Immigration Department must be contacted to request an extension. Alternatively, you can also travel to one of the neighbouring GCC countries and re-enter Kuwait on a new visa. If the date of exit expires you might be required to pay a fine (KD.10 per day) as a penalty before the exit stamp is issued. This fine can be paid at the point of departure. It can also be paid at the relevant Immigration Department.

Kuwait has also in principle agreed to issue multiple entry visas to certain categories such as businessmen, which allows the holder to enter the country any number of times within a specified twelve month period for up to one month stay per visit. However, in practice, many of the sponsors seem reluctant to exercise this option.

Entry permits must be obtained well in advance since resolving a problem at the airport upon arrival is usually not possible. Very often, people have been refused entry and are forced to leave Kuwait on the next flight. Transit visitors are permitted a maximum of one week stay and can be obtained from a Kuwaiti Consulate abroad or from a Port Authority in Kuwait. The applicant must have a valid visa for his next country of destination and, unless he is working on a ship or airline. International truck drivers and their helpers may obtain multiple entry transit visas. but a visit permit must be arranged in advance. In any case most airlines do not issue boarding cards without a valid permit or visa.