Kuwait temporarily suspends e-Visa service

 Gulf country offers tourist visa on arrival at Kuwait City International Airport

Kuwait City (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 12th December, 2024) Gulf country Kuwait temporarily suspends e-visa service, offers visa on arrival for 53 countries. According to Gulf News, Kuwait has announced the temporary suspension of its widely used e-visa system to upgrade the platform with the aim of making it more functional. The hiatus affects citizens of 53 countries who previously relied on the online system to obtain travel visas. However, to ensure uninterrupted access, the Gulf country is offering tourist visas on arrival at its Kuwait City International Airport.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has said that the suspension is part of an innovative initiative to improve the e-visa platform and provide a better user experience. Although no timeline has been given for restoring the service, authorities have confirmed alternative measures to accommodate travelers during this period.

It has been reported that travelers from 53 eligible countries can obtain a tourist visa upon landing in Kuwait. This will require a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed return or onward flight ticket, a visa fee of 3 Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD) and details of a residential address in Kuwait. Applications are being processed at immigration checkpoints at Kuwait International Airport where tourists will be required to register their address for the duration of their stay.

It has been learned that the countries eligible for the Visa on Arrival program include 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, United Kingdom, United States and the Vatican.

Kuwaiti authorities have said that for travelers who cannot use the visa-on-arrival facility, Kuwait offers several alternatives, including a visit visa sponsored by a Kuwaiti resident, which requires sponsorship by a local individual or organization, as well as a GCC resident visa, available to residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, along with specific professions and business visas, which require proof of work-related travel, such as an invitation letter and supporting documents.

The temporary suspension is said to highlight Kuwait’s commitment to expanding its digital services for international tourists. While the upgrade process is underway, travelers are encouraged to stay informed of any developments related to the e-visa platform. For now, Kuwait continues to welcome tourists through its seamless visa-on-arrival system, ensuring that the country is accessible to all.