New Tourist Visa Framework (Arab Times, Aug 12, 2025)
Four visa categories are now available:
1. Category 1: Citizens from “approved” countries (based on peace index, passport strength, etc.) — no extra requirements. Options include single or multiple entries, with stays ranging from 1–3 months, up to 6 months, or 1 year for single-entry (capped at one month per visit).
2. Category 2: Residents of GCC states, the US, UK, EU, or valid visa holders. Must have a recognized high- or mid-level profession; no formal financial proof needed.
3. Category 3: Still under review; would offer tourist visas based on proof of financial solvency (e.g., bank statements).
4. Category 4: For visitors attending events (like exhibitions or tournaments); duration tailored to each event.
Key changes include:
No airline restrictions — visitors can now arrive via any carrier (air, land, or sea).
Introduction of a digital visa platform (website + mobile app) to apply for tourist, family, government, and business visas—allowing a process that can take as little as 5 minutes.
Family visa updates: No more salary requirement. Relatives up to 4th degree and in-laws up to 3rd degree can now apply.
Passport scanning accelerates applications; entry decisions include mandatory security checks.
No nationality bans — all nationalities are eligible, subject to meeting the requirements.
Additional Policy Updates
Simplified visa processing: Applications (tourist, family, business) can now be handled online or in-person through the “Sahel” app or e-Visa portal, typically processed within 1 minute to 24 hours depending on security checks.
Expanded visit visa durations: New 3-month visit visa introduced, extendable up to 6 months or 1 year, and applicable for single or multiple entries. Final fees are awaiting cabinet approval.
Degree requirement removed: Kuwait has also scrapped the university degree requirement previously needed for certain visitors.
Fines for overstaying: Effective from January 5, 2025, overstaying any visit visa (tourist, family, etc.) incurs fines of KWD 10 per day, up to KWD 2,000.
Visa on arrival for GCC residents: As of August 11, 2025, foreign residents of GCC countries (e.g. Indians in UAE, Qatar) with at least 6 months’ valid residency can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival, replacing an older 2008 regulation.
Summary Table
Topic Key Change
Categories of Tourist Visas Four tailored categories (1–4) based on nationality, GCC residency, event purpose, etc.
Application Method Digital platform—fast, efficient, and accessible via web or app.
Family Visas No salary requirement; extended to more family members.
Visa Duration & Extensions Stay options up to 3 months, extendable to 6 months or 1 year.
Degree Requirement Removed (makes visa accessible to more applicants).
Overstay Penalties KWD 10/day fine, capped at KWD 2,000.
GCC Resident Convenience Visa on arrival now available; no pre-application needed.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re applying through an approved country, as a GCC, US, UK, or EU resident, or attending a specific event, there’s now a clearer, more flexible option tailored to your situation.
The digital platform offers speed and convenience, eliminating the need for in-person visits.
New rules are making it easier to plan longer stays—just be mindful of overstay fines. If you’re a GCC resident, you now benefit from visa-on-arrival, even if you’re a foreign national.
Source: Arab Times
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