Kuwait has announced a landmark visa reform, introducing one of the most comprehensive entry systems in its history. While maintaining its decades-old ban on Israeli nationals under the 1964 Amiri Decree, the country has now opened its doors to visitors from almost every other nation through the newly launched “Kuwait Visa Platform… New Entry Visas”, which is already in effect.
According to Colonel Abdulaziz Al Kandari of the General Department of Residency, the reform introduces a four-tier visa framework aimed at simplifying procedures and broadening eligibility. The fully digital platform categorizes applications based on nationality, profession, financial capacity, or participation in specific events.
The first tier offers unrestricted access to citizens of 52 countries, including the U.S., UK, EU/Schengen states, Japan, and Australia, requiring only a passport valid for at least six months. The second tier covers residents of GCC nations and approved foreign professionals, who must show financial stability and valid residency permits. The third route, expected to roll out soon, will allow applicants from non-listed countries to qualify by submitting bank statements, hotel reservations, and a refundable deposit. The fourth category is reserved for event-specific visas, catering to international conferences and cultural or business events, with requirements set individually.
Visa types include tourist visas, available as single-entry (1–3 months) or multiple-entry (3–12 months), each permitting a 30-day stay per entry. Family visas require Arabic-translated proof of kinship up to the fourth degree, while business visas can be issued for single 30-day visits or multiple entries valid for up to a year, depending on corporate invitations.
Colonel Al Kandari highlighted that the reforms were designed after detailed studies to balance ease of entry with national security, while positioning Kuwait as a stronger player in regional tourism. Unlike neighboring Gulf states such as the UAE and Bahrain, which normalized relations with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords, Kuwait has reaffirmed its long-standing stance of barring Israeli nationals.
The Interior Ministry confirmed that the new platform is already operational, with the financial solvency pathway expected to launch in the coming months, further expanding access to travelers worldwide.
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