Kuwait has officially opened its doors once again to visitors from around the world, provided they adhere to the rules and regulations laid down by the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs.
Thus began the newly acquired free access, as stated by Brigadier Hamad Al-Ruwaih, Director of Special Services Department in the Residency Affairs Sector-Ministry of Interior (MoI): “Kuwait is open now to anyone wishing to visit, which was not the case in the past. Today we welcome the world, and anyone can apply for a visa for purposes such as tourism or joining family members. This is facilitated under the conditions set for a visiting purpose or family reunification.”
Streamlining the Issuing of Vis
The new residence law streamlines the process of obtaining a visa for tourism, business, and family visits. However, Brigadier Al-Ruwaih stated that people from Israel are still prohibited from entering Kuwait.
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The Special Services Department carries out a special assignment for the embassies regarding the diplomatic and government transactions’ visas. These transactions are guided under international accords and obliged with specific fees.
Visa Application Procedure
Candidates eligible for processing can apply for their visa online via the ‘Sahel’ government application, which has its processing time of anywhere between a minute to a maximum of 24 hours, depending on the security clearance needed. Tourists and professionals from Gulf countries are entitled, therefore, to obtain their border visas at ports, which will apply to themselves and their families. Citizens of 52 countries are entitled to visas on arrival at any of Kuwaiti airports.
Improved Compliance and Penalties
Brigadier Al-Ruwaih stated that the new residence law has decreased violations and improved compliance with residency regulations. He elaborated that, in the previous time, violations used to result into fines and deportation, while with the introduction of tourist and business and family visas, entry and stay got regulated. Violators now face heavy penalties, including deportation and a permanent blacklist for re-entry into Kuwait.
Stricter fines against unavoidable visa violations are in force beginning January 5, 2023, to ensure compliance with the law. Brigadier Al-Ruwaih stated, “The object is not to collect fines; we just want to encourage visitors and residents to respect and comply with the rules.” Fines for noncompliance may reach up to KD2,000, with increasing fines for delayed reporting of major events such as birthing.
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For example, in the past, failing to report a newborn incurred a KD2-per-day fine, capped at KD600. The new regulation proposes KD2 per day for the first month, an increase to KD4 for the second month, and keeps increasing if the delay exceeds 4 months. Domestic labor-related violations still have a ceiling of KD600.
Visa Website
For visa applications, eligible visitors can apply through Kuwait’ official website: https://kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw.