Since the Kuwaiti government introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization System recently, Cambodia is on the list of countries whose citizens are allowed to apply for and obtain an eVisa to Kuwait. This new online visa application system is designed to improve tourism in Kuwait and is a convenient way for travelers to obtain a Kuwaiti visa.
Cambodian travelers do not have to visit a local Kuwaiti embassy or consulate in order to apply for a Kuwaiti visa thanks to this new system. Instead, they can opt to apply for an eVisa online from the comfort of their homes or offices and receive the eVisa within a matter of days. This eVisa is valid for a single entry into Kuwait and allows for a maximum stay of up to 90 days in the country.
The Kuwaiti government also offers a variety of other visa types depending on the specific reasons people have for traveling to the country. Since the eVisa is almost exclusively for tourists, travelers are encouraged to explore the different types of visas offered by the Kuwaiti government to ensure that they apply for the correct one based on their travel needs.
Kuwait eVisa Requirements for Cambodian Citizens
The Kuwaiti government has certain requirements for all foreigners interested in traveling to the country on a Kuwaiti tourist eVisa. These requirements have been set to ensure a smooth eVisa application process for the travelers. Therefore, travelers must make sure that they fulfill these requirements before they begin applying for the Kuwaiti eVisa. The requirements are as follows:
- All applicants must possess a passport that will be valid for at least 6-months from the date of their arrival in Kuwait.
- All applicants must also be able to provide two digital copies of the same along with two recent photographs of themselves.
- All applicants must have a valid email address.
- All applicants must also have a valid credit/debit card in their name.
- All applicants must be able to provide a security clearance certificate if required.
- All applicants must be able to provide proof of their travel arrangements such as hotel bookings, airline tickets etc.
- All applicants must be able to provide a bank statement in their name as well as an official copy of the same.
- All applicants must be able to provide proof of valid health insurance and a copy of the same.
Since it takes a while to gather all the necessary documents in order to begin the eVisa application process, travelers are advised to plan ahead for their departure to Kuwait. This may mean adding additional time to their travel plans in order to make sure their travel plans will go as smoothly as possible.
Kuwait Visa-on-Arrival for Cambodians
Even though Cambodians have the option of applying for a visa on arrival in Kuwait, it is recommended that they opt for an eVisa instead as it will save them some time at the airport/port of entry. For visa-on-arrival travelers, all processing and security checks have to be done on site and this can add to the time spent trying to clear customs and immigration at the airport/port of entry. Travelers are not allowed to enter the country until their processing/security checks are complete and the visa is granted. Travelers should also note that all the requirements set by the Kuwaiti government still apply to the travelers who opt for a visa on arrival. Therefore, travelers will need to prepare all related documents beforehand to be presented to Kuwaiti Immigration officials at the airport/port of entry.
How to Apply for Kuwait eVisa From Cambodia?
In the event the traveler opts to apply for a Kuwaiti eVisa, he/she will have to do so by accessing the Kuwaiti online eVisa website over the internet. On the main page, he/she will find a link that will open the online Visa application form. This form will ask the traveler to fill out some personal details such as name, date of birth, country of citizenship etc. as well as some passport details such as country of issuance, date of expiration etc. The traveler will also be required to provide a valid email address where the eVisa will be sent once the application has been approved. As there is a cost associated with eVisa processing, travelers will be required to provide valid debit/credit card information that will be used to deduct the processing fee for the application.
Travelers must make sure that the information they provide on the online Visa application form exactly matches the information shown on their passports/travel documents. Failure to do so can have serious consequences for their travel plans including having their visa application rejected or being denied entry into Kuwait. Furthermore, once the application is submitted, the information provided on the form cannot be changed or updated, therefore travelers should take care to make sure they fill out the application correctly the first time.
If the traveler’s eVisa application is approved, he/she can expect to receive their eVisa via email within 3 business days. Sometimes it can take longer than that if there is additional processing required on the application or if weekends or public holidays delay the processing of the application.
Once the traveler receives his/her eVisa, he/she should save a soft copy on his/her mobile phone or handheld device and must take a printed copy of the eVisa with him/her when he/she travels. The printed copy of the eVisa along with other travel documents will need to be presented to Kuwaiti Immigration officials at the airport/port of entry.
If the traveler is cleared by customs and Immigration officials to enter Kuwait, he/she must carry a copy of their eVisa along with their passport with them at all times whilst traveling in the country. Travelers must also plan their departure from Kuwait before the 90-day period is up in order to avoid penalties for overstaying their visa which can include fines but also possibly imprisonment/deportation.
