Apply for Kuwait Visa from Saudi Arabia
Foreign nationals living as residents of Saudi Arabia are eligible to apply for a Kuwait eVisa. In order to do this, they must fulfill certain requirements to enter the country.
There are a number of different types of Kuwait visas available, including the tourist e-Visa, the visit visa, the residence visa, and the transit visa. The easiest way to obtain a Kuwait visa from Saudi Arabia is by applying online for the Kuwait tourist e-Visa.
The online application for the Kuwait eVisa is quick and simple to complete and eliminates the need to go to a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate.
The Kuwait online visa was implemented in 2016. Citizens of a select list of countries are eligible to apply, as can residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, such as Saudi Arabia.
Any person who meets the Kuwait e-Visa requirements can apply for this electronic visa. Travelers that are eligible for the e-Visa for Kuwait simply need to gather the necessary documents and fill out the online application form with their personal details, passport data, travel plans, and must also provide a valid email address.
Who Can Apply for a Kuwait Visa from Saudi Arabia?
In order to successfully apply, travelers must meet the Kuwait e-Visa requirements. Firstly, the applicant must be eligible to apply.
All official residents of Gulf Cooperation Council member states may apply, regardless of nationality, as long as they work in certain professions. The GCC is made up of the following countries:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- The United Arab Emirates
All foreign nationals living in Saudi Arabia who have official residency for over 6 months are therefore eligible to apply online for the Kuwait eVisa.
This extends to citizens of countries that are not normally eligible for the eVisa.
For example, nationals of the following sovereign states living outside the GCC area must apply for a consular visa to visit Kuwait, but those who live in Saudi Arabia may apply for the eVisa as residents:
Additionally, all travelers from the following countries can apply for the eVisa for Kuwait, regardless of where they live:
Citizens of Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries cannot apply for an electronic visa or any other visa for Kuwait because they do not need one.
GCC citizens are visa-exempt from visiting Kuwait and may enter the country using their national ID cards only.
Foreign nationals that live in Saudi Arabia
According to UN statistics, Saudi Arabia is home to over 13 million immigrants. A large proportion of these foreign residents come from countries on the Indian subcontinent.
The largest group of immigrants to Saudi Arabia are those from India (over 4 million). Ex-patriates from Pakistan and Bangladesh also number in the millions.
As residents of Saudi Arabia (a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council), these individuals are eligible to apply for an eVisa for Kuwait.
The applicant must have the following to meet the requirements for the Kuwait online visa:
- A valid GCC card
- Residency in Saudi Arabia exceeding 6 months
- A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and at least one blank page
- One of the professions listed below
Professions required according to the GCC residency
Foreign nationals with residency in Saudi Arabia are eligible to apply for the Kuwait e-Visa only if their profession is one of the following or if they are a University graduate:
- Businessman
- Computer programmer
- Consultant
- Diplomat
- Doctor
- Engineer
- Judge or member of public prosecution
- Lawyer
- Manager
- Owner, manager, or representative of commercial companies and establishments
- Pilot
- Press, journalist, or other member of media staff
- System analyst
- University lecturer or teacher
Documents Required to apply for a visa for Kuwait from the Saudi Arabia
Foreign residents of Saudi Arabia must have a number of items to hand in order to complete their online application for a Kuwait eVisa. In order to receive an approved eVisa, the following must be provided:
- GCC residence permit with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
- Valid passport that will be valid for at least 6 months
- Current email address
- Debit or credit card
On average, the e-Visa for Kuwait takes about 3 business days to process, but it may occasionally take longer. Applicants are advised to apply with plenty of time before their intended date of entry.
The working week in Kuwait is Sunday to Thursday. Friday is not considered a business day.
