Kuwait has updated the eligibility rules for its e-visa system, that includes multiple provisions for expatriates, including Indians, living in GCC nations.
The revised guidelines state that expatriates living in GCC nations can apply for a Kuwait e-visa if they hold a valid GCC residency for more than six months and possess a passport valid for at least six months from the entry date. Professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers, journalists and business managers living in GCC nations can also apply. The applicants need to maintain a clean legal record.
However, citizens from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen are not eligible for the e-Visa and must apply in person at a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate in their GCC country of residence.
As per the updated norms, the Kuwait e-visa application is entirely online and will be processed in 1 to 3 business days. The applicant will receive an e-mail informing him/her about the e-visa is sent by email. They are mandated to carry the copy of the e-Visa on arrival.
The e-visa validity is for 90 days from the date of issuance and the norms mandate that the beneficiary ensure their documents remain valid throughout their stay and to adhere to Kuwaiti laws and regulations.
Meanwhile, citizens of 53 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and several other European and Asian nations, can obtain a visit visa on arrival at Kuwait International Airport. They will have to submit a valid passport with a minimum of six months validity and a return ticket for the purpose.
Kuwait had recently issued a notification for visas for expatriates to bring their parents and other relatives into the country. The requirements stated that the sponsor has a minimum monthly salary of KWD 400 to bring in parents. For other relatives, the salary requirement rises to KWD 800. The sponsor should also provide proof of employment status and documents proving the relationship between the sponsor and the visitors.
The sponsor is also required to provide documents including valid passport copies of both the sponsor and the family members, a copy of their Civil ID and a recent salary certificate from their employer. He is also obliged to provide medical insurance for the visitors, and proof of round-trip flight tickets and accommodation arrangements.
