Kuwait e-Visa Guide: Application and Photo

As a significant step in its Vision 2035 digital initiative, Kuwait has announced a new Kuwait e-Visa system launch in July 2025.

Read this guide to find out everything you need to know about the Kuwait e-Visa in 2025, including who is eligible and how to apply. You will also learn how to streamline the application process by using an instant professional visa photo.

Table of contents

• New Kuwait e-Visa launch details
• Countries eligible to apply for Kuwait e-Visa
• Kuwait e-Visa for GCC residents: rules
• Step-by-step Kuwait e-Visa application guide
• Documents required to apply for a Kuwait e-Visa online
• Kuwait e-Visa photo requirements
• Get your photo for a Kuwait e-Visa application online
• Kuwait e-Visa photo app
• Kuwait e-Visa duration and fees
• How long does it take to get a Kuwait e-Visa?
• FAQ

New Kuwait e-Visa launch details

In July 2025, the country launched an updated e-Visa system as part of its Vision 2035 digital blueprint. This Kuwait e-Visa platform relaunch has eliminated the need for citizens of over 50 countries to visit embassies and complete paperwork, offering a fully digital application and approval process. The online portal enables users to submit applications, upload necessary documents, and make payments for e-Visas remotely. Once approved, the visas are sent directly to applicants via email.

The e-Visa offers four main categories:

• Tourist Visa for leisure trips.
• Family Visit Visa for meeting family members in Kuwait.
• Business Visa for attending professional events.
• Official Visa for diplomatic or governmental purposes.

These e-Visas are valid for 90 days from their issuance date, during which the holder must enter the country. The Kuwait e-Visa validity is determined by the visa type, beginning upon entry, not issuance. If you exceed your Kuwait e-Visa expiry date, you will be fined KWD 10 (approx. USD 33) per day and may be banned from entering the country in future.

Countries eligible to apply for Kuwait e-Visa

Citizens of 53 countries are eligible to apply for Kuwait’s e-Visa for short-term tourism visits. The State of Kuwait has authorized these countries to use the e-Visa platform:

• USA
• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Cambodia
• Canada
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Georgia
• Germany
• Great Britain
• Greece
• Holland
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Laos
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Monaco
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovak Republic
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• Vatican

If your country is not listed, you must follow the traditional visa application process by visiting a Kuwaiti embassy.

Kuwait e-Visa for GCC residents: rules

According to the latest Kuwait e-Visa information, residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with at least six months of valid residency can apply for a Kuwait tourist e-Visa, regardless of their nationality or occupation. This update removes the earlier restriction that limited eligibility to certain professions, such as doctors and engineers, making it accessible to all GCC residents.

These residents can choose to either apply for an e-Visa online before their trip or obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at any entry point, whether by air, land, or sea.

To apply, GCC residents must have:

• a valid passport;
• GCC residency card or permit;
• a return or onward travel ticket;
• proof of accommodation;
• a recent passport-sized photo.

It is important to note that citizens from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen are excluded from the e-Visa system. Individuals from these countries need to apply for a visa in person at a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate in their GCC country of residence.

Step-by-step Kuwait e-Visa application guide

Here is how to get Kuwait e-Visa:

1. Check your e-Visa eligibility.
2. Visit the Ministry of Interior's website.
3. Create an account using your email address. You will receive your login details through email to access the application system.
4. Select the type of visa you need: Tourist, Business, Family, or Official.
5. Complete the online application form provided.
6. Upload the necessary documents.
7. Make the payment using a valid credit or debit card.
8. Submit your application and wait for approval.

Documents required to apply for a Kuwait e-Visa online

When applying for a e-Visa, travellers need to prepare the following documents:

• passport, valid for at least six months after your intended entry date, with at least one or two blank pages available;
• a recent photo in passport style;
• a completed online application form;
• proof of accommodation. This could be a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or an invitation letter from a host, particularly for tourist and family visits.
• travel itinerary. Most short-stay visas require a travel plan or return ticket.

Additional documents, depending on the visa type:

• GCC residency proof: for GCC residents, you need to submit a valid, machine-readable residency card with a minimum of six months’ validity.
• Invitation letter: required for business and family visit visas, detailing the purpose and, if relevant, the relationship.
• Financial proof: bank statements from the last six months showing enough funds (typically USD 100–150 per day for tourists).
• Sponsorship documents: for family, business, or work visas, documentation from a Kuwaiti sponsor verifying their status and relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates, sponsorship letter) might be necessary.
• Medical certificate: required only for work visas to confirm health clearance, including checks for infectious diseases.

Kuwait e-Visa photo requirements

The photo for Kuwait e-Visa application should meet the following criteria to avoid processing delays or rejections:

• The photo should measure 30 × 40 mm (3 × 4 cm). Digital uploads should be in JPEG format, with a file size between 10 KB and 100 KB.
• The photo must be taken within the past six months to accurately represent the applicant’s current appearance.
• A plain, light-coloured background is preferred, ideally white or light blue, with no patterns or shadows.
• The applicant should face the camera directly, with a neutral expression, eyes open, and visible. The face should be centred in the photo.
• The face, including shoulders, should occupy about 70–80% of the photo, from the chin's bottom to the forehead's top.
• Prescription glasses are allowed if they do not cause glare and the eyes are visible.
• Religious headgear is permitted as long as it does not obscure the face.
• The photo should be in colour, high resolution, clear, with natural skin tones, and free from red-eye, shadows, or reflections.

Here is a photo example:

Get your photo for a Kuwait e-Visa application online

Thanks to modern smartphones and online photo services, obtaining a visa photo is now easier and more affordable. Visafoto.com offers a way to create a professional Kuwait e-Visa photo, boasting a 99.7% approval rate. Since 2013, Visafoto has been helping people worldwide with passport, visa, and ID photos.

To use Visafoto, simply take a picture under daylight and upload it to our website. The tool will automatically adjust the background, optimize the resolution, correct colours, and crop the photo to meet the required standards.

Example of a photo you can upload to Visafoto:

You'll receive a digital file for online use and a version ready for printing. If you’re not happy with the result, we offer free replacements, and if the photo is rejected by official authorities, a full refund is provided.

Kuwait e-Visa photo app

For those who prefer using their smartphone, 7ID App by Visafoto is an ideal choice. This app helps you create compliant ID, passport, and visa photos conveniently on both iPhone and Android devices.

Simply upload your photo and select your document type and country in the 7ID App. The app will automatically adjust your photo to meet official requirements, ensuring correct size, format, background, and positioning. You'll receive a digital copy and a print-ready template that easily fits standard sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

If you need assistance, our technical support team is available around the clock.

Kuwait e-Visa duration and fees

Kuwait’s electronic visa comes with the following durations:

• Tourist Visa: Permits a stay of up to 90 days.
• Family Visit Visa: Initially valid for 30 days, with a local sponsor, it can be extended for up to three months.
• Business Visa: Grants a 30-day stay for meetings, expos, and business activities.
• Official Visa: Valid for 30 days, meant for diplomatic or government visits.

The Kuwait tourist e-Visa costs differ based on the visa type and the applicant's nationality. You’ll see the applicable fees upon completing the online application form. Typically, the standard e-Visa fee is around KWD 3 (approximately USD 10).

How long does it take to get a Kuwait e-Visa?

The typical Kuwait e-Visa approval time is usually between 1 and 3 business days, once you’ve submitted your application on the official e-Visa portal.

FAQ

How to download Kuwait e-visa?

After applying and paying on the official e-Visa portal, watch for an approval email. Once approved, your e-Visa will be emailed to you. Simply open the email and download the attached file.

What is the e-visa reference number in Kuwait?

The reference number for the Kuwait e-Visa is a unique code assigned to each application. It tracks the application's status, manages it, and retrieves the approved visa. This number is emailed to applicants after submission, and you should keep it handy for status checks or support queries.

Do you need to print out your Kuwait e-visa?

Yes, printing your Kuwaiti e-Visa is advisable. Carry it with your passport, as it may be required when entering Kuwait. Many immigration officials also accept digital versions on smartphones.

Do children need a separate e-Visa and photo?

Yes, each child must have their own e-Visa for Kuwait, and a photo is needed for each child’s application.

What to do if my e-Visa is rejected?

If your Kuwait e-Visa is denied, you should:

1. Fix mistakes or add missing paperwork to your application.
2. Reapply online with complete and correct information.
3. Consider applying through a nearby Kuwaiti embassy or consulate.
4. Reach out to Kuwait's Ministry of Interior or e-Visa support for further help.

Last updated: 2025-10-16