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Eligibility Criteria for the Kuwait e-Visa

How Kuwait Determines e-Visa Eligibility

Kuwait follows a nationality-based eligibility framework for its e-Visa. This means your eligibility is assessed according to the passport you hold. You are not required to choose between different visas. Instead, your nationality automatically places you under the applicable eligibility route.

One e-Visa, Displayed Under Two Eligibility Labels

Kuwait offers one Tourist e-Visa. Its specifications are the same for all eligible applicants. However, the e-Visa may appear under one of two labels:

  • Tourist eVisa
  • Tourist eVisa for GCC Resident

Does the label change the visa itself?

No. Both labels refer to the same Tourist e-Visa; they do not indicate different visas. The difference lies only in the eligibility route and the conditions attached to it.

Nationality-Based Eligibility Routing

Under Kuwait’s policy, each nationality is assigned one applicable e-Visa route. This assignment is predetermined by the Kuwaiti authorities.

Eligible for the Tourist e-Visa

Nationalities listed under this category may apply for the Tourist e-Visa without any additional residence-based conditions.

Eligible for the Tourist e-Visa for GCC Residents

Nationalities listed under this category are eligible for the same Tourist e-Visa, but under the GCC Resident route. Applicants under this route must meet a GCC residence condition.

Important clarification:

If your nationality is under the Tourist e-Visa route, you can apply under that label only.
If your nationality is under the Tourist e-Visa for GCC Residents route, you can apply under that label only.

Can I choose the route that suits me better?

No. The route is assigned based on your nationality. You are guided to the correct option automatically.

What “GCC Resident” Means in Kuwait’s e-Visa Policy

The term “GCC Resident” is used strictly as a policy condition, not as a general travel description.

For the Tourist e-Visa for GCC Residents route:

  1. The route applies only to specific nationalities identified by Kuwait.
  2. Applicants must hold a valid residence permit issued by a member state of the Gulf Cooperation Council, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, or Bahrain.

Holding a GCC residence permit does not make an applicant eligible if their nationality is not listed under any eligibility route. Nationality remains the primary eligibility factor.

If I have a GCC permit, can I apply under the GCC Resident route?

Only if your nationality is listed under the Tourist e-Visa for GCC Residents category

How Eligibility Relates to Document Requirements

Eligibility determines which requirement set applies.

Core document requirements apply to all eligible applicants.
An additional GCC residence document applies only to applicants under the GCC Resident route.
Certain documents may be requested based on choices made during the application form.

To review documents in detail, refer to the Kuwait Visa Requirements. 

To understand more about how the e-Visa labels are presented and classified, refer to the Kuwait e-Visa Types.

Visa-Exempt Nationalities

Under Kuwait’s entry policy, nationals of the countries listed below are not required to obtain a visa before travelling. This exemption applies to citizens (not residence permit holders) of member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

  •  Oman
  •  Qatar
  •  Saudi Arabia
  •  United Arab Emirates

Not Eligible for the Kuwait e-Visa

Nationalities listed under this category are not eligible to apply for the Kuwait e-Visa. Applicants from these countries must follow alternative entry procedures through a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate.

  •  Abkhazia
  •  Antigua and Barbuda
  •  Bangladesh
  •  Bonaire
  •  British Indian Ocean Territory
  •  Comoros
  •  Cote d'Ivoire
  •  Curacao
  •  Dominica
  •  Dominican Republic
  •  El Salvador
  •  Greenland
  •  Guernsey
  •  Guinea-Bissau
  •  Israel
  •  Jordan
  •  Mayotte
  •  Micronesia, Federated States of
  •  Nagorno-Karabakh
  •  Norfolk Island
  •  Northern Cyprus
  •  Papua New Guinea
  •  Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
  •  Saint Kitts and Nevis
  •  Serbia
  •  Sint Maarten
  •  Solomon Islands
  •  South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
  •  South Ossetia
  •  Svalbard and Jan Mayen
  •  Trinidad and Tobago
  •  Turks and Caicos Islands
  •  Vanuatu

Overview of the Kuwait e-Visa Application Flow

Once your eligibility route is confirmed:

Step 1

You complete the online Kuwait eVisa application form.

Step 2

Your nationality determines the applicable e-Visa label automatically.

Step 3

You submit documents according to the assigned route.

Step 4

Your application is reviewed under the relevant eligibility conditions.

Key Points to Remember

  • Kuwait issues one Tourist e-Visa with fixed specifications.
  • Eligibility is determined by nationality, not by applicant choice.
  • The two labels reflect policy routing, not different visas.
  • The GCC Resident route applies only to designated nationalities and requires a valid GCC residence permit.
  • Understanding your eligibility route first helps you prepare correctly.

If you are still unsure about your nationality's eligibility, please contact us for detailed guidance.

Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in February 2026, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.

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