Kuwait announces a ban on all Israeli passport holders from entering the country.

*Kuwait Opens Doors to Global Travelers: A New Era of Visa Policy*

In a significant move to boost tourism and economic growth, Kuwait has announced a sweeping change in its visa policy, opening its doors to visitors from all nationalities. According to Brigadier Hamad Al-Ruwaih, Director of the Special Services Department in the Residency Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), Kuwait is now welcoming tourists, families, and businesses from around the world, with streamlined visa and residency processes ¹ ².

*Visa Application Process*

The new policy allows applicants to submit requests in person or online through the ‘Sahel’ government application and the Kuwait e-Visa platform. Visa applications can be processed in as little as one minute, with a maximum waiting period of 24 hours in cases requiring additional security checks. The e-Visa portal, relaunched in January 2025, offers digitally streamlined applications, specifically for GCC residents with a valid residency permit for at least six months and a passport valid for at least six months beyond their travel date ³.

*Who Can Apply?*

The visa policy change applies to all nationalities, except for Israeli citizens, who are barred from entering Kuwait due to an Amiri decree. Additionally, individuals with Israeli stamps in their passports or evidence of previous travel to Israel may also face restrictions. Holders of travel documents can obtain a visa with the interior minister's approval ¹ ².

*Visa Categories and Requirements*

Kuwait's digital visa platform offers four main visa categories:

- *Tourist Visa*: For leisure, tourism, and exploring cultural sites, valid for 90 days with a single entry

- *Family Visa*: For visiting family members residing in Kuwait, valid for 30 days from the date of entry with a single entry

- *Business Visa*: For business-related activities, valid for up to 90 days

- *Residence Visa*: For individuals who intend to reside in Kuwait for extended periods

*Benefits and Implications*

The relaxed visa policy is expected to boost tourism, economic growth, and regional mobility. Kuwait's Vision 2035 aims to modernize administrative systems, including the digitization of immigration services. The new visa policy aligns with this goal, making the country more accessible to global travelers and promoting economic diversification ⁴ ³.

*Upcoming Developments*

Kuwait is also planning to introduce a Unified GCC Tourist Visa, expected to be launched later in 2025 or early 2026. This single-entry visa will cover travel across all six GCC nations for tourism purposes, further enhancing regional mobility and cooperation ³.

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In conclusion, Kuwait's new visa policy marks a significant step towards becoming a hub for tourism, business, and global diplomacy in the Gulf region. With its streamlined application process, digital platform, and relaxed requirements, Kuwait is poised to welcome visitors from around the world, while maintaining strict penalties for overstaying or improper use of visas ⁴.