Kuwait has unveiled sweeping reforms to its visa policy aimed at attracting more tourists, business travelers, and expatriate families. The changes, announced Tuesday, mark one of the most significant overhauls to the country’s immigration system in years.
Among the headline changes is the removal of the university degree requirement previously needed for certain visa categories. The policy had long been criticized for limiting access for family members of expatriates and visitors from less affluent countries.
Officials say the decision is intended to foster family reunification and broaden access to the Gulf state.
Key Reforms
Under the new rules, the duration of visit visas has been extended. Visitors can now stay for up to three months on a standard visit visa, with the option to extend to six months—or even up to a year—by paying additional fees. While the final pricing for extensions is yet to be approved by the Cabinet, authorities expressed confidence that overstay violations will remain minimal.
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Another major update is the lifting of restrictions on which airlines travelers may use. Previously, those entering on family visit visas were required to fly exclusively with Kuwaiti national carriers. That policy has now been scrapped, allowing more flexibility and increased competition among airlines.
Middle East Airlines is among the first international carriers to receive authorization under the new rules.
“The state is not a marketer for airlines,” said Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, emphasizing that the reforms reflect a new direction in policy-making.
Expanded Family Visa Access
The eligibility for family visit visas has also been broadened to include relatives up to the fourth degree, a move expected to benefit Kuwait’s large expatriate community, where extended family ties are culturally significant.
In addition, authorities confirmed that travelers flagged for security reasons will now be informed immediately, although resolving such issues will remain the responsibility of the individual through legal or diplomatic processes.
A Strategy for Growth
The visa overhaul is part of Kuwait’s broader strategy to strengthen its status as a regional tourism and aviation hub. It comes as the country prepares to open a new international airport and seeks to lure back foreign airlines that previously exited the market.
“We accept the comments with open hearts,” Sheikh Fahad said, referring to the feedback that spurred the reform process. “We are building a system that welcomes visitors and respects their needs.”