Kuwait welcomes all with open doors no nationality blocked
Brigadier Hamad Al-Ruwaih said the process for granting tourist visas at border ports for Gulf residents is simplified, with some transactions taking one minute and others up to 24 hours due to security checks.
• Brigadier Hamad Al-Ruwaih confirmed that Kuwait welcomes all nationalities, provided they follow the regulations set by the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, with the exception of nationals of the Israeli occupying entity.
• Al-Ruwaih mentioned facilities for residents wishing to bring their families, subject to special conditions, and stated that there have been no violations of the residence law since the introduction of tourist, commercial, and family visas.
• The Department of Special Services ‘specializes in handling the transactions of diplomatic bodies and embassies within the country. These transactions are governed by agreements between countries and are subject to different fees accordingly.’
Brigadier Hamad Al-Ruwaih, Director of the Special Services Department in the Residency Affairs Sector, stated that Kuwait welcomes visitors of all nationalities, emphasizing that “there are no restrictions on any nationality; everyone is welcome, provided they adhere to the regulations set by the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs.” However, he clarified that this does not apply to nationals of the Israeli occupying entity, as reported by Al Rai newspaper.
Brigadier General Al-Ruwaih said in an interview with the newspaper, “Kuwait is now open to anyone wishing to visit, which was not the case in the past. Today, we are open to the world, and anyone can apply for a visa, whether for tourism or in connection with residents who wish to bring their families. This is facilitated according to the conditions for visiting or joining family members.”
He explained that the Department of Special Services “specializes in handling the transactions of diplomatic bodies and embassies within the country. These transactions are governed by agreements between countries and are subject to different fees accordingly.”
Swift visa processing in one minute to 24 hours
Al-Ruwaih further stated that the department processes transactions either in person or online through the government ‘Sahel’ application, in addition to a dedicated platform for receiving transactions. Processing times range from as little as one minute to a maximum of 24 hours, as some cases require heightened security audits. The department is also responsible for issuing government visas.
17,000 electronic visas
Regarding the Gulf Cup (Gulf Zain 26), Brigadier General Al-Ruwaih emphasized that the successful hosting of the event provided valuable experience. “The success of the Gulf Cup, recently hosted by Kuwait, gave us significant experience by applying the plans developed to accommodate large numbers of fans from all Gulf countries. This has strengthened our ability to handle any sports or tourist event in the country.” He noted that the Special Services Department issued 17,000 electronic visas for the event.
He added that the new residence law has streamlined visa processes for tourism, commercial, and family visits, making it easier for visitors, and emphasized that Kuwait welcomes all, as long as its laws are respected.
Simplified travel procedures
He highlighted that those wishing to visit Kuwait must apply through the Kuwait e-Visa website to obtain an e-Visa for eligible categories. The application is reviewed according to specific regulations.
Additionally, tourist visas can be granted at border ports for residents of Gulf countries working in approved professions. The visa covers the applicant and their family. For citizens of 52 countries, visas can also be obtained directly upon arrival at the airport under this mechanism.
He mentioned that Kuwait is preparing to implement major entertainment projects and events as part of its broader strategy to develop tourism and entertainment. This initiative aims to position Kuwait as a tourist destination, drawing on the experiences of its Gulf neighbors.
New residence law reduces chaos and violations
Brigadier General Al-Ruwaih emphasized that the new residence law has significantly reduced the chaos and violations that were previously common. These issues had led to frequent breaches of residence regulations by both visitors and residents, resulting in financial penalties and deportations.
He stated, “Since the introduction of tourist, commercial, and family visas, we have ensured compliance with the law for both visitors and sponsors. Violators face fines and binding legal measures, including deportation and a permanent ban on re-entry into Kuwait.”
Enforcing stricter fines for legal compliance
Brigadier General Al-Ruwaih expressed his belief that the new residence law will help facilitate the lives of both citizens and residents by contributing to the security of the country.
He explained that financial fines came into effect on the 5th of this month, emphasizing that the influx of expatriates through the newly opened visa channels has made it necessary for the state to impose high fines on certain violations to ensure legal compliance. “We do not aim to collect fines,” he said, “but we want visitors and residents to respect and abide by the law without violating it.”
Brigadier General Al-Ruwaih highlighted that some fines can reach up to 2,000 dinars. For example, violations such as failing to report a newborn used to incur a fine of twodinars per day, capped at a maximum of 600 dinars. Under the new law, however, the fine starts at two dinars per day for the first month, rises to four dinars per day in the second month, and escalates further if the period exceeds four months, leading to more severe penalties and higher fines.
Regarding domestic labor violations, he noted that the fines remain unchanged, with a maximum penalty of up to 600 dinars.
Dedicated website for diplomatic family visas
Brigadier General Al-Ruwaih stated that the issuance of visas for those wishing to visit or reside in Kuwait is governed by the regulations and instructions issued by the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs.
He added that transactions are processed quickly and efficiently. Individuals can visit residence affairs departments according to their residential address to complete their transactions in record time, provided their documents are complete and meet the required conditions.
Kuwait’s e-visa website details
