Thousands of Kuwaitis apply for electronic visa, says UK envoy

• Lord Ahmed to lead British delegation in joint steering group meeting in Kuwait, says diplomatic sources

• There are now 19 direct flights weekly from Kuwait to London, along with three additional flights to Manchester

Belinda Lewis, British ambassador to Kuwait revealed a significant increase in demand from Kuwaiti visitors to the UK during the month of February. She noted that there are now 19 direct flights weekly from Kuwait to London, along with three additional flights to Manchester, the latter of which was inaugurated in May 2022.

In a statement to Al-Rai newspaper, Lewis highlighted the growing number of Kuwaitis pursuing studies or leisure travel, particularly ahead of the introduction of electronic visa (ETA) applications starting February 22. She noted that thousands of Kuwaitis have already applied since the application process opened at the beginning of this month.

She highlighted that the visit of the deputy prime minister of the UK to Kuwait last week, during which he attended a reception hosted by the embassy to launch the 2024 celebrations of the 125th anniversary of the British-Kuwaiti partnership, was the first of many high-level visits that we will witness this year.

Al-Mumayaz expressed her optimism to see many Kuwaiti officials traveling to the United Kingdom after the three visits made by His Highness the Emir of the country last year, in addition to the trip of former Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah to London to attend the inaugural strategic dialogue in March 2023.

She also revealed that the British Secretary of State for the Middle East, Lord Ahmed, will soon visit Kuwait to co-chair the 20th UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group meeting, which will be held in Kuwait alongside Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Jaber.

She stated that Lord Ahmed is scheduled to visit various sites across Kuwait as per his itinerary.

For its part, diplomatic sources confirmed to Al-Rai newspaper that Lord Ahmed is scheduled to arrive in Kuwait on Monday. The meetings of the technical committees of the Kuwaiti-British steering group will kick off today and run through Tuesday. It was also noted that the final meeting of the committee is slated for next Wednesday.

Explore northern England

Ambassador Lewis expressed, “With Kuwaiti nationality being among the first in the world to benefit from the issuance of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), we are hopeful that Kuwaiti visitors will relish the beauty, culture, and business opportunities that the United Kingdom has to offer.”

“I’m aware that London holds a special allure for many Kuwaitis, given its world-class dining venues, sporting events, parks, museums, and more,” she added.

“However, I encourage people to explore other areas of England too, including the North of England, as well as the rich offerings of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.”