Kuwait Launches Sweeping Visa Reforms Including 3-Month Family Visit Visas

In a landmark move to boost tourism and ease travel restrictions, the Kuwaiti government has announced major visa reforms effective from 5 August 2025, as revealed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah.

These reforms introduce significant changes:

• 3-Month Family Visit Visas: New visit visas now allow an initial stay of three months, with the possibility of extension up to six months or even a year depending on compliance.

• Degree Requirement Removed: Applicants are no longer required to hold a university degree to qualify for a visit visa.

• Airline Restrictions Lifted: Visitors can now travel on any international airline—they are no longer restricted to Kuwait's national carriers.

• Expanded Eligibility: The visa is now available for relatives up to the fourth degree of kinship, making it easier for extended families to reunite.

• Transparent Process: Travelers flagged for security reasons will receive immediate notifications and are expected to resolve any issues via proper legal or diplomatic channels.

• Pending Fee Structure: The restructured visa fee system is currently under review and will be submitted for Cabinet approval soon.

• Tourism Push Under Vision 2035: Kuwait is positioning itself as a regional hub for commerce and tourism with this innovative visa framework and developing the “Visit Kuwait” digital platform.