Kuwait City Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Kuwait's visa policy varies significantly by nationality. GCC nationals enjoy special privileges, while other nationalities are divided into categories based on visa-on-arrival eligibility, eVisa requirements, or embassy visa applications.
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council member states can enter Kuwait without a visa
GCC nationals need only present a valid national ID card or passport at the border
Select nationalities eligible for visa on arrival at Kuwait International Airport
Cost: Approximately 3 KWD (around 10 USD) for single entry
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Visitors may be asked to show return ticket and hotel reservation. Business travelers may need additional documentation or sponsorship
Many nationalities can apply for an electronic visa through Kuwait's online portal
Cost: Varies by nationality and visa type: typically 3-51 KWD (10-170 USD)
Processing usually takes 2-4 business days. Print the approved eVisa and present at immigration. Some nationalities may require a local sponsor or hotel booking confirmation
Certain nationalities must obtain a visa from a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate before travel
Some nationalities face restrictions or require sponsorship by a Kuwaiti citizen, company, or hotel. Certain nationalities may be denied entry based on diplomatic relations. Always check with the embassy for current policies
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at Kuwait International Airport, travelers proceed through immigration control, baggage claim, and customs inspection. The process is generally straightforward for those with proper documentation, though wait times vary by flight volume.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Kuwait maintains strict customs regulations reflecting its Islamic values and laws. All arriving passengers must pass through customs inspection, and certain items are strictly prohibited. Customs officers have authority to inspect all luggage and confiscate prohibited items.
Prohibited Items
- Alcoholic beverages - completely banned, severe penalties for attempting to import
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment and possible death penalty
- Pork products and pork-derived items - prohibited due to Islamic law
- Israeli products or items showing Israeli origin - due to political restrictions
- Pornographic materials, publications, films, or digital content - broadly defined, includes material considered indecent
- Gambling equipment and materials - including playing cards in some interpretations
- Items offensive to Islamic values - religious materials from other faiths for proselytizing
- Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and authorization
- Fireworks and explosives - strictly controlled
- Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media
- Certain publications and books - those deemed politically sensitive or morally offensive
- Drones and UAVs - without prior approval from relevant authorities
Restricted Items
- Medications - Prescription medications must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription and should be in original packaging. Psychotropic substances and controlled medications require special approval. Bring only quantities needed for your stay
- Religious materials - Non-Islamic religious items for personal use may be allowed in small quantities, but proselytizing materials are prohibited
- Professional camera and video equipment - May require permits if for commercial use
- Satellite communication equipment - Requires prior authorization
- Certain foods - Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products may be restricted. Check current agricultural import rules
- Pets and animals - Require health certificates, vaccination records, and import permits (see special situations)
- Plants and plant products - May require phytosanitary certificates
Health Requirements
Kuwait has specific health requirements for entry, which may vary based on your country of origin and current global health situations. It's essential to check the latest requirements before travel.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. Certificate must be presented at immigration
- Polio - Travelers from polio-endemic countries may need to show proof of polio vaccination
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date with MMR, DTP, and other routine vaccines
- Hepatitis A and B - Recommended for all travelers
- Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers
- Rabies - For travelers with extensive outdoor activities or animal contact
- COVID-19 - Check current requirements as policies continue to evolve
Health Insurance
While not mandatory for tourist entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Medical care in Kuwait is of high quality but can be expensive for non-residents. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation. Some visa categories or sponsors may require proof of health insurance.
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (included on parent's passport is not sufficient). If traveling with only one parent, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent. If traveling with children who are not your own, carry notarized authorization from both parents plus birth certificates. Unaccompanied minors require special arrangements with airlines and may need additional documentation. Single parents should carry birth certificates and may be questioned about the other parent's whereabouts.
Pets require an import permit from Kuwait's Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR), obtained before travel. Requirements include: microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before travel), health certificate from a licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel, and endorsement by government veterinary authorities in the country of origin. Pets must enter through Kuwait International Airport. Certain breeds may be restricted. Quarantine may be required. Contact PAAAFR well in advance: +965 2473 0178. Airlines have their own pet travel policies and fees.
Tourist visas cannot be converted to residence visas while in Kuwait. For extended stays beyond tourist visa validity, you must have sponsorship from a Kuwaiti employer, family member (if eligible), or company. Work visas require a job offer and sponsorship from a Kuwaiti employer who will process the residence permit. Family residence requires sponsorship from a Kuwaiti citizen or resident meeting income requirements. Student visas require acceptance from a Kuwaiti educational institution. All residence permits require medical examinations, security clearance, and various certificates. Processing can take several weeks to months.
Business visitors may enter on tourist visas for short trips (meetings, conferences). For work activities, a business visa sponsored by a Kuwaiti company is required. Sponsoring company must provide invitation letter and process visa through Kuwait Chamber of Commerce. Business visas typically allow 30-90 days. Bringing professional equipment may require temporary import permits and carnets. Business travelers should carry business cards, company letters, and meeting invitations.
Media personnel must obtain prior approval and special permits from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information. Professional camera equipment requires permits. Working as a journalist on a tourist visa is prohibited. Contact the Ministry of Information well in advance of travel. Unauthorized journalism activities can result in deportation and equipment confiscation.
If you hold Kuwaiti citizenship along with another nationality, you must enter and exit Kuwait using your Kuwaiti passport. Dual nationals may face different entry procedures and requirements. Some countries do not recognize dual nationality with Kuwait. Check with both countries' authorities regarding your status and obligations.
Travelers who previously overstayed visas, violated Kuwait's laws, or were deported may face entry bans ranging from 1 year to lifetime depending on the violation. Outstanding fines or legal issues must be resolved before re-entry is permitted. Check with Kuwait's immigration authorities if you have previous violations. Entry bans are strictly enforced.