Are you a Pakistani citizen who wants to visit Kuwait? If yes, then you might be wondering Is a Kuwait visa is open for Pakistan or not.
In this blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Kuwait visa policy for Pakistan, such as the background, the requirements, the procedure, and the alternatives.
Is a Kuwait visa open for Pakistan or Not
The good news is that a Kuwait visa is open for Pakistan, but there are some requirements and conditions that you need to fulfill before traveling to Kuwait.
Historical Closure and Reopening
Wondering why Kuwait closed its doors to Pakistani citizens for a decade and how things changed in 2023? Well, the visa suspension back in 2012 was due to security concerns. Kuwait put a halt on visas for folks from
- Pakistan
- Iraq
- Iran
- Syria
- Afghanistan
However, this move didn’t just impact security – it also strained the economic and social ties between Kuwait and Pakistan. Many Pakistani workers, businessmen, and families found themselves unable to travel to Kuwait.
Fast forward to 2023, and the visa situation took a turn. The reopening of Kuwait’s visa for Pakistan resulted from talks and agreements between the two nations. During a visit to Pakistan, Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Imran Khan hashed out various topics, including
- Trade
- Investment
- Energy
- Security
- Tourism
As a friendly gesture, they decided to resume the visa process for Pakistani citizens.
Eligibility
The conditions you need to meet are
- You must have a valid visa for 90 days from the date of issue
- You must use the visa for a single entry only
- You must not extend the visa beyond the validity period
- You must not work or study in Kuwait without a visa
- You must abide by the laws and customs of Kuwait
Required Documents
If you want to apply for a Kuwait tourist visa, you need to prepare some documents and meet some conditions. The documents you need are
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and 2 blank pages
- A bank statement showing sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Kuwait
- A travel itinerary showing your flight details and hotel reservation
- A letter of invitation from a sponsor in Kuwait or a confirmation from a travel agency
- A passport-sized photo with a white background
- A visa application form filled out and signed
Here is a complete guide on Can a Pakistani can get a job in Kuwait that may help you to make it easy in Kuwait.
Procedure
If you’ve got all your documents and requirements in order, you’re ready to apply for a Kuwait tourist visa from Pakistan.
- Start by filling out the online application form on the Kuwait visa website. Provide your personal details, passport information, travel plans, and sponsor information. Don’t forget to upload your photo and necessary documents.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. For Pakistani citizens, the fee is around $100.
- Once you’ve submitted your application, be patient. The approval process can take up to 15 days. This duration depends on how quickly your documents and sponsor details are verified.
- Once approved, it’s time to collect your visa. Head to the Kuwait embassy or consulate in Pakistan, or simply grab it at the Kuwait airport. Bring your passport and a printout of the confirmation email, and you’re good to go.
Alternatives
If you do not want to apply for a Kuwait tourist visa, or if you do not meet the requirements or conditions, you can still travel to Kuwait without a visa. There are two alternatives that you can use
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA or eVisa):
- Apply online on the Kuwait visa website.
- Provide personal information, passport details, travel plans, and a valid email.
- Pay a $20 fee online with a credit or debit card.
- Receive approval via email within 24 hours.
- Print out the approval email and present it at the Kuwait airport.
- Valid for 30 days, multiple entries for tourism, business, or transit.
GCC Residency Permit:
- Obtain a residency permit for any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country.
- GCC countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
- Present your passport and valid GCC residency permit at the Kuwait airport.
- Allows a stay of up to 90 days, with multiple entries for tourism, business, or transit.
- Check the Kuwait visa website for detailed information on GCC residency permits.
Conclusion
Yes, a Kuwait visa is indeed open for Pakistan. After a 10-year closure due to security concerns, the policy was reinstated in 2023 following successful bilateral talks. Travelers should be mindful of specific conditions and document requirements for obtaining a Kuwait tourist visa.
Alternatively, electronic travel authorization (eTA or eVisa) and GCC residency permits offer viable options for those who prefer to visit Kuwait without a traditional visa. These developments signify positive strides in diplomatic relations, providing Pakistani citizens with various pathways to explore Kuwait for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
