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  • Home
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  •  /  Country Overviews
  •  /  Kuwait
  • Country Overviews

Kuwait

At a Glance

Capital Kuwait City
Language Arabic
Population 4,271,000
GDP Total $141.7 billion
GDP Per Capita $34,248.80
Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

 

When traveling to Kuwait, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if work authorization will be required. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

 

Traveling for Business

 

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Kuwait, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • » Attend business meetings
  • » Buy goods for sale outside the country
  • » Tour a company facility
  • » Attend conventions or trade shows

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Kuwait?

Foreign nationals traveling to Kuwait to engage in business activities are generally required to obtain a Commercial Visit Visa, also known as a Business Visitor Visa, from a Kuwaiti Embassy or Consulate prior to travel.

Nationals of select countries may be eligible for a Visa on Arrival (also called Article 14-Visa or Visa-14) for business purposes. Additionally, some nationals may be eligible to obtain an e-Visa online prior to departure.

Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a Commercial Visit Visa to engage in business activities in Kuwait. Please consult with your immigration counsel before traveling to determine eligibility for a Commercial Visit Visa, e-Visa, or visa waiver.

 

Working in Kuwait

 

What types of activities require work authorization?

Foreign nationals may generally be permitted to engage in short-term technical activities and other hands-on work, such as systems installation and repairs, with a valid Commercial Visit Visa. Additionally, U.S. nationals intending to perform short-term technical activities on a military base may be eligible to obtain an e-Visa or Visa on Arrival. Please consult with your immigration provider before traveling to confirm eligibility for a short-term work authorization exemption.

 

If I am traveling to Kuwait for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Kuwait. All foreign nationals intending to engage in work activities must obtain a Work Visa and Civil ID card.

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

Nationals from GCC member states are not required to obtain work authorization to work in Kuwait. However, registrations or other formalities may be required for these nationals to work and or reside in Kuwait.

 

What else should I know?

 

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.


News and Events

29 Jun 22

Issuance of visit visas suspended

Kuwait

1 Feb 22

Work permit renewals for those 60 and over...

Kuwait

29 Dec 21

COVID-19: Entry requirements updated

COVID-19 Kuwait

25 Oct 21

COVID-19: Borders reopened for travel

COVID-19 Kuwait

14 Jun 21

COVID-19: Vaccination registration opened

COVID-19 Kuwait

8 Jun 21

COVID-19: Gradual reopening announced

COVID-19 Kuwait

21 May 21

COVID-19: Inbound flights suspended for select countries

COVID-19 Kuwait

24 Nov 20

Work permit and residency renewal will not be...

Kuwait

29 Jun 20

COVID-19: Lockdown, travel restrictions updated

COVID-19 Kuwait

25 Jun 20

COVID-19: Lockdown, travel restrictions updated

COVID-19 Kuwait

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At a Glance

Capital Kuwait City
Language Arabic
Population 4,271,000
GDP Total $141.7 billion
GDP Per Capita $34,248.80

Related News

  • Issuance of visit visas suspended

    KUWAIT   29 Jun 22

  • Work permit renewals for those 60 and over...

    KUWAIT   1 Feb 22

  • COVID-19: Entry requirements updated

    KUWAIT   29 Dec 21

  • COVID-19: Borders reopened for travel

    KUWAIT   25 Oct 21

  • COVID-19: Vaccination registration opened

    KUWAIT   14 Jun 21

  • COVID-19: Gradual reopening announced

    KUWAIT   8 Jun 21

  • COVID-19: Inbound flights suspended for select countries

    KUWAIT   21 May 21

  • Work permit and residency renewal will not be...

    KUWAIT   24 Nov 20

  • COVID-19: Lockdown, travel restrictions updated

    KUWAIT   29 Jun 20

  • COVID-19: Lockdown, travel restrictions updated

    KUWAIT   25 Jun 20

  • COVID-19: Government institutions to close temporarily

    KUWAIT   27 Apr 20

  • New requirements for commercial visa applications

    KUWAIT   22 Jan 20

  • Authorities increase salary required to sponsor family and...

    KUWAIT   8 Nov 19

  • Penalty for non-compliance with “Kuwaitization” set to increase

    KUWAIT   21 May 19

  • Authorities replace residency sticker with Civil ID Card

    KUWAIT   3 Apr 19

  • Immigration update: changes impact dependents, Moroccan and Tunisian...

    KUWAIT   5 Feb 19

  • Under stiff new criteria, foreign engineers face obstacles...

    KUWAIT   26 Mar 18

  • Amnesty period offered for foreign nationals who are...

    KUWAIT   13 Feb 18

  • Authorities plan halt to recruitment of foreign workers...

    KUWAIT   27 Dec 17

  • Authorities now requiring original diploma in residence applications

    KUWAIT   21 Dec 17

  • Expatriate workers must meet higher minimum salary to...

    KUWAIT   27 Oct 16

  • Employers must register with wage protection program

    KUWAIT   15 Jan 16

  • Kuwait shortens visa validity period to 30 days

    KUWAIT   29 Jul 15

  • KD 250 deposits now required for work permit...

    KUWAIT   11 May 15

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