Kuwait has revamped its family visit visa system for expatriates with sweeping reforms to make it as simple as possible with some verification safeguards.
Of greatest importance is the elimination of the sponsor’s minimum salary requirement which expands the avenues for residents seeking to invite relatives.
Under the new framework initiated by the Government of Kuwait, applications now have to be applied digitally using the official Kuwait Visa platform instead of the physical method.
The entire process is done electronically and it reduces paperwork and eliminates many in-person requirements.
In addition, visitors are no longer restricted to travelling on Kuwait’s national carrier, resulting in greater flexibility in terms of travel arrangements.
Eligibility has also been increased. The definition of “family” has been extended to include the fourth degree of blood relatives and the third degree of marriage so that a broader circle of extended family members could be eligible for visit visas.
Proof of relationship is still mandatory. Applicants will have to upload supporting documents, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.
The usual requirements are a valid marriage certificate, which clearly indicates the names of both spouses; and it should be properly translated.
Those who have already obtained the visit visa can re-use an earlier affidavit if the affidavit is still in effect.
The new online system eliminates the use of more primitive manuals which previously required embassy-issued certificates of relationship and attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Previously, applicants were required to provide a work permit, original passport, embassy certification, and MOFA attestation – which are all steps that are eliminated to a large extent under the digital process. However, all documents must be clear, legible and uploaded properly.
While Kuwait has relaxed rules on visiting families, travel for Umrah to neighbouring Saudi Arabia is subject to separate rules.
Only expatriates with a valid Kuwaiti residence permit are allowed to apply for a Saudi e-visa for Umrah.
Visitors on family visit visa are not eligible to get an Umrah visa from within Kuwait.
Also read: Big change: Kuwait moves to introduce freelance visa
