Kuwait Opens Family Visit Visas to All — Salary Requirement Removed

In a welcome move for the region’s expatriate communities, Kuwait has removed the minimum salary requirement for family visit visas. Announced by senior Interior Ministry officials and active as of August 2025, the change makes it easier for expatriates — including members of the Saudi Arabian expat community — to sponsor extended relatives for short stays in Kuwait. The reform is part of Kuwait’s wider effort to modernize its visa system, boost tourism and simplify family reunification.

What’s changed: who can invite family

Key points of the reform:

• All expatriates holding a valid Kuwait residence permit can now invite extended family members — the previous minimum salary threshold has been abolished.
• Eligible relatives now include kin up to the fourth degree and relatives by marriage up to the third degree. This expands the previous scope, which focused mostly on spouses, children and parents.
• Family visit visas are issued through the official Kuwaitvisa platform and the process has been digitalized for speed and transparency.
• Travelers are no longer restricted to Kuwait-based carriers; entry is permitted via any airline, land or sea carrier.

Visa validity and types — what to expect

The Kuwaitvisa platform issues several visa types. For family visit visas and many tourist visas, the options are:

• Single-entry visas: valid for 1, 2, or 3 months.
• Multiple-entry visas: valid for up to 1 year (each stay limited to a maximum of 1 month).

Kuwaitvisa offers four main visa categories on its portal: Tourist, Family, Business and Governmental visas. Tourist visas are split into four categories depending on nationality, residency status and purpose of visit (including special event visas for sports and entertainment).

Tourist visa categories — brief overview

• Category 1: Nationals of 53 countries (many European countries, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian states) may obtain on-arrival or online visas with minimal conditions.
• Category 2: Foreign residents of GCC countries and residents of the US, Canada, UK or Schengen-area visa holders; previous profession or salary rules have been relaxed.
• Category 3: Applicants who do not match Categories 1 or 2; financial proof (bank statements) is generally required — final rules are being refined.
• Category 4: Short-term visas issued specifically for sanctioned sports or entertainment events during the event period.

How to apply — fast, online and digital

All applications are submitted via the official Kuwaitvisa platform (website or mobile app). Applicants and sponsors should prepare the usual documents: passport copy, passport-size photo, a confirmed return ticket and (where requested) a hotel booking or host address in Kuwait. If the application is complete, the platform can issue visas within minutes in many cases.

Official portal: Kuwaitvisa. For ministry guidance and legal notices see the Kuwait Ministry of Interior.

Removal of carrier restrictions — more travel flexibility

Previously, some family visit visas required travel on Kuwait-based carriers such as Kuwait Airways or Jazeera Airways. That restriction has been lifted: visitors can now enter Kuwait by any airline, as well as by land or sea carriers where applicable. This provides greater flexibility for travelers from Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Gulf, who often use regional carriers or overland routes.

What this means for the Saudi Arabia expat community

Many Saudis live and work throughout the GCC, and thousands of Saudi residents travel regularly to Kuwait for business, family and leisure. The change benefits Saudi-based expatriates and Saudi citizens who sponsor relatives living abroad by:

• Making it easier to invite extended family members for short visits without proving a minimum salary.
• Allowing guests to travel on a wider range of airlines and routes, often lowering travel costs and increasing scheduling options.
• Speeding up processing for last-minute family visits — relevant for emergencies and important family occasions.

Practical tips for Saudi expats planning to sponsor or travel

1. Use the official Kuwaitvisa portal to apply and pay: kuwaitvisa.com. Avoid third-party intermediaries when possible.
2. Prepare clear digital copies of required documents: passport biodata, passport photo, host address in Kuwait, confirmed return ticket and hotel reservation (where requested).
3. Check visa category carefully — some nationalities and residency statuses have different requirements.
4. Note the one-month maximum stay per entry for multiple-entry visas.
5. Confirm exclusions: Israeli nationals remain ineligible under existing Emiri decree; other cases may require special ministerial approval.
6. If sponsoring an extended family member, keep proof of relationship ready (family book, marriage certificate, birth certificates, or equivalent).
7. For business visitors, request the host company in Kuwait to apply through the Business Visa channel and confirm applicable fees — these vary by nationality.

Why Kuwait is modernizing its visa system

The revisions form part of a broader policy to position Kuwait as a more open and visitor-friendly destination, encourage regional travel and strengthen social ties for its large expatriate population. The digital-first approach reduces bureaucracy and improves processing times, while the expanded kinship allowances reflect a focus on family unity.

Staying informed and where to get help

Visa rules and operational details can evolve. Always confirm the latest requirements directly on official channels before making travel plans. Useful official resources:

• Kuwaitvisa portal — online applications, fees and status checks.
• Kuwait Ministry of Interior — official announcements and ministerial decrees.

Bottom line for Saudi expats

This change is one of the most significant liberalizations of Kuwait’s short-stay visa rules in recent years. For Saudi Arabia’s expat community — whether Saudis working in Kuwait, Saudi residents sponsoring relatives, or expatriates in Saudi who visit Kuwait frequently — the removal of the salary requirement and the simplified online process will make short family trips more accessible, faster and more flexible.

Plan ahead, use the official Kuwaitvisa portal, keep required digital documents ready, and double-check category-specific rules before you apply. If you have complex cases (dual nationals, special approvals, or excluded nationalities), contact the Kuwait Ministry of Interior or your nearest Kuwaiti diplomatic mission for guidance.