My next big trip is to West and Central Asia. When I went to Africa, my friends worried about my safety. The same goes for West/Central Asia, especially Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
However, there's something that I worry about more than safety: visas. Getting visas can be troublesome in Africa and West/Central Asia. I'm apprehensive about Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia.
After reading this guest post, I'm not too worried about Kuwait.
Guest post by Paulina Rochin
Kuwait is surrounded by mystery, mainly because it has not opted for the glamorous life compared to its neighboring countries and chose a more commercial industry than celebrating its history. Or, it could also be because of how behind they are compared to its co-Gulf countries from the invasions done by Iraqis on their land. Regardless, Kuwait is a rising power in the Middle East, which should pique the world's interest.
It is a country with many to offer, such as magnificent museums and a wide array of food options in their souq, then highlighted by the Kuwait Towers, which soar above the country's skyline. With so many offerings, it is no wonder why there has been an increasing number of Kuwait visa applications that are being processed annually.
How can you start your Kuwait visa application?
The quickest and easiest type of visa to apply for is the eVisa. You need to input a Kuwait visa application and proceed to follow other prompts from the system. It only takes between one to three business before a decision is made.
However, not everyone is eligible for a Kuwait eVisa. There are only 54 countries that get a pass. Foreign nationals who are living in those countries can also get an eVisa. Most 54 countries are members of the GCC, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Oman.
After submitting your application, expect a response between one to three business days. Once approved, a copy of the visa is sent to the applicant's e-mail and can be used immediately.
Unfortunately, a Kuwait eVisa is only valid for 90 days and only for a single entry. So, the next time you visit Kuwait, you will need to apply again.
Only the eVisa can be applied online for all the Kuwait visa types available. All the other visa types require any individual to visit the Kuwait embassy. Fortunately, everyone else can apply for these visas as well.
For example, a visit visa can be applied for by any nationality as long as you have a sponsor in Kuwait, which could either be a company in Kuwait or a relative who lives in the country.
Luckily, if you do not have a Kuwait embassy in your country, it can be processed by your sponsor. You'll need to send a copy to your sponsor. Once approved, your visa copy shall be sent to you. The original document can be given to you once you arrive at the airport, either in person or at a counter where your sponsor leaves it. However, do not forget the original copies of your supporting documents, which are required for entry formalities.
Once the Kuwait visa application for a visit visa is processed, a response should be expected within two to seven working days. Also, it is good to remember that depending on your sponsor, there will be a slight difference in the requirements, although it is more on the proof of your relationship with the sponsor.
Unlike the eVisa, you can acquire a multiple-entry visa with the same requirements. This can be useful for business visits because you can visit Kuwait often and whenever possible. However, your sponsor can only be the Minister of Defense in Kuwait.
A residence visa is an umbrella term that includes a work visa, a dependent visa, a visa for domestic servants, and a visa for a newborn child.
For a work visa, your employer must send a copy of the work permit to the Kuwait embassy and the employee so they can gain entry into the country. If Kuwait does not have an embassy in the country that the future employee is in, then the sponsor can send the permit to the Ministry of the Interior, which will get the person an entry visa to enter the country.
On the other hand, a dependent visa is basically a visa granted to family members who an employee in Kuwait wants to come over and possibly live there. How easy it is to get depends on the person's salary. If both parents live in Kuwait, it is also possible for the children to receive the same visa. Again, it will depend on the parent's salary.
Another type of visa available that requires submitting a Kuwait visa application form is the transit visa. This is commonly used by people who will only be in Kuwait for a few days before flying off to their destination. However, once issued, it should be used within seven days, and the only requirement it needs is that you have a visa available for the country of your next destination.
If a transit visa is not possible, a Kuwait online visa can be an alternative, and that can be valid for 90 days.
Lastly, a Kuwait entry visa is used by employees involved with civil service or the government.
For a country full of mystery, it has many to offer and looks over all the types of Kuwait visas available, their requirements, and the visas they grant. However, understandably, the times are still dangerous, especially around their region.
Kuwait offers many, especially its history and science (look to the Scientific Centre). Like its neighboring Gulf countries, it is rich, but it is not yet opting for the grandeur that its counterparts have.
They are still doing business, and you might be the next one to break with them if you start your Kuwait visa application now.
Paulina Rochin wrote this guest post.
