Kuwait Business Visa - Definitive Guide

To perform business-related activities, one requires a business permit to enter the country. This type of permit is given for a duration of 30 days to be used in a 90-day period with a single entry. However, a multiple-entry visa may be issued when your business sponsor is the ministry of defense. Residents of GCC countries and a few other nations can get a visa on arrival in the country. 

The process of applying for the Kuwait Business Visa for Indian citizens can be followed below. Please note that if you are an Indian citizen residing in one of the GCC countries, you may be eligible for the visa on arrival. 

1. Acquire the necessary documents required for the application.
2. Download the application form from the website of the Kuwait consulate.
3. Fill in the form with the details and attach your photos on it.
4. Submit the application, along with your documents to the Kuwait embassy or consulate.

Alternately, your sponsor in Kuwait can apply for the visa over there for you. This will require you to provide them with your passport copies, and details. 

Ensure that you provide the right details and genuine documents. Providing false information can lead to your visa being rejected. A visa rejection is considered a black mark in your passport.

To be able to apply for the business permit, you must meet the below Kuwait business visa requirements.

• You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the day of travel.
• You should have a sponsor or company in Kuwait.
• Your purpose of the visit must be to engage in business activities such as business meetings, conferences, contracts, etc.
• You must be holding an invitation letter from a Kuwaiti company or organization stating your visit. 

Once you have your permit, keep in mind the following points - 

• Ensure that you carry all your travel documents including passport and a copy of the visa.
• Do not overextend your stay in the country. For every day that you stay back after your visa expiry, you will be fined 10 KD per day.
• When you land in Kuwait, you will have to collect your original copy of the visa from the airport visa collection booth.
• While you are on a business permit, strictly adhere to the regulations of it. You cannot work or take up a job while you are on this. 
• Follow and ensure that your stay is in accordance with the Kuwait laws.

As per the embassy requirements, the following are the list of necessary documents for the application.  

• A valid passport
• Completed visa application forms
• 2 photographs
• Covering letter from the Indian company (on the letterhead) stating details such as the purpose, duration of the visit
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of employment
• Business registration in the Chamber of Commerce, of Indian Company
• Invitation letter from the Kuwaiti company or sponsor.

• 2 identical passport size photos
• Recently taken
• Colored, with a white background
• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Face should cover 80% of the photo
• Facial expression - neutral
• Head in a central location
• Eyeglasses are not permitted
• Headwear - permitted in case of religious reasons

The time taken to process the permit varies upon several factors. These include the workload at the embassy, single entry or multiple entries and so on. Normally, the visa is processed within 10 working days. However, in cases with complications, these can increase.

The fees for the permit depends on the duration of the business visa, whether it is single entry or multiple entries. It also depends on any extra charges for faster visa processing as well as the service charges for the agencies.

Once your visa has been submitted, it will begin being processed. If it has been approved, you will receive the visa via email.

To track your visa, you will have to email the embassy or contact the registered travel agent through whom you have applied for the visa.