LOC17:10
14:10 GMT
KUWAIT, Aug 13 (KUNA) -- The Ministry of Interior confirmed on Wednesday its keenness to enhance the visa issuance procedures, improving Kuwait's status as an attractive tourist destination.
This came during a visual presentation at the Center for Government Communication (CGC) by Director of Electronic Services at the Residency Affairs in the Interior Ministry, Col. Abdulaziz Al-Kandari.
Al-Kandari reviewed the new electronic visa system through the Kuwait Visa platform, and highlighted the amendments made to tourist, family, commercial, and government visas.
He provided a detailed explanation of the new entry visas and their requirements, most importantly is that applicants should not have any security restrictions or prohibitions, as well as for applicants to follow listed instructions and attach necessary documents on the Kuwait Visa platform.
He pointed out that the tourist visa is divided into four main categories; the first being holders of strong passports and high safety indicators, requiring a passport valid for more than six months from the entry date.
Second category is Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), skilled professionals, the US, UK, or Schengen residency holders, similarly requiring a passport valid for more than six months, as well as proof of residency.
The third category; which is yet to be launch, will include all other nationalities with financial eligibility, having similar requirements alongside proof of financial eligibility through a recent bank statement and a confirmed hotel reservation, and an insurance amount from the visitor's credit card, which will be charged in case of violations, and refunded upon departure.
The fourth category is specific to events and activities, local and international, and its requirements are determined according to the event or activity at the time.
Regarding the entry options for tourist visas, Al-Kandari said that they are divided into two categories, single-entry for up to three months, valid for 30 days, or multiple entries for three months, six months, or a year, with a maximum stay of 30 days per entry.
He reviewed the new family visas, explaining that the main requirements are to provide proof of relationship status, such as a marriage or birth certificate, in Arabic or translated to Arabic by a certified translation office.
Al-Kandari went over the business visa granted to individuals invited by a private entity, such as institutions or companies, to visit from abroad for commercial purposes, having either single-entry for one month, valid for 30 days, or multiple entries for three, six months, or one year, with a duration of stay not exceeding 30 days for each entry.
He also reviewed the government visa granted to individuals a government entity wishes to invite from abroad, indicating that the applicant must pay the prescribed fees, including a single-entry for one, two, or three months, valid for 30 days, as well as multiple-entries for three months, six months, or a year, with a maximum stay for 30 days for each entry. (end)
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