Kuwait announces major visa reforms, bars only Israeli national

KUWAIT: Kuwait has announced one of its most sweeping visa reforms in decades, opening its doors to visitors from almost every country in the world, with Israel remaining the only country to be banned under an emiri decree explicitly citing a state of war.

In a presentation titled “Kuwait Visa Platform… New Entry Visas,” Colonel Abdulaziz Al-Kandari of the General Department of Residency outlined a four-tier visa system that takes effect immediately.

The policy maintains Kuwait’s 1964 emiri decree declaring war on Israel, making it the only nationality explicitly banned from entry.

The newly created program introduces streamlined digital applications through the “Kuwait Visa” platform, with eligibility varying by nationality and occupation:

Colonel Al Kandari emphasised that all decisions were taken following “thorough studies of immediate and long-term implications,” noting the system aims to boost Kuwait’s appeal as a tourism destination while safeguarding national security.

Kuwait remains the sole Gulf state without diplomatic ties or travel provisions for Israelis, contrasting with neighbours like the UAE and Bahrain, which normalised relations through the 2020 Abraham Accords.

The policy aligns with Kuwait’s historical support for Palestinian rights, including a 1964 law barring business with Israeli entities.

The Interior Ministry confirmed the platform is operational immediately for eligible nationals, with the third-tier system expected within months.