Bringing Your Family Members to Kuwait: A Quick Guide for Indian Expats in Kuwait
One of the most beautiful and stunning Middle East countries, the State of Kuwait is truly a one-of-a-kind country that holds on to the essence of the Arab culture.
Both natural wonders and man-made marvels can be found in abundance in Kuwait. Visitors will be treated to the sights of the tallest tower in the world, the Kuwait Towers, the holy Grand Mosque, luxurious hotels and resorts, paradise-like golden beaches, and pristine islands. Kuwait offers everything a visitor can ever ask for.
It’s no wonder that people living and working here would also want to share the excitement with their families back home. If you’re an Indian expat looking to bring your family members to Kuwait, here are your options.
Bringing family members from India to Kuwait
Expat’s family members from India can travel to Kuwait, provided they have a suitable Kuwaiti visit visa such as a family visit visa, tourist visa or family residence visa for entry.
However, as announced by Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior, the issuance of visit visas, as well as the family residence visa to Kuwait, has now been suspended, until further notice. These visit visas include both family visit visas and tourist visas, excluding e-visas and visas on arrival issued to nationals of eligible countries.
Therefore, as of now, Indian expats cannot apply for visit visas to Kuwait. The decision is mainly issued to prepare for a new regulatory mechanism for the Residency Affairs department.
What are the visa options for Indian residents travelling to Kuwait?
Indian expats in Kuwait who want to bring their family members into the state can do so by making their family members apply for one of the following Kuwaiti visit visas:
Tourist Visa
The Kuwait tourist visa is an official document that will allow Indian residents to temporarily reside in Kuwait for a maximum of 90 days starting from the first date of entry, provided they are visiting for leisure purposes.
The single-entry tourist visas are valid for one month after issuance. Therefore, Indian residents looking to visit Kuwait for a short trip can apply for a Kuwaiti tourist visa.
Family Visit Visa
A Kuwait family visit visa can be issued to immediate family members and other relatives residing in other countries, including India, who wish to visit their family members in Kuwait.
Moreover, the family visit visa has no eligibility criteria and is valid for a maximum of 90 days from the day of entry.
Family Residence Visa
With a Dependent Visa or the Family Visa, an employed person in Kuwait can bring their family members from India to live with them in Kuwait. This is a type of Kuwaiti Residence Visa and will be valid for a period of 10 years.
Are there any flights from India to Kuwait?
Yes, there are many international airlines that offer regular flights from India to Kuwait. The SriLankan Airlines, TruJet, Go Air, Air India, Vistara, etc are some of the more renowned airlines that offer flights from India to Kuwait.
