Kuwait Tourist Visa
Kuwait Tourism Visa · For Bangladesh citizens
Planning to visit Kuwait as a Bangladeshi citizen? This guide covers the full Kuwait tourist visa application process: required documents, fees of approximately KWD 3 (around BDT 1,200) for the e-visa or $50 for embassy applications, processing times of 10-15 working days, and strategies to strengthen your application. Note that Bangladeshi citizens need either a valid GCC residency permit for the e-visa route or must apply through the Kuwait Embassy in Dhaka.
Kuwait Tourist Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Bangladesh citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Bangladeshi passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended entry date into Kuwait
Recent colored photograph with white background meeting Kuwait visa specifications
Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit from Kuwait
Confirmed hotel booking for the duration of your stay in Kuwait
Recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip
Completed visa application form with accurate information
Recommended (Optional)
Valid residency permit from a GCC country with at least 6 months validity
Valid travel health insurance covering Kuwait for the duration of stay
Letter explaining the purpose and details of your trip to Kuwait
Application Process
Kuwait offers two main routes for Bangladeshi citizens to obtain a tourist visa, depending on whether you hold GCC residency.1
Route 1: E-Visa (For GCC Residents Only)
If you hold a valid residency permit from a GCC country (Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, or UAE), you can apply for a Kuwait e-visa online.3
1. Verify Your Eligibility
Check that your GCC residency permit is valid for at least 6 months from your intended entry date into Kuwait.3
2. Complete the Online Application
Visit the official Kuwait visa portal at kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw.1 Complete the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans.
3. Upload Required Documents
Submit digital copies of:2
- Bangladeshi passport (bio page)
- GCC residency permit
- Passport-size photograph
- Flight booking confirmation
- Hotel reservation
4. Pay the Fee and Submit
Pay the e-visa fee of KWD 3 and submit your application. You will receive your e-visa via email within 2-3 working days.1
Route 2: Embassy Application (For Non-GCC Residents)
If you do not have GCC residency, you must apply through the Kuwait Embassy in Dhaka.3
1. Gather Required Documents
Prepare all required documents including passport, photographs, bank statements, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and a cover letter explaining your visit.4
2. Submit at the Embassy
Visit the Kuwait Embassy in Dhaka with your complete application. Submit all documents and pay the applicable fees.
3. Wait for Processing
Embassy applications typically take 10-15 working days. You may be called for an interview or asked to provide additional documents.4
4. Collect Your Visa
Once approved, collect your visa from the embassy. Print a copy of your visa to present at immigration.
Fees
| Application Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (GCC Residents) | KWD 3 (~BDT 1,200) | Online application |
| Embassy Application | $50 (~BDT 5,500) | In-person at Dhaka embassy |
| Service Charges | KWD 5-10 | May vary by service provider |
| Visa Extension | KWD 10+ | If extending stay in Kuwait |
Fees are subject to change. Additional service charges may apply depending on the application channel.14
What You Need to Prove
Kuwait immigration authorities assess tourist visa applications based on several key factors:2
- Genuine tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed bookings showing you plan to visit Kuwait for tourism purposes only
- Financial capacity: Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses without needing to work
- Return intent: Confirmed return ticket and strong ties to Bangladesh demonstrating you will return after your visit
- Valid documentation: All documents meeting technical specifications and containing accurate information
- Clean immigration history: No outstanding violations, overstays, or bans in Kuwait or other GCC countries
Processing Times
| Application Type | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (GCC Residents) | 2-3 working days | Fastest option |
| Embassy Application | 10-15 working days | Standard processing |
| Peak Season | 15-20 working days | During holidays and summer |
Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for any delays.4 E-visa applicants should still allow a buffer for any unexpected issues.
Important Information for Bangladeshi Applicants
Kuwait has specific requirements for Bangladeshi citizens that differ from other nationalities:3
- GCC Residency Requirement: The easiest path to a Kuwait tourist visa is through the e-visa system, but this requires valid GCC residency. Without it, you must use the embassy route.
- Employment Restrictions: Kuwait strictly enforces the prohibition on working with a tourist visa. Any violation can result in deportation and a ban.
- Immigration History: Previous issues in any GCC country, including overstaying or absconding from employment, will significantly impact your application.
- Documentation Standards: Kuwait authorities carefully verify all submitted documents. Ensure everything is genuine, current, and accurate.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa (electronic or stamped) should be printed and carried during travel. At Kuwait immigration:1
- Present your printed visa and passport
- You may be asked about your accommodation, travel plans, and return date
- Immigration will stamp your passport with the entry date
- You have 30 days from visa issuance to enter Kuwait
- Maximum stay is 90 days from entry date
- Overstaying incurs fines and potential deportation2
If Your Visa is Refused
If your visa is rejected:
- Review the refusal reason: Understand what specific issue caused the rejection
- Address the identified issues: Gather additional documentation or correct any errors
- Strengthen financial evidence: If financial issues were cited, show higher bank balance and stable income
- Improve travel documentation: Ensure all bookings are confirmed and dates align
- Reapply: There is no mandatory waiting period, but ensure all issues are resolved before resubmitting
- Consider professional help: Immigration consultants can help identify weaknesses in your application
Most rejections are due to documentation issues that can be addressed.4 A rejection does not permanently prevent future applications, but repeated rejections may require additional scrutiny.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing documents, unclear scans, incorrect information, or documents that do not meet Kuwait's specifications. This is the leading cause of rejection for Bangladeshi applicants.
How to avoid: Double-check every document before submission. Ensure passport photos meet specifications, all scans are clear and colored, and no required documents are missing. Verify all information matches across documents.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing insufficient funds, unstable income patterns, or suspicious large deposits close to the application date.
How to avoid: Maintain a stable balance of at least KWD 500 (BDT 200,000) for several months before applying. Avoid large deposits in the weeks before application. Show regular salary credits or consistent income.
No Valid GCC Residency for E-Visa
Bangladeshi citizens without valid GCC residency cannot apply for Kuwait e-visa and must go through the embassy route, which has stricter requirements.
How to avoid: If you do not have GCC residency, apply through the Kuwait Embassy in Dhaka. Provide comprehensive documentation to support your application.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying previous visas in Kuwait or other GCC countries, absconding from employment, or unresolved immigration issues.
How to avoid: Resolve any outstanding immigration issues before applying. If you previously overstayed or had issues in any GCC country, this will affect your application. Be honest about your history.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Bangladesh, such as no property ownership, unstable employment, or no family ties.
How to avoid: Include property documents if you own any. Provide an employment letter with tenure details. Show family ties such as spouse, children, or dependent parents.
Unclear Travel Purpose
Vague or inconsistent travel plans, missing hotel bookings, or unclear purpose of visit raises concerns about true intentions.
How to avoid: Provide a detailed travel itinerary. Include confirmed flight and hotel bookings. If visiting family, provide invitation letter and host's civil ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bangladeshi citizens get a Kuwait e-visa?
Bangladeshi citizens can only get a Kuwait e-visa if they hold a valid residency permit from a GCC country (Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, or UAE) that is valid for at least 6 months. Without GCC residency, you must apply through the Kuwait Embassy in Dhaka.
How long can I stay in Kuwait on a tourist visa?
The Kuwait tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days from the date of entry. The entry permit itself is valid for 30 days from issuance, meaning you must enter Kuwait within 30 days of visa approval.
What is the Kuwait tourist visa fee for Bangladeshi citizens?
The e-visa fee is KWD 3 (approximately BDT 1,200) for GCC residents applying online. For embassy applications, the fee is approximately $50 USD (around BDT 5,500) plus any applicable service charges.
How long does Kuwait visa processing take for Bangladeshis?
E-visa processing takes 2-3 working days for GCC residents. Embassy applications take 10-15 working days. Processing times may vary during peak seasons or if additional documentation is requested.
Can I work on a Kuwait tourist visa?
No, the Kuwait tourist visa explicitly prohibits any form of employment. Working on a tourist visa can result in fines, imprisonment, deportation, and a ban from Kuwait. If you need to work, you must obtain a proper work visa.
What if I don't have GCC residency?
If you do not have GCC residency, you must apply for a Kuwait visa through the Kuwait Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This process requires more documentation and takes longer (10-15 working days), but it is the only option for Bangladeshi citizens without GCC residency.
What is the approval rate for Kuwait visas from Bangladesh?
The approval rate is approximately 65% for Bangladeshi applicants. Proper documentation, strong financial evidence, and clear travel purpose significantly improve approval chances.
Do I need a sponsor for Kuwait tourist visa?
For tourist visas, you typically do not need a personal sponsor if you have confirmed hotel bookings and flight tickets. However, if staying with family or friends in Kuwait, they may need to provide an invitation letter and their civil ID.
Can I extend my Kuwait tourist visa?
Tourist visa extensions are possible in Kuwait but must be applied for before your current visa expires. Extensions are subject to approval and additional fees. Overstaying without extension incurs fines and potential deportation.
What happens if my Kuwait visa is rejected?
If rejected, review the reason for refusal and address the issues. You can reapply with improved documentation. Common fixes include better quality photos, higher bank balance, and confirmed travel bookings. There is no mandatory waiting period for reapplication.
Is travel insurance required for Kuwait?
While not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended and may be required for entry. It should cover medical emergencies with minimum coverage of €30,000 and be valid throughout your stay in Kuwait.