Are you an Ethiopian citizen looking to travel to the exciting country of Kuwait? No matter what your reasons for traveling are, whether it is for tourism, visiting family, or perhaps business, it is essential to understand the visa application process in order to have a successful trip. With the new eVisa system in place, applying for your visa has never been easier.

In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for Kuwait e-visa from Ethiopia Citizens.

Is a Visa Required for Ethiopian Nationals to Enter Kuwait?

Yes, all Ethiopian nationals must have a valid visa to enter Kuwait. Although Kuwait has certain arrangements with the GCC countries (Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) to enter visa-free, Ethiopian nationals must apply for an entry visa before traveling to Kuwait. The easiest visa option for most Ethiopian nationals would be Kuwait Tourist eVisa, if they meet certain requirements.

What are the Main Features of the Kuwait eVisa?

Kuwait eVisa is an online travel authorization document that enables you to avoid embassy visits in most cases.

Feature	Details
Visa Type	Tourist eVisa
Number of Entries	Single Entry
Max. Stay	30 Days
Validity	30 Days (from issuance)

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Kuwait eVisa Online?

For Ethiopian nationals, the eligibility to apply for the online eVisa may depend on your current residency status. There are two main ways to apply:

GCC Residents: Ethiopian nationals residing in a GCC nation (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, or Bahrain) with a valid residency permit can apply online.
Designated Professions: High-ranking professionals (Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, University Professors, etc.) residing in GCC nations are very eligible for the eVisa.
Standard Applicants: If you are applying from Ethiopia without GCC residency, you will require a Kuwaiti sponsor or apply through the Kuwait Embassy in Addis Ababa.

How Can I Apply Kuwait e-visa from Ethiopia Citizens?

To Apply Kuwait e-visa from Ethiopia Citizens successfully, the process is simplified through official platforms. Follow these steps:

Visit the Portal: Start the online application process by visiting the official website at kuwait-evisa.org.
Fill the Form: Enter your personal information, passport number, and travel dates as they appear on your ID card.
Scan Documents: You will require a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page and a recent passport photo.
Make Payment: Pay the government and service charges using the online payment system.
Get Confirmation: After successful processing, the eVisa document is delivered to your email address in PDF format.

Is a Kuwait Visa on Arrival Available for Ethiopians?

One of the most frequently asked questions by travelers is whether there is a Kuwait Visa on Arrival.

Limited Access: At the moment, access to the Visa on Arrival is limited to “Group 1” countries (50+ countries, including the US, UK, and EU), and some GCC residents.
Ethiopian Nationals: If you are an Ethiopian national traveling from Addis Ababa, you won’t be able to get a Kuwait Visa on Arrival. You will need to apply for eVisa or an entry permit before your flight.
GCC Expats: If you are an Ethiopian national living in a GCC country with a residence permit and a professional occupation, you can get a visa upon arrival. Nevertheless, it is always best to apply for an eVisa online to prevent any issues at the border.

Which Documents are Required for the Application?

To avoid any delay in the processing of your application, you need to provide the following:

Passport Bio Page: A scanned copy of your Ethiopian passport (valid for at least 6 months).
Recent Photo: A digital passport photo with a white background.
Passport Observation Page: If your passport has certain official entries.
Proof of Stay: A hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation.
Applicant Birth Certificate: In the case of a minor applicant.
GCC Residence Permit: A digital copy of your residency card (if you are applying as a GCC resident).

Is Health and Travel Insurance Compulsory in Kuwait?

The health insurance requirements in Kuwait have been updated. According to the Ministry of Health, all foreign visitors are required to have valid health insurance that covers them for the duration of their visit.

Cost: For short-term visitors, the cost of the insurance is about 5 KWD (approximately 16 USD).
What the insurance covers: This insurance needs to be purchased from authorized local insurance companies or through the official visa website during the visa application process.
Why it is compulsory: This is to ensure that the visitor is covered in case of a medical emergency during their 30-day visit.

Should I Apply for a Business eVisa or a Tourist eVisa?

Although the Tourist eVisa is the most popular option, people who travel for business purposes may be interested in a Kuwait Business Visa.

Tourist eVisa: Ideal for tourists, visiting family, and other short vacations. It enables you to stay in Kuwait for a maximum of 30 days.
Business Visa: Needed if you are going to Kuwait for business meetings, contract signings, or technical work.
The Main Difference: A Business Visa usually involves a “Guarantee Letter” from a Kuwaiti company or sponsor. It is a single-entry visa that is valid for 30 days.

What is the Difference Between Single and Multiple Entry?

The majority of eVisas issued for tourism purposes are Single Entry.

Single Entry: This visa will permit you to enter Kuwait only once. If you leave Kuwait, the visa will expire immediately, even if you only stayed for two days out of the 30-day period.
Multiple Entry: These are less common for tourists and are normally issued to business travelers or people who travel to the GCC on a regular basis. If you are planning to visit other countries in the region and return to Kuwait, you will need to check that your visa is valid for multiple entries, or you will have to apply for a new eVisa each time.

What are the Current Kuwait eVisa Fees?

The total cost is calculated based on this transparent formula: Total Fee = Visa Cost + Service Fee + (Rush/Super Rush add-on, if selected)

Visa Cost: Official government fee for entry.
Service Fee: Covers document verification and expert review.
Add-ons: Fees for expedited processing.

How Long Does the Processing Take?

Standard Processing: 9–12 Working Days.
Rush Processing: 6–9 Working Days.
Super Rush Processing: 3–6 Working Days.

Is Working in Kuwait Allowed on a Tourist Visa?

If you are considering working in Kuwait, it is important to note that a Tourist eVisa does not allow you to work.

Strictly Prohibited: Engaging in any kind of work (remunerated or voluntary) on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited.
How to Work in Kuwait Legally: To work in Kuwait, you need to apply for an Article 18 (Private Sector) Work Visa. This will require you to have a sponsor in the form of a Kuwaiti employer, who will apply for a work permit from the Public Authority for Manpower in Kuwait before you arrive.
Requirements for Work Visa:You will need a medical certificate (including HIV and Hepatitis tests), a police clearance certificate from Ethiopia, and a verified copy of your employment contract.
Consequences:Working in Kuwait on a tourist visa can result in arrest upon arrival, severe fines (up to 2,000 KWD), deportation, and a lifetime ban on entry into all GCC countries.

How Do Foreigners Handle Cards and Money in Kuwait?

Local Currency: The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) is the world’s strongest currency.
Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Kuwait City’s major shopping malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants. But not in smaller outlets and old souks such as Souq Al-Mubarakiya.
ATMs: Easily accessible in Kuwait City. Remember to inform your Ethiopian or GCC bank before traveling to prevent your card from being frozen for “suspicious transactions.”
Exchange: It is advisable to exchange your USD or Euros for KWD at the airport for the best exchange rates.

How Can I Select a Trustworthy Visa Agent?

With so many websites providing visa assistance, it is essential to select a trustworthy visa agent. Here are the characteristics of a trustworthy visa agent:

Clear Pricing: They should display the total cost (Government fee + Service fee) before you make the payment.
Secure Connection: Check if the “HTTPS” lock symbol is present in the browser address bar.
Customer Support: A trustworthy visa agent like kuwait-evisa.org should provide 24/7 customer support through WhatsApp, email, or live chat.
Expert Review: Make sure they provide a “pre-check” facility where a human expert checks your application to avoid rejection due to blurry photos or spelling mistakes.

Conclusion: Are You Ready to Start Your Journey?

Applying for a Kuwait eVisa as an Ethiopian citizen can be easy if you have the right information at hand. By taking the necessary steps to obtain your mandatory health insurance and having your documents checked by experts, you can have a stress-free experience in this stunning Gulf state.