India launches e-visa facility for Kuwait national: All you need to know before you travel

Under the newly introduced system, Kuwaitis can apply for tourism, business, medical, AYUSH/wellness (including yoga), and conference visas through a fully digital portal. Applicants can expect visa approvals within three to four working days, with final biometric verification completed upon arrival at any of India’s designated points of entry.

The five categories include:

1. Tourist E-Visa: Valid for up to five years; available at a fee of Rs 6,868 (USD 80.07)

2. Business E-Visa: Valid for one year

3. Medical E-Visa: Valid for 60 days

4. AYUSH / Medical Attendant E-Visa: Valid for 60 days

5. Conference E-Visa: Valid for 30 days (single entry)

Entry Points & Biometric Collection

Once granted, travellers receive an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) via email. This document must be presented at immigration upon arrival in India. Kuwaiti nationals holding valid e-visas can enter the country through 32 international airports and five major seaports, including those in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, and Goa. Departures are permitted through any authorised immigration checkpoint across India.

Importantly, biometric data will be collected upon arrival, removing the need for in-person appointments at Indian consular offices in Kuwait.

Required Documents for E-Visa Application

Before applying, applicants must ensure they have the necessary documentation:

• A passport with six months' validity and at least two blank pages


• A recent passport-size photograph


• Business Visa: An invitation letter from an Indian company


• Medical Visa: A letter from a recognised Indian hospital


• Conference Visa: Official invitation, political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, and event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs

Kuwaiti travellers can apply directly via the official Indian e-visa portal:   https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/

The site offers complete guidance on eligibility, required documentation, application steps, and fee payment. Processing generally takes three to four working days, and applicants are advised to submit requests well in advance of their intended travel dates.

Traditional Visa Route Still Available

While the new digital route offers a streamlined alternative, those who prefer the conventional process can still apply for a regular visa through the Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC) in Kuwait.

This move by India follows Kuwait’s own rollout of its e-visa platform, which has made it easier for Indian citizens to apply for tourist, business, and family visit visas to the Gulf nation. The mutual digital visa access marks a notable advancement in simplifying cross-border travel between the two nations.

A Welcome Step in Strengthening Indo-Kuwaiti Relations

The rollout of India’s e-visa facility for Kuwaiti citizens reflects a growing warmth in Indo-Kuwaiti diplomatic and economic relations. With easier access to Indian destinations for wellness, medical treatment, cultural exploration, and business engagement, the initiative is expected to boost people-to-people connections and stimulate inbound tourism from the Gulf region.

As India’s tourism sector rebounds, these policy changes underscore the country’s dedication to facilitating smoother travel—particularly with nations sharing strong cultural and economic bonds. For Kuwaiti travellers, visiting India has become simpler, quicker, and more accessible than ever.