Common Reasons Why Kuwait Visit Visas Are Delayed Or Rejected

12/10/2025

Common Reasons Why Kuwait Visit Visas Are Delayed Or Rejected

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 12: A growing number of expatriates in Kuwait and abroad have raised concerns with Arab Times over extended delays and limited transparency in the processing of visit visa applications. Despite submitting all required documents, many applicants report waiting for more than a month without receiving any updates or explanations from the concerned authorities.

Applicants say the uncertainty has made it difficult for families to plan reunions and visits, as there is often no clear indication of whether the delay is due to missing documents, system backlog, or changes in eligibility requirements.

Question:
Dear Arab Times Team, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring attention to an issue that many expatriates are currently facing regarding Kuwait visit visas. In recent times, after submitting all required documents, applicants have reported delays of over a month without receiving any updates on the status of their applications. Additionally, there seems to be a lack of clarity regarding the reasons for visa rejections.

A detailed report or guidance on the following points would be extremely helpful for the expatriate community: The common reasons for visit visa delays and rejections. Expected timelines for processing after document submission. Steps or solutions for applicants to follow if their applications are delayed or rejected. Providing a clear idea about the process and potential solutions will greatly assist expatriates in planning their visits and avoiding unnecessary frustration. Thank you for considering this request. Your coverage on this matter would be highly appreciated. Warm Regards

Answer: According to immigration experts and travel agents, delays in visit visa approvals are typically caused by a combination of administrative factors, document inconsistencies, or heightened security verification procedures. In some cases, system upgrades or heavy application volumes at residency affairs departments contribute to longer processing times.

Common Causes of Delays and Rejections

Among the most common reasons for visit visa delays are incomplete or inaccurate documentation, mismatched personal details, or insufficient proof of family relationship or sponsorship. Financial eligibility is another frequent factor. As of August 2025, Kuwait has removed the minimum salary requirement for expatriates applying for family visit visas. This policy change allows all legal residents to sponsor visit visas for extended family members up to the fourth degree of kinship and third degree by marriage, regardless of their income level. Previously, the minimum income threshold—usually KD 400 per month for immediate family visits and KD 800 for other relatives.

Other causes include pending security or background checks, unresolved immigration violations from previous visits, and temporary suspensions of electronic visa platforms for maintenance or upgrades.

Furthermore, certain nationalities may face longer scrutiny periods depending on bilateral agreements and immigration protocols, leading to inconsistent timelines between applicants.

Processing Timelines

While the official processing time for visit visas is typically between 7 and 10 working days, applicants have reported waiting periods extending well beyond that—sometimes up to four to six weeks. Tourist e-visas, when the system is active, are usually processed within three to five working days, but may also be delayed when the e-visa portal undergoes updates or technical issues.

Authorities have not issued an official statement explaining the recent delays, though past incidents have coincided with system upgrades or procedural reviews by the Ministry of Interior.

General Time Period to Issue Visa

Visit / Family Visit Visa (standard case) - Around 7 to 10 business days in many cases if documentation is complete

Tourist / eVisa - Between 1.5 and 4 working days in some cases, though this can extend depending on system delays or nationality

Non-eVisa / embassy application - Up to 10 working days or more in more formal consular processing

Family / Longer Stay Visit Visa - In some cases, authorities may take several weeks, depending on the sponsor's credentials, verification, or internal processing

What Applicants Can Do

For those facing prolonged delays, immigration consultants recommend several steps:

Check application status online through the Ministry of Interior’s eVisa portal or via the sponsoring party in Kuwait.
Ensure documentation is complete and accurate, including clear proof of relationship, valid residency and salary certificates for sponsors, and consistent personal details across all forms.
Follow up through the sponsor or authorized representative, as local sponsors can inquire directly at the Residency Affairs Department where the application was filed.
In the event of a rejection, applicants are advised to request clarification on the reasons, correct any issues, and reapply once eligible.

Expatriates also suggest that establishing an online status tracking system or a formal communication channel for delayed applications would significantly improve transparency and reduce frustration among applicants.

Need for Clarity

Community members have called on the authorities to issue clearer guidelines outlining the expected processing timeline, reasons for common rejections, and steps for resolving long-pending applications. Many say that such clarity would allow expatriates to plan their travel and family visits more effectively without uncertainty.

As Kuwait continues to refine its visa policies to balance security and accessibility, expatriates hope that improved communication and efficiency in visa processing will strengthen the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination for visitors and families alike.

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