Kuwait Visa Renewal 2024. Kuwaiti officials require foreign nationals who wish to enter or stay on Kuwaiti soil to obtain a Kuwaiti visa. To extend their stay in Kuwait, expats or tourists whose visas are nearing their expiration dates need to apply for a Kuwaiti visa renewal.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Kuwait or a veteran expat, it’s vital to understand the process of renewing your visa. You can renew your Kuwait visa online with the help of our guide.
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Kuwait Visa Renewal Latest News
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced changes in residency visa requirements for expats starting 10 September 2024. Prior to reapplying for a residence visa renewal, expats must settle their outstanding debts to the state.
The government’s proactive measure aligns with its commitment to encouraging financial responsibility among expatriates. To streamline the residency permit renewal process, expatriates must settle any outstanding debts through the official websites of relevant government entities or through the Sahel application.
Kuwait Visa Renewal Online
Expats with a valid residency permit who are employed by a Kuwaiti company/sponsored by an individual can apply for residency renewal. Kuwait visa holders can extend their visas if they need more time to stay in the country. If applicants meet the necessary requirements, the renewal process can be completed online for either a visit visa or residency visa.
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Kuwait Visa Renewal Required Documents
Kuwait visa renewal applications require the following documents:
- The original passport of the sponsor and a copy with at least six (6) months validity
- This is the visa that the sponsor uses to enter the country
- To apply, applicants must complete an online application
- Two (2) passport-sized photos of the sponsored person against a white background
- Sponsor signature and copy of authorization
- The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor issues a work permit
- Certificate of health insurance
- Authorization for company and establishment signatures
- Bank statements or a letter of employment from your employer are proofs of financial stability
- A copy of the sponsor’s civil identification
Kuwait Visa Renewal Process
To apply for renewal, applicants must ensure all required documents have been gathered.
Kuwait E-visa Renewal
The Kuwait e-visa has a single-entry limitation, so extending or renewing it requires leaving the country and applying online for a new visa. Kuwait e-visa holders may need the help of a visa agency or tour company to extend or renew their visa.
Kuwait Residency Visa Renewal
Kuwait residency visa renewal requires a few extra steps online. The Ministry of Health’s official website is where applicants can renew their health insurance prior to applying for a residency visa renewal.
Additionally, from 10 September 2024 onward, applicants must ensure that they have cleared any outstanding debt with the state before proceeding with their application. Expatriates must settle outstanding debts using the official websites of pertinent government entities or by utilizing the Sahel app available on Google Play and Apple App Stores.
After the health insurance has been renewed, applicants can renew their residency visas as follows:
- Visit the official website of the Ministry of Interior
- Click on ‘Renew Residency’
- Click ‘individual‘
- Enter your User ID and password, or register if you do not have an account
- Please click continue if you do not have any violations listed on your record. In case you have any, you must settle them first.
- Please provide the duration of your stay as well as your mobile phone number
- Click on the box under it and then click submit
- Pay for the service
Note: If you want to extend your residency visa, you must also renew your Civil ID. If you are interested in extending your Civil ID, you can do so on the PACI website.
Read Also: Kuwait Visa Photo Requirements 2024 – Photo Requirements to Apply for Kuwait Visa
Kuwait Visa Renewal For Family
To renew a family member visa, you will need to provide them with copies of their passports, residency permits, and recently taken photographs. The marriage or birth certificates of your family members are also required as proof of your family relationships.
Kuwait Visa Renewal For Individuals Above 60 Years of Age
Before renewing your visa, you must provide proof of health insurance and undergo a medical examination if you are over 60 years old. Blood tests, chest X-rays, and a general physical examination are included in the medical examination. A renewal fee of KD 250 will also be charged.
Kuwait Public Manpower Authority (PAM) announced changes on March 8th to regulations that govern expats over 60 with a higher secondary degree or less. The private sector will now be able to accept these expats, which was previously prohibited.
The new rules go into effect on Wednesday and apply to expats working for government agencies, state-owned enterprises, dependents, investors, commercial or industrial partners, as well as those with self-sponsored residences. Expatriates over 60 with self-sponsored residency will also be permitted to move to the private sector.
Kuwait Visa Renewal Status
Check your visa status via the Ministry of Interior’s website. A passport number, visa number, or civil ID number may be required.
Kuwait Visa Renewal Fees
Renewal of residency visas costs KWD 10 per person including the sponsor, their wife, and 2 children. The additional children will be charged 100 KWD each, while their parents and in-laws will be charged 200 KWD each.
There has been no official statement regarding the fee for an e-visa extension. The renewal, however, is expected to cost roughly KD 3, similar to a new e-visa application.
Read Also: Kuwait Visa Cancellation – Cancelling Kuwait Residency and Work Visa in 2024
Conclusion
Kuwait has introduced new regulations for visa renewal in 2024, emphasizing financial responsibility for expatriates. The process can be completed online, with certain requirements and documents necessary for a successful renewal. Health insurance, clearing outstanding debts, and compliance with specific guidelines are crucial steps.
Moreover, visa renewal for family members and individuals over 60 years old involves additional requirements and fees. The government’s efforts aim to streamline the process and encourage responsible financial conduct among expats. Stay updated on the official websites for any potential changes in fees and regulations.
