Which major countries require Kuwaiti citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

Kuwaiti passport holders must obtain visas in advance for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom (requires ETA), all Schengen countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.), Australia, Japan, Brazil, and South Africa. These destinations do not offer visa-free access, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa options for Kuwaiti nationals.

Can Kuwaiti passport holders get a visa on arrival in Turkey and UAE?

Kuwaiti passport holders enjoy visa-free access to both Turkey (Türkiye) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). No visa on arrival is needed—Kuwaitis can enter these countries without any prior visa arrangements. Turkey allows stays up to 90 days, while UAE offers visa-free entry as a fellow GCC member state.

What documents do Kuwaiti citizens need for international travel?

Kuwaiti citizens need a valid passport (typically with at least 6 months validity), confirmed return/onward tickets, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for their stay. For visa-required countries, additional documents include visa application forms, passport photos, travel insurance, bank statements, and invitation letters if applicable. Requirements vary by destination.

Is military service mandatory for Kuwaiti passport holders?

Yes, military service is mandatory for Kuwaiti male citizens. Conscription was reinstated in 2017 for males aged 18-35, with service lasting 12 months (4 months basic training, 8 months reserve). Exemptions exist for only sons, breadwinners, and those with certain medical conditions. This requirement can affect travel permissions for males of service age.

Which countries offer e-visa options for Kuwaiti passport holders?

Kuwaiti passport holders can apply for e-visas to 26 countries including India, Russia, Vietnam, Colombia, Nigeria, Myanmar, Cameroon, Gabon, Cuba, Bhutan, South Korea (K-ETA), Kenya, and others. E-visas are typically processed online within 3-7 days and allow travelers to avoid embassy visits. Always verify current requirements on official government portals before travel.

Can Kuwaiti citizens travel to GCC countries with just a civil ID?

Yes, Kuwaiti citizens can travel to some GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) using their civil ID card instead of a passport for short visits, though policies vary by country and entry point. However, a passport is strongly recommended for international travel and is required for air travel to most destinations. Always verify current entry requirements with the destination country.

Are there any countries that ban or restrict entry for Kuwaiti passport holders?

While Kuwait passport holders face visa requirements for many Western countries, there are no widespread bans. However, travel to Israel may create complications for future travel to some Middle Eastern countries. North Korea requires special authorization. Syria, Libya, and Yemen are accessible but strongly discouraged due to safety concerns. Always check current travel advisories before planning trips.

How do I renew my Kuwaiti passport and how long does it take?

Kuwaiti passport renewal is done through the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) or Kuwaiti embassies abroad. The process typically takes 1-2 weeks domestically. Required documents include the old passport, civil ID, passport photos, and the application form. Fees vary by passport type (standard or expedited). Passports can be renewed up to 6 months before expiration. Apply early if you have upcoming travel plans.

Can Kuwaiti passport holders work in visa-free countries without a work permit?

No, visa-free access does not grant the right to work. Kuwaiti passport holders visiting visa-free destinations (like Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, Georgia, etc.) are only permitted for tourism or short business visits. Employment requires a separate work visa or permit, regardless of visa-free entry privileges. Violating this can result in deportation and future travel bans. Always obtain proper work authorization before accepting employment abroad.

Kuwait Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 99 Countries

The Kuwait passport ranks 55th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 99 destinations worldwide. Kuwaiti citizens enjoy moderate travel mobility, with significant improvements from 39 visa-free destinations in 2006 to 99 in 2025, reflecting enhanced diplomatic relations and international cooperation. The passport provides convenient access to numerous countries across the Middle East, Asia, and other regions, making it a valuable travel document for business, tourism, and personal travel purposes.

Global Rank

#55

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Kuwait passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

101

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Kyrgyzstani Citizens

Popular destinations where Kuwait passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Turkey	Up to 90 days	TR
Malaysia	Up to 90 days	MY
Thailand	Up to 60 days	TH
Georgia	Up to 360 days	GE
Egypt	Up to 90 days	EG

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Kuwait passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

61 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

31 countries

🔐 ETA Required

7 countries

💻 E-Visa

26 countries

❌ Visa Required

101 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Kuwait's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 3 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Kuwait Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs

🔗

Kuwait Ministry of Interior - General Department of Passports

🔗

Kuwait Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI)

Compare Kuwait Passport with Other Passports

See how Kuwait's passport compares with other MIDDLE EAST in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Kuwait (You are here)	#55	99	64/100	72/100
Qatar	#52	111	78/100	48/100
Saudi Arabia	#57	90	45/100	72/100
Bahrain	#59	88	72/100	71/100
Oman	#60	87	62/100	70/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Kuwaiti passport holders can access 99 destinations without a prior visa. This includes 67 visa-free countries, 31 visa-on-arrival destinations, and 7 countries offering electronic travel authorization. Kuwait ranks 55th globally on the Henley Passport Index, showing a slight decrease from 102 destinations in 2024.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Kuwait's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Kuwait Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 99 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 60 days

Up to 360 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Kuwait's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 3 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Kuwait Passport with Other Passports

See how Kuwait's passport compares with other MIDDLE EAST in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Kuwait (You are here)	#55	99	64/100	72/100
Qatar	#52	111	78/100	48/100
Saudi Arabia	#57	90	45/100	72/100
Bahrain	#59	88	72/100	71/100
Oman	#60	87	62/100	70/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Kuwait passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Kyrgyzstani Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Kuwait's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Kuwait Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Kuwait Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Kuwaiti passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which major countries require Kuwaiti citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Kuwaiti passport holders get a visa on arrival in Turkey and UAE?

What documents do Kuwaiti citizens need for international travel?

Is military service mandatory for Kuwaiti passport holders?

Which countries offer e-visa options for Kuwaiti passport holders?

Can Kuwaiti citizens travel to GCC countries with just a civil ID?

Are there any countries that ban or restrict entry for Kuwaiti passport holders?

How do I renew my Kuwaiti passport and how long does it take?

Can Kuwaiti passport holders work in visa-free countries without a work permit?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Kuwait passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Kyrgyzstani Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Kuwait's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Kuwait Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Kuwait Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Kuwaiti passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which major countries require Kuwaiti citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Kuwaiti passport holders get a visa on arrival in Turkey and UAE?

What documents do Kuwaiti citizens need for international travel?

Is military service mandatory for Kuwaiti passport holders?

Which countries offer e-visa options for Kuwaiti passport holders?

Can Kuwaiti citizens travel to GCC countries with just a civil ID?

Are there any countries that ban or restrict entry for Kuwaiti passport holders?

How do I renew my Kuwaiti passport and how long does it take?

Can Kuwaiti passport holders work in visa-free countries without a work permit?

Explore More Passport Rankings