Tourism from Kuwait to India experiences a significant increase, with more than 11,000 visas approved during the years 2024 and 2025
The introduction of India's fully online e-visa system for Kuwaiti citizens in July 2025 has revolutionised travel, making it easier and more convenient for Kuwaitis to visit India. The e-visa, valid for up to five years for tourism purposes, costs USD 80 and takes about 3-4 working days to process.
The system covers five visa categories: tourism, business, medical, conferences, and AYUSH (traditional Indian medicine and wellness like yoga and Ayurveda). The entire application process is online, including document upload and fee payment. Biometric data is collected upon arrival at Indian airports. Approved e-visas allow entry through 32 airports and 5 seaports.
While initial minor delays in application processing may occur as the system stabilises, no significant widespread technical issues have been reported so far. Some applicants may face challenges if biometric collection or internet connectivity is problematic at the point of entry.
The e-visa is expected to boost Kuwaiti tourist arrivals in India, strengthening cultural, medical, and business exchanges. India aims to deepen bilateral ties with Kuwait, leveraging streamlined consular services and digital diplomacy.
The visa-on-arrival introduction for GCC residents in Kuwait and the pending GCC Unified Travel Visa could further facilitate travel between Kuwait, India, and the Gulf region, expanding regional connectivity and tourism opportunities for Indians and Kuwaitis alike.
The long-term vision includes enhanced economic and cultural ties backed by modernized, digital-friendly visa systems. So far, more than 11,300 tourist visas have been issued to Kuwaiti nationals from the start of 2024 through the first half of 2025, with an upward trend closely tied to the reactivation of India's e-visa platform in July 2025.
H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika, the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, has made statements about the rise in tourism and the e-visa system, noting its role in making the visa application process significantly easier and more convenient for Kuwaiti travelers. Establishing India as a preferred destination in the region, post-pandemic travel resumes robustly.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is actively promoting these varied visa options, highlighting India's diverse attractions, including its rich heritage, spiritual retreats, bustling cities, and natural beauty. Long-term tourist visas, including five-year multiple-entry options, are available for a modest fee of $80, allowing Kuwaiti tourists to explore India at their leisure.
In sum, the e-visa rollout is a key step toward increasing Kuwaiti tourism to India, providing an efficient, user-friendly application process with optimistic expectations for growth amid smooth ongoing technical refinement.
- The introduction of e-visas has opened up numerous opportunities for Kuwaiti travelers, allowing them to explore India's diverse lifestyles, rich heritage, spiritual retreats, bustling cities, and natural beauty for up to five years under a tourism visa.
- The streamlined e-visa process not only makes travel to India more convenient but also facilitates cultural, medical, and business exchanges between India and Kuwait, promoting a travel lifestyle that fosters bilateral ties and regional connectivity.
