UK visas for Kuwaiti citizens
Get details on UK visas for nationals of Kuwait
Kuwaiti citizens need a travel authorisation or visa to travel to the UK. For short trips, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required, and allows you to visit the United Kingdom visa-free for up to 6 months.
If you need to stay for longer, there are a number of UK visas for Kuwaiti citizens, including work, study, and residence permits.
In this guide, you can find information about different visa types for the United Kingdom, and how to apply for your UK visa from Kuwait.
Travel from Kuwait to the UK: get the right visa for your trip
The type of visa you need to visit the UK depends on the purpose of your trip and how long you intend to stay.
-
ETA for Kuwaiti citizens
Kuwaiti passport holders can enjoy visa-fee visits to the UK with a valid ETA. Stay for up to 6 months for tourism, business engagements, or visiting friends and family.
-
Work in the UK
If a British company has offered you a UK-based job, they’ll need to sponsor your visa application. You’ll be granted a visa that’s valid for the length of your work contract.
-
Study a course in the UK
You can study for up to 1 month with an ETA. For longer courses, you need to apply for a Student visa. You’ll be able to leave and re-enter the UK while your visa is valid.
-
Visit for medical treatment
To undergo a medical procedure or a type of therapy in the UK, apply for a Standard Visitor visa. You can stay for up to 11 months, or as long as your course of treatment lasts.
-
Visas for graduates
Apply to stay in the UK for up to 2 years after you graduate from a British university. If you’ve graduated abroad, alumni from some universities qualify for a 3-year UK visa.
-
Live in the UK
To relocate permanently, Kuwaiti citizens can apply to join a family member, or spouse. If you’ve been living and working in the UK for the last 5 years, you’re eligible for residency.
To come to the UK as a job seeker, you need to apply for a type of UK work visa which is open to people without an offer of employment.
For businesses based abroad, the UK offers visas for senior or specialist employees who want to open a branch of their company in the British Isles. Visas for entrepreneurs with a business idea are also available.
Getting your UK visa from Kuwait
To get your work, study, or residency visa for the United Kingdom, you need to apply through the UK government’s official website.
For most types of short trip, Kuwaiti passport holders can travel with an ETA and do not require a visa. It’s valid for 2 years and allows for multiple trips.
UK Visa Kingdom offers a complete application service for the Electronic Travel Authorisation you need.
-
UK Visa Kingdom
You can apply for your ETA on this site.
Save time and increase your chances of approval. Get your ETA with UK Visa Kingdom!
ETA for Kuwaitis -
UK government site
Planning to stay in the UK for more than 6 months?
Find the right visa for your trip and make your application from Kuwait via the government’s official visa portal.
Visit the government website
Short-term stays in the UK: popular visas for Kuwaiti nationals
If you’re travelling to the United Kingdom for a temporary stay, there are many entry permit and visa options available for Kuwaiti passport holders.
- UK ETA for Kuwaitis
The ETA allows you to visit for tourism, seeing friends or family, and business meetings and conferences. You can also study a course that runs for 1 month or less. Kuwaiti citizens can stay in the UK for up to 6 months with the ETA, and return for further trips during its 2-year validity period. If these allowances suit your planned visit, you will not need a visa. Simply apply online for your ETA. - Creative Worker visa
Got a job offer in the entertainment industry? Film crew, actors, musicians, and other types of performers are eligible for this 12 month visa. While in the country, you can take up additional part-time work if it’s in the same sector. - Charity Worker Visa
If you want to work with a UK charity, you can visit for up to 12 months as long as your role is unpaid. You can combine your charity work with a part-time course or paid job. You’ll need to get prior endorsement from the charity you’ll be working with. - Visiting academics visa
Travel to the UK to work with a British university or educational institution and stay for up to 12 months with an extended Standard Visitor visa. Kuwaiti medical doctors and dentists are also eligible to visit for research or teaching. - Short-term English Study visa
Come to the UK to study English from 6 to 11 months with this visa. You’ll need to be accepted by an accredited institution which offers an English language course. It’s eligible for all nationalities, as long as you’re over 16 and can support yourself.
These visas allow you to live in the UK for up to 12 months. To stay for longer, consider applying for a long-term work permit, or a residency visa.
Documents required for UK visa applications from Kuwait
Depending on what type of visa you’re applying for, the documents you need to provide will vary.
The ETA permits visits of up to 6 months. It’s easy to get your ETA online. To apply, you’ll need:
- Valid passport
- Colour, passport-style photograph
- Credit or debit card
Simply complete the online form, pay the fee, and wait for a decision on your ETA application.
Get your ETA with UK Visa Kingdom
Make your application with UK Visa Kingdom to benefit from our quick ETA service — you’ll get your travel authorisation in 1 to 3 days.
We also offer a fee guarantee for all ETA applications. If your form is rejected, your fee is covered.
What documents are required for work and study visas?
If you’re applying for a visa, you need to provide extra documentation. The requirements are different for each type of visa but could include:
- Travel bookings, like onward flight reservations
- Bank statements to prove your financial means
- Letters from your employer, or education provider
- Details of your job, or other commitments in your home country
When you make your application on the official UK government website, you’ll be instructed on which documents you need to provide for your visa type.
Visiting a visa application centre in Kuwait
Some people need to visit an application centre to provide fingerprints, or photographs as part of their application.
Not all applicants need to make this visit. You’ll be instructed on the specific requirements for your visa when completing your application online at the UK government site.
If you need to schedule an appointment, there’s an application centre located in Kuwait City. The address and contact details are:
28th Floor,
Arraya Centre,
Sharq,
Al Shaheed Street,
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Phone number: +965 2297 1114
The centre is open from Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm. You can visit to collect your passport from 4 to 5pm.