Exercise normal precautions in Kuwait. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do not travel to:
Read the Safety and Security section on the Country Information page.
If you decide to travel to Kuwait:
Desert Region Near the Border with Iraq
Desert areas and certain beaches near north of the Mutla’a Ridge continue to contain unexploded bombs and landmines left over from the 1990-1991 Gulf War. Travelers should avoid areas that are “off the beaten path” and avoid touching objects that are potentially unexploded bombs or landmines.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Al Jahra
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has identified the City of Al Jahra northwest of Kuwait City on the 6th Ring Road as a high-crime area. Violent crime, such as assault, armed robbery, and sexual assault, in Al Jahra is common.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Jeleeb Al-Shuyoukh
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has identified the neighborhood of Jeleeb Al-Shuyoukh on the outskirts of Kuwait International Airport as a high-crime area. Violent crime, such as assault, armed robbery, and sexual assault, in Jeleeb Al-Shuyoukh is common.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
6 months from date of arrival; emergency passports are not accepted
1 page per entry stamp
Yes; can be obtained on arrival at Kuwait International Airport or online
None
None
None
Bayan, Block 13,
Masjed Al-Aqsa Street,
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Fax: +(965) 2259-1438
kuwaitACS@state.gov
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Kuwait for information on U.S.-Kuwaiti relations.
Visit the Embassy of Kuwait’s website for visa information or the Kuwait Ministry of Interior’s (MOI) e-Visa website.
Requirements for Entry:
Be sure to complete Kuwaiti exit procedures and leave before your visa expires; otherwise, you face heavy fines and/or imprisonment. This also applies to official travelers and contractors supporting regional U.S. military operations transiting between Kuwait and Iraq or Afghanistan.
Travel Bans
When placed under a travel ban, you cannot exit the country, even if you are a U.S. citizen. Travel bans are rigidly enforced and can take months to resolve. Only Kuwaiti authorities can remove travel bans.
The government may issue travel bans on people who are:
Private citizens can also initiate travel bans for various reasons. U.S. citizens resident in Kuwait can check their residency status, including if a travel ban exists, by entering their Civil ID through the MOI’s online portal.
Emergency (Limited Validity) Passports
U.S. citizens traveling on an emergency passport will not be admitted into the country.
Dual Nationality
Kuwait does not recognize dual nationality. At times, Kuwaiti authorities have confiscated U.S. passports of U.S.- Kuwaiti dual nationals applying for Kuwaiti citizenship. Should this happen, report the incident to the U.S. Embassy. This does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship.
To obtain Kuwaiti citizenship, Kuwaiti authorities only accept a Certificate of Loss of Nationality as evidence of renunciation of U.S. citizenship.
Residency Permits
If you are seeking residency in Kuwait, have all required legal documents authenticated before arriving. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait does not provide this service.
Have U.S. issued documents authenticated by the Department of State Office of Authentications, (202-485-8000) and attested by the Embassy of Kuwait in Washington or the Kuwait General Consulate in Los Angeles.
You have the right to retain your passport at all times. If you provide your passport to your employer, you should obtain a written, date stamped, and signed receipt. Otherwise, your employer may not be accountable for unlawfully retaining your passport.
Work Visas
If you plan on working in Kuwait, you must obtain a work visa before you arrive. If you work on a tourist visa, you risk deportation.
Department of Defense Contractors (DoD) working in Kuwait must hold a valid U.S. passport and a work visa. DoD contractors must transit or enter the country at the Kuwait International Airport (KWI).
While DoD contractors may not enter Kuwait via Ali Al Salem (AAS) Air Base, they may depart from AAS Air Base after obtaining a passport exit stamp from Kuwaiti immigration officials.
U.S. military personnel, DoD civilians, and military contractors must use the same form of ID when entering or exiting Kuwait. If not, your arrival and departure records may not match, and you could be subject to a travel ban and/or fines.
Arms Prohibition
Regardless of your status in Kuwait – official, diplomatic, military, contractor, or private citizen – you may not bring weapons, ammunition, or ammunition clips into the country when flying into KWI on commercial flights.
These items will be confiscated, and you may be arrested. Import/export of these items in Kuwait is illegal.
Iraq Travel
When traveling to or from Iraq, be prepared for delays at land crossings. Kuwaiti officials are extremely sensitive about such travel and may detain you for questioning or deny entry into the country.
HIV Restrictions
Medical examinations are required for all individuals seeking residency in Kuwait. Any applicant testing positive for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis will have to leave the country immediately and be permanently barred from re-entry. Verify this information with the Embassy of Kuwait before traveling.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Potential for Terrorist Activity
Kuwait continues to face the threat of terrorism. Terrorists may target U.S. citizens and interests in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula. Please review the Worldwide Caution before traveling to Kuwait.
Terrorists may target public transportation, as well as residential areas, schools, places of worship, oil-related facilities, restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.
Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage-taking, kidnappings, or assassinations.
Safety Precautions
Avoid Jleeb Ash Shuyoukh, a high-crime area, especially at night.
U.S. diplomats may not to travel to the following areas without special permission:
Crime
Criminal activity is low, but on the rise, particular along the Gulf Road, at shopping malls, hotels, and residential neighborhoods. Incidents include petty theft, car break-ins, and harassment of or sexual assault on women traveling alone.
For more information, see the Overseas Security Advisory Council’s Crime and Safety Report for Kuwait.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at 965-2259-1001.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Filing Crime Reports
If you have been injured, seek medical treatment before filing a police report. Bring the medical report with you to the police station.
File crime reports at the police station in the area where the crime occurred. Have a local attorney or an Arabic speaker come with you.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Victims of Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault
Contact the U.S. Embassy at 965-2259-1001 for assistance. The Embassy’s ability to assist, however, is extremely limited.
Victims often encounter difficulties reporting domestic violence or sexual assault crimes to the police Female officers are rarely available to assist with these cases.
There are no rape crisis centers or women’s shelters for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. The few social service agencies that exist are often limited to Kuwaiti citizens.
Consider hiring a private attorney. The Embassy maintains a List of Attorneys on the website.
Seek medical attention and collection of evidence as soon as possible. Victims of abuse or sexual assault must obtain a medical report from a Kuwaiti hospital.
Hospitals typically contact a criminal investigator to assist a victim of crime. The investigator may have you file a police report and obtain documents required for evidence collection before you can receive treatment.
For further information:
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Criminal Penalties
You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
Some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Have your U.S. passport or civil I.D. with you at all times, or authorities may detain you for questioning.
Alcohol and Drugs
The following actions may also lead to prosecution, imprisonment, and immediate deportation:
It is illegal for non-Kuwaiti citizens to participate in any demonstration, even if the demonstration is licensed.
Arrest Notification
If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
If arrested for criminal violations, you may be detained for weeks without formal charges being filed. Juvenile proceedings are closed to all but court officers.
Labor Disputes
Kuwait’s Public Authority of Manpower (PAM), assists all residents of Kuwait with employment and labor disputes. PAM offices assist residents according to the location of your employer and are open Sunday through Thursday, 08:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m. We recommend going to the office with an Arabic speaker. PAM offices are located at:
PAM provides responses in English and Arabic via their Twitter handle, @manpower_KWT, or Instagram account, pr.manpower. They will usually answer within one business day.
Photography Restrictions
It is illegal to photograph government buildings, military installations, and oil-related infrastructure. Ask for permission before photographing people. Some women find being photographed offensive and may report the incident to local police.
Customs
Alcohol, pork products, and pornography are prohibited. Custom regulations are strict, particularly regarding firearms, and religious materials. Contact the Embassy of Kuwait, the Consulate General of Kuwait, or the Kuwait General Administration for Customs for specific information on customs regulations.
Faith-Based Travelers
Proselytizing is prohibited in Kuwait for all religions except Islam.
See our following webpages for details:
LGBTI Travelers
Consensual same-sex sexual conduct between males is illegal, with a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fines. Cross-dressing is a crime, with a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment for imitating the appearance of the opposite sex in public. Societal discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity is common. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Students
See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance
Public transportation is generally inaccessible for handicapped patrons. Handicapped parking spaces are common, but are often used by the general public. Kuwait traffic enforcement has made efforts to penalize unauthorized use, but this still remains a problem. Most medical facilities and public buildings in cities have wheelchair ramps and elevators. Outside of urban areas, access is greatly reduced.
Women Travelers
To deter sexual harassment:
For emergency assistance, call 112.
See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Many medical services are below U.S. standards. Public health facilities provide services for foreigners at reasonable costs; private clinic costs generally are higher. Private physicians and private hospitals charge fees for services, and some do not accept local health insurance.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
If traveling with prescription medication, please contact the Embassy of Kuwait, the Consulate General of Kuwait, or the Kuwait General Administration for Customs to ensure the medication is legal in Kuwait.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions
Driving in Kuwait is extremely hazardous due to excessive speeding, road rage, lax enforcement of traffic regulations and a high volume of traffic.
With a valid visitor visa and U.S. driver’s license, you may drive a rental car. To drive vehicles other than rental cars, a Kuwait driver’s license and appropriate car registration is required.
Once you receive your Kuwait residence permit, you cannot drive with a foreign drivers license and must obtain a Kuwait drivers license. If you are stopped by police, and found driving as a resident but without a Kuwait drivers license, you will face imprisonment and immediate deportation and will not receive access to your personal effects at your residence or hotel.
See the Kuwait Ministry of Interior website for further information in Arabic.
Traffic Laws
Traffic Fines
Traffic Accidents
Public Transportation
Aviation Safety Oversight
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Kuwait’s air carrier operations.
Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel
Mariners planning travel to Kuwait should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A SPECIFIC CASE. QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE APPROPRIATE FOREIGN AUTHORITIES OR FOREIGN COUNSEL.
Bayan, Block 13,
Masjed Al-Aqsa Street,
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Fax: +(965) 2259-1438
kuwaitACS@state.gov
Kuwait is a party to the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra Judicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters. Complete information on the operation of the Convention, including an interactive online request form are available on the Hague Conference website. Requests should be completed in duplicate and submitted with two sets of the documents to be served, and translations, directly to Kuwait’s Central Authority for the Hague Service Convention. The person in the United States executing the request form should be either an attorney or clerk of court. The applicant should include the titles attorney at law or clerk of court on the identity and address of applicant and signature/stamp fields. In its Declarations and Reservations on the Hague Service Convention, Kuwait formally objected to service under Article 10, and does not permit service via postal channels. For additional information see the Hague Conference Service Convention web page and the Hague Conference Practical Handbook on the Operation of the Hague Service Convention.
Service on a Foreign State: See also our Service Under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) feature and FSIA Checklist for questions about service on a foreign state, agency or instrumentality.
Service of Documents from Kuwait in the United States: See information about service in the United States on the U.S. Central Authority for the Service Convention page of the Hague Conference on Private International Law Service Convention site.
Prosecution Requests: U.S. federal or state prosecutors should also contact the Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division, Department of Justice for guidance.
Defense Requests in Criminal Matters: Criminal defendants or their defense counsel seeking judicial assistance in obtaining evidence or in effecting service of documents abroad in connection with criminal matters may do so via the letters rogatory process.
Kuwait is a party to the Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil and Commercial Matters. Kuwait’s Central Authority for the Hague Evidence Convention designated to receive letters of request for the taking of evidence is the Ministry of Justice. See the Hague Evidence Convention Model Letters of Request for guidance on preparation of the letter of request. Requests for the compulsion of evidence under the Hague Evidence Convention are transmitted directly from the requesting court or person in the United States to the Kuwait Central Authority for the Hague Evidence Convention and do not require transmittal via diplomatic channels. Letters of Request and accompanying documents should be prepared in duplicate and translated into Arabic.
Requests from Kuwait to Obtain Evidence in the United States: The U.S. Central Authority for the Hague Evidence Convention is the Office of International Judicial Assistance, Civil Division, Department of Justice, 1100 L Street N.W., Room 8102, Washington, D.C. 20530.
Voluntary depositions may be conducted in Kuwait regardless of the nationality of the witness, provided no compulsion is used. No advance permission from the Kuwait Central Authority for the Hague Evidence Convention is required. Telephone depositions and video teleconference testimony are possible in Kuwait if the deponent agrees to do so voluntarily, but generally requires that U.S. litigants work with a Kuwaiti law firm to make the arrangements. Oral depositions or depositions on written questions may be taken by U.S. consular officers. If the services of a U.S. consular officer are required to administer an oath to the witness, interpreter and stenographer, such arrangements must be made in advance with the U.S. Embassy directly.
Kuwait is not a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Legalization of Foreign Public Documents. Documents issued in the United States may be authenticated for use in Kuwait by (a) contacting the U.S. Department of State Authentications Office and (b) then having the seal of the U.S. Department of State authenticated by the Embassy of Kuwait in Washington, D.C. Documents issued in U.S. states must first be authenticated by the designated state authority, generally the state Secretary of State.
Bayan, Block 13,
Masjed Al-Aqsa Street,
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Fax: +(965) 2259-1438
kuwaitACS@state.gov
For information concerning travel to Kuwait, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy and Consulate General, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Kuwait.
The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA). The report is located here.
Kuwait is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Kuwait and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Kuwait and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction. For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children’s Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child. The Office of Children’s Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.
Contact information:
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website: travel.state.gov/
Unless a child’s removal is in violation of a Kuwaiti court order, parental child abduction is not a crime in Kuwait.
Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court. Please see Pressing Criminal Charges for more information.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Kuwait and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Office of Children’s Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States. Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait for information and possible assistance.
Neither the Office of Children’s Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait are authorized to provide legal advice.
The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.
This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.
The Kuwaiti government does not provide mediation services. Parents should consult with an attorney in Kuwait to learn of possible mediation services in Kuwait.
While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent. Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:
The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.
To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.
For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney.
Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.
For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.
Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Kuwait is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
Below is the limited adoption information that the Department has obtained from the Government of Kuwait:
Kuwait laws do not allow for adoption. Kuwait’s constitution is based on Islamic law, and as a result, adoption is not permitted. Children determined by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor to be orphans are considered to be in the custody of the State of Kuwait. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor can place Kuwaiti orphans under temporary guardianship of willing Kuwaitis; however, the children are not able to be adopted.
Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.
Please visit the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to Kuwait and the U.S. Embassy Kuwait’s website for information on consular services.
KUWAIT’S GUARDIANSHIP AUTHORITY:
Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor
+965-2248-0000
Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
---|---|---|---|
A-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
A-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
B-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
B-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
C-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
C-1/D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
C-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
C-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
D | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
F-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
F-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
G-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
G-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
G-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
G-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
H-1B | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-1C | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-2A | None | N/A | N/A3 |
H-2B | None | N/A | N/A3 |
H-2R | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
H-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
I | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
L-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
L-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
M-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
M-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
N-8 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
N-9 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
O-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
O-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
O-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
P-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
P-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
P-3 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
P-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months 3 |
Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 15 Months 3 |
R-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
R-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident. The spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status following the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principle alien’s country of nationality.
Example: John Doe is a national of the country of Z that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. His wife and child are nationals of the country of Y which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as Mr. Doe, the principal visa holder.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
There is no general document information
Available
Fees: 1st time, Free, for replacement 2 Kuwaiti dinars
Document Name: Birth Certificate - شهادة ميلاد
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Health, Department of the Central Registry of Births and Deaths, located in the Maidan Hawalli area on Hamod Al-Nasser Street (Phone: +965 2562-2716)
Special Seal(s) /Color/Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Head of Birth Registration
Registration Criteria: The birth must have occurred in the territory of Kuwait. The physical presence of the father is required for issuing the certificate. The notice of birth is issued by the hospital. For Kuwaitis the original citizenship and original marriage certificates are required of the husband and wife. For non-Kuwaitis, the original passports of husband and wife are required. The original Kuwaiti marriage certificate or non-Kuwaiti marriage certificate must be authenticated by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the country of marriage. If the father is not present in Kuwait, the father will need to grant a power-of-attorney to a representative in Kuwait to register the child’s birth. If the father is in prison, a letter from the head of the prison must state the child's name.
Procedure for Obtaining: Provide Kuwait Civil ID card, passport, and photocopy of the original birth certificate. If no photocopy is available, the date, place of birth, hospital name, parents’ names, and the name of the birth certificate issuing/registry center must be provided. Kuwaiti citizens should also provide their nationality certificate.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: Children born out of wedlock cannot be documented in Kuwait.
Comments: Only available in Arabic. Processing time is approximately one week. If the applicant is unable to apply in person, then s/he may provide a friend or relative with a Special Power of Attorney to apply on his/her behalf. The Special Power of Attorney must first be notarized by a Kuwaiti Embassy. It then must be authenticated by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Department located in the Shuwaikh area of Kuwait City adjacent to the Kuwait News Agency (Phone: +965 2484-2099). After these two authentications are complete, it must be translated into Arabic and taken to the Ministry of Health where the friend/relative can apply for certified copies of the birth certificate on behalf of the applicant.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Death Certificate - شهادة وفاة
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Health, Department of the Central Registry of Births and Deaths, located in the Maidan Hawalli area on Hamod Al-Nasser Street (Phone: +965 2562-2716)
Special Seal(s) / Color/Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of Death Division
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Provide the deceased’s original Kuwaiti Civil ID card, the original death notice from a Kuwaiti hospital, and either the original marriage contract/certificate (for spouse of deceased) or original birth certificate (for child of deceased).
Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Only available in Arabic. Processing time is approximately one week. If the next-of-kin is unable to apply in person, a friend or relative may apply with a Special Power of Attorney and adequate supporting documents demonstrating their relationship to the deceased. The Special Power of Attorney must be notarized by a Kuwaiti Embassy.
Available
Fees: 1 Kuwait Dinar for Muslims, 2 Kuwait Dinar for non-Muslims
Document Name: Marriage Certificate/Contract / شهادة زواج عقد زواج
Issuing Authority: For Muslims: Ministry of Justice, Legal Authentication Department, Courts Complex in the Regae Area or Ahmadi. Building B, 2nd Floor. Phone: +965 188-2200 ext. 4208. For non-Muslims: Ministry of Justice, Authentication Department, Ministries Complex in Murqab area. Address: Murqab Area, Ministers Complex, Ministry of Justice Bldg, Ground Floor, Archives. Phone: +965 2248-6444
Special Seal(s) / Color/Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: For Muslims: Judge., For non-Muslims: Authentication officer
Registration Criteria: Physical presence of bride, groom, guardian of the bride with two male witnesses. Required documents: Civil ID card for Kuwaitis, civil ID card or passport for residents, divorce certificate for bride or groom, if any. In addition for non-Muslims, (Christians & Jews) applicants are required to complete separate "Free to Marry" affidavits issued by the Embassy of the country of citizenship of the groom/bride, authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait and Arabic translation of the “Free to marry”.
Procedure for Obtaining: The applicant must bring copies of the bride’s and groom’s passports, copies of the bride’s and groom’s Kuwait Civil ID card, and supply the date of the marriage. If the applicant is unable to apply in person, s/he can provide a friend or relative with a Special Power of Attorney and copies of the required documents. The Special Power of Attorney must be notarized by a Kuwaiti Embassy.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Marriage certificates are only available in the Arabic language. Kuwaiti law allows only Christians, Jews, and Muslims to marry in Kuwait.
Available
Fees: 3 Kuwaiti Dinars
Document Name: Divorce Certificate شهادة طلاق
Issuing Authority: For Muslims: Ministry of Justice, Legal Authentication Department, Courts Complex in the Regae area or Ahmadi. Building B, 2nd Floor. Phone: +965 188-2200 ext. 4208. For non-Muslims: Ministry of Justice, Authentication Department, Ministries Complex in Murqab area. Address: Murqab area, Ministers Complex, Ministry of Justice Bldg, Ground Floor, Archives. Phone: +965 2248-6444
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: For Muslims: Judge. For non-Muslims: Authentication officer
Registration Criteria: Physical presence for husband and wife, Civil ID cards for both and original marriage certificate
Procedure for Obtaining: Physical presence of any of the parties or legal representative, with proof of identity, and supplying the date of divorce
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Divorce certificates are only available in Arabic language.
Unavailable: Adoption is non-existent in Kuwait.
Available
Fees: 2 Kuwaiti Dinars
Document Name: Civil I.D. card البطاقة المدنية
Issuing Authority: Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: Child’s birth certificate, child’s passport with Kuwait residency permit (for non-Kuwaiti), parents’ civil id and PACI envelope. Citizenship certificate (for Kuwaitis)
Procedure for Obtaining: For non-Kuwaitis: through phone or internet plus valid Kuwait residence visa. For Kuwaitis: through phone or internet
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Good Conduct Certificate- صحيفة الحالة الجنائية
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Interior, General Department for Criminal Evidence, located in Farwaniya (Dhajeej area), Airport Road 55, opposite the Kuwait Airways main office building (Phone: +965 2434-6101; Fax: +965 2434-5790)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: General Director of General Department of Criminal Evidence
Registration Criteria: Available only to applicants residing in Kuwait. A police clearance certificate is required for U.S. immigrant visa applicants age 18 and over who are currently residing in Kuwait for 6 months or more. This is not available for former residents of Kuwait.
Procedure for Obtaining: A police certificate, or “Good Conduct Certificate,” can be obtained from the Ministry of Interior, General Department for Criminal Evidence, located in Farwaniya (Dhajeej area), Airport Road 55, opposite the Kuwait Airways main office building (Phone: +965 2434-6101; Fax: +965 2434-5790). Each applicant must provide the following:
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: U.S. Citizens and other individuals: Available only to those residing in Kuwait; age 18 and above must get the police clearance certificate if they resided in the country for 6 months or more.
U.S. citizens and other individuals seeking Kuwait police clearances should obtain a letter of request from his/her local sponsor, or if seeking employment in another country, contact the corresponding embassy. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait does not issue such letters.
Available
Fees: Free
Document Name: To Whom it May Concern إلى من يهمه الأمر
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Interior, Criminal Provision Implementation Department, Sulaibiya
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Any officer from that Department
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Physical presence of the applicant with his passport and civil id number
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: Only available in Arabic. Processing time is approximately 2-3 days. Available to individuals residing in Kuwait who apply in person to the Ministry of Interior, Prison Section. Not available by mail. Police records will include prison records. Address: 4th Ring Road, Al-Jabriyah area. Phone: +965-2531-8341. Fax: +965-2533-1359
Available
Fees: ½ Kuwaiti Dinar
Document Name: Service Certificate- شهادة الخدمة
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Defense, Administration and Manpower Authority, Building # 7, located in Mubarekiya Camp, Jahra Road (80)
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: The Director of Administration and Manpower Authority
Registration Criteria: There is no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Physical presence of the applicant with his civil id
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Types Available : Regular, Diplomatic, Special, Article 17
Fees: Free for Diplomatic & Official; For Regular, KD3 for 5 years & KD6 for 10 years.
Document Name: Passport جواز سفر
Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Interior, General Directorate of Nationality and Travel Documents
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Physical presence of the applicant. Required documents: Birth certificate, Civil ID card , (4) photos 4 x 6 cm with blue background, last school certificate for Article 17 travel document (for stateless residents) [case by case basis]
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available
Not applicable.
Post Title: Embassy
Address: Block 13, Masjed al Aqsa Street, Bayan, Kuwait
Mailing Address: PO Box 77, Safat 13001, Kuwait
Phone Number: 965-22591-1001
Visa Services: NIV (consularkuwaitm@state.gov) , IV (kuwaitiv@state.gov)
Comments / Additional Information: None
All visa categories for all of Kuwait
Washington, DC (202) 966-0702 (202) 966-8468
Los Angeles, CA (310) 556-0300 (310) 556-0400
New York, NY (212) 973-4300 (212) 973-4318 (212) 370-1733
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
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