Kuwait has launched a new visit visa service designed for convenience to allow travellers to get a visa in as little as five minutes upon arrival in the country. This new process uses technology to automate the old, time-consuming, paper-based visa issuance methods with an efficient automated system, allowing travellers to go from the airport to the city without delay.
According to Kuwaiti officials, the new system is already operating at a large scale, with Kuwait issuing between 17,000 and 20,000 visit visas every week under the new process. This high volume of applications signifies not only faster entry into the country but also represents an intentional focus by the State of Kuwait to create an easier environment for business & short-term tourists as well as for expatriate workers who previously had to fill out lengthy forms to enter the country.
The primary factor contributing to this transformation is automation. Automated digital data capture (or entry), the use of biometric data verification, and the implementation of fast decision-making devices enable immigration staff to validate documents and approve visitors to enter within minutes, versus the hours it would previously take. The net effect of this change is to reduce waiting times and frustration upon arrival while also providing a better initial experience for travellers from a country known more for its oil reserves than tourism. According to industry experts, the reduction in bureaucracy or “friction” associated with entering a different country encourages travel spontaneity, resulting in many last-minute trips or business visits that would not normally take place due to the hassle related to current entry procedures.
The increased number of visitors will mean a greater demand for hotel rooms, dining options and other services , which will play a major role in boosting Kuwait’s tourism and general economy. The expectation is that by allowing easier access to their country, the Kuwaiti government will greatly enhance the potential for tourism, retail, and transportation with respect to creating Kuwait as a regional centre for business meetings and short-term stays. The move also gives Kuwait an increased advantage and competitive position relative to countries within the Middle East, as they each are trying to provide similar experiences for travellers that want a hurry-free travel experience when entering another country.
Moving forward, government officials suggest that the short visa may mark the beginning of a more extensive modernisation process within the travel infrastructure in Kuwait. More potential actions that could follow this development would be the introduction of additional visa types, more extensive use of technology with airlines and hotels, and automating more of the visa processing with a focus on enhancing overall security while reducing human error. If these new technologies do emerge, then Kuwait’s quiet immigration transformation could serve to be a benchmark for neighbouring countries to use in converting airports into immediate welcome centres and turning interest into actual arrivals.
