Home Kuwait Services UK Visa Requirements Kuwait 2025: Expert Guidance

UK Visa Requirements Kuwait 2025: Expert Guidance

ByKhaledUpdated13 July 2025 - 6:33am

Kuwaiti citizens wishing to go to the United Kingdom for work or study purposes must obtain visas through the official website of the United Kingdom government, while those wishing to go for tourism can obtain an ETA without the need to issue a visa to go to the United Kingdom.

UK Visa from Kuwait

Kuwaiti citizens can travel to the United Kingdom after obtaining an ETA for tourism purposes. The visa is obtained for study, work or other purposes. It is applied for electronically through the official website of the United Kingdom government on the Internet and then obtained through the approved offices in Kuwait.

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How to Apply UK Visa from Kuwait

To Apply UK Visa from Kuwait, Just follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Go to the VFS Global website directly “from here“.
Step 2: Click on the Start Now icon from the home page.
Step 3: Click on the Apply for a UK Visa option on GOV.UK.
Step 4: Read the details and then click on the Start now icon.

How to Apply UK Visa from Kuwait

Step 5: Select Kuwait from the drop down list.
Step 6: Click on the Continue icon.
Step 7: Continue adding data and click on the Continue icon.
Step 8: Click on the type of visa that the user wants to obtain.
Step 9: Click on the Apply from outside the UK icon from the right menu.
Step 10: Continue clicking Next until you have read the entire guide.
Step 11: Click Start now to begin applying.
Step 12: Continue adding data and then click Next.
Step 13: Click on the Apply now icon.
Step 14: Follow the instructions until you finish submitting.
Step 15: Waiting for visa application approval via email.
Step 16: Kuwaiti account login on VFS Global.
Step 17: Book an appointment to complete the UK visa procedures.
Step 18: Go to the VFS Global centre on the scheduled appointment to submit your passport and obtain your visa.

UK Visa Requirements from Kuwait

The following table shows the UK visa Requirements from Kuwait:

Visa category	Requirements
General Requirements	You’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit. You’re able to support yourself and your dependents during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you). You’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey). You’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home.
Visit on business	You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to do the following business activities: Attend interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars. Negotiate and sign deals and contracts. Attend trade fairs to promote your business (you cannot sell things). Get work-related training if you’re employed overseas and the training is not available in your home country. Give a one-off or short series of talks as long as they’re not for profit or a commercial event – you can only be paid for speaking at certain engagements or events (a ‘permitted paid engagement’). Carry out site visits and inspections. Oversee the delivery of goods and services provided by a UK company to your overseas company or organisation. Deliver training or share knowledge on internal projects with UK employees of the company you work for overseas. Install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on equipment, computer software and hardware, if your overseas company has a contract with a UK company or organisation. You can do certain additional activities in the UK as a Standard Visitor, if you’re employed overseas as: An archaeologist An artist, entertainer or musician A bodyguard A camera operator A driver An internal auditor A journalist or correspondent A lawyer or expert witness A market researcher or analyst A personal assistant A pilot or cabin crew member coming to work in the UK under a ‘Wet Lease Agreement’ approved by the Civil Aviation Authority A professor from an overseas academic institution A religious worker A scientist or researcher A seafarer (someone whose normal place of work is on board a ship) A sports person or sports official A tour group courier A translator or interpreter A member of a film crew, including actors, producers, directors or technicians A member of the production team supporting an artist, entertainer or musician A member of technical staff supporting an artist, entertainer, musician or sports person
Visit to study	You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: Study at an accredited institution (this includes English language courses). Do a short piece of research that’s relevant to your course overseas. Do an ‘elective’ – an optional additional placement, if you’re studying medicine, veterinary medicine and science, nursing, midwifery or dentistry. Sit an entrance exam, retake an exam or course module, or do a PhD oral exam (a viva). Do an unpaid clinical attachment if you’re a graduate from a medical, dental or nursing school. Take the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) test or the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test. If you’re visiting to study at an accredited institution: You’ve been accepted onto a course provided by an accredited UK institution. The course is no more than 6 months long (unless it’s a distance learning course). If you’re visiting to do a short piece of research: You’re at least 16 years old. You’re already enrolled on a course overseas that is the equivalent of a UK degree. You’ve been accepted by a UK higher education institution to take part in research that’s relevant to the course you’re studying overseas. If you’re visiting to do an elective: at least 16 years old. already enrolled on a course overseas that is the equivalent of a UK degree – the course must be in medicine, veterinary medicine and science, nursing, midwifery or dentistry. doing an elective at a UK higher education institution as part of your course.
Visit for a paid engagement or event	have a written invitation from a UK-based organisation or client for a pre-arranged event or other permitted engagement. can show you’re an expert in your profession. are 18 or over.
Visit for medical reasons	have private medical treatment at a hospital or other medical facility. have treatment at an NHS hospital, as long as the care is paid for by your own government under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement. donate an organ to a family member or close friend – this includes being assessed for suitability as a donor match.

UK Visa Fees from Kuwait

The following table shows the UK visa fees from Kuwait: ^[1]

Visa types	Category	Application fees
Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry)	Standard Visitor visa – for UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey	152.00 USD	47.12 KWD
Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years)		569.00 USD	176.39 KWD
Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years)		1,016.00 USD	314.96 KWD
Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years)		1,269.00 USD	393.39 KWD
Visiting academic – more than 6 months up to 12 months		264.00 USD	81.84 KWD
Marriage visitor visa		152.00 USD	47.12 KWD
Marriage visitor visa		152.00 USD	47.12 KWD
Private medical treatment – more than six months up to 11 months		264.00 USD	81.84 KWD
Visit the UK in a Chinese tour group (UK only)		152.00 USD	47.12 KWD
Short term student studying English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months	Short-term study visa	264.00 USD	81.84 KWD
Direct Airside Transit (DATV)	Transit	46.00 USD	14.26 KWD
Visitor in Transit visa		84.00 USD	26.04 KWD
Visit purpose of joining a ship or aircraft as a member of crew of that ship or aircraft – fee also applicable to the Isle of Man		84.00 USD	26.04 KWD
Short-term – up to 6 months, single or multiple entry	child visitors	152.00 USD	47.12 KWD
Longer-term – valid for up to 2 years		569.00 USD	176.39 KWD
Longer-term – valid for up to 5 years		1,016.00 USD	314.96 KWD
Longer-term – valid for up to 10 years		1,269.00 USD	393.39 KWD
Short term student studying English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months	Short-term study visa	264.00 USD	81.84 KWD
Parent of a Student child visa up to 12 months – Tier 4 Isle of Man	Parents of children at school	840.00 USD	260.40 KWD
Tier 4 General student visa – Isle of Man – Main applicant and dependents	Points-based system, Tier 4 – Isle of Man	646.00 USD	200.26 KWD
Temporary Seasonal Worker – Isle of Man	Points-based system, Tier 4 – Isle of Man	393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Student – main applicant and dependents	Student	646.00 USD	200.26 KWD
Child Student	Student	646.00 USD	200.26 KWD
Application for entry clearance as a student enter the Bailiwick of Guernsey or Baliwick of Jersey	EC as a student Gurnsey and Jersey	646.00 USD	200.26 KWD
Family visas – Joining your partner, parent, proposed civil partner or child (also applicable to EC to the Isle of Man, Baliwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Gurnsey)	Family of settled people (settlement)	2,433.00 USD	754.23 KWD
Family visas – Adult dependant relative (also applicable for EC to the Isle of Man)		4,284.00 USD	1,328.04 KWD
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as a victim of domestic abuse and dependant children under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse to the Immigration Rules		3,803.00 USD	1,178.93 KWD
Route to Settlement – refugee dependant relative		533.00 USD	165.23 KWD
Dependent children under the age of 21 only applying under “Appendix ECAA Extension of Stay” to the immigration rules.		Free of charge
Pre 1997 Gurkhas (outside immigration rules)	Settlement for current and former members of HM armed forces, and their dependents	24,333.00 USD	7,543.23 KWD
Overage dependant children of pre 1997 Gurkhas		24,333.00 USD	7,543.23 KWD
HM Forces dependents applying under part 4,5,7 or 8 of Appendix Armed Forces		24,333.00 USD	7,543.23 KWD
Diplomatic Posting to the UK (Dependant)	Exempt	Free of charge
dependents of exempt international forces applying under Part 10 of Appendix Armed Forces	Members of armed forces and their families (non-settlement)	840.00 USD	260.40 KWD
Apply if you’re joining a family member from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who has status under the EU Settlement Scheme	Family members of European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals	Free of charge
Apply if you are living in an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with a British citizen		Free of charge
Apply if you’re joining a person of Northern Ireland who was resident in the UK by 31 December 2021		Free of charge
Apply if you used to be a family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and you have ‘retained the right of residence’		Free of charge
Tier 1 (Investor) – main applicant and dependents	Points-based system, Tier 1 (also applicable to the Isle of Man)	2,483.00 USD	769.73 KWD
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – dependents only		1,570.00 USD	486.70 KWD
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) – dependents only		944.00 USD	292.64 KWD
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less – main applicant and dependents	Work – applications made outside the UK (also applicable in the Isle of Man)	948.00 USD	293.88 KWD
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – up to 3 years – main applicant and dependents		948.00 USD	293.88 KWD
T2 Minister of Religion – main applicant and dependents		948.00 USD	293.88 KWD
Skilled Worker, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years – main applicant and dependents		1,872.00 USD	580.32 KWD
Global Business Mobility – Senior or Specialist Worker – more than 3 years – main applicant and dependents		1,872.00 USD	580.32 KWD
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for 12 months or less – main applicant and dependents		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
International Sportsperson, where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over 12 months – main applicant and dependents		948.00 USD	293.88 KWD
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less – main applicant and dependents		726.00 USD	225.06 KWD
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponor a Worker has been given for over three years – main applicant and dependents		1,429.00 USD	442.99 KWD
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less – main applicant and dependents		374.00 USD	115.94 KWD
Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years – main applicant and dependents		726.00 USD	225.06 KWD
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for three years or less – main applicant and dependents.		374.00 USD	115.94 KWD
Skilled Worker – a job on the Immigration Salary List – Health and Care Visa – where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued or approval to sponsor under Sponsor a Worker has been given for over three years – main applicant and dependents.		726.00 USD	225.06 KWD
Global Business Mobility – Graduate Trainee – main applicant and dependents		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier – main applicant and dependents		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Global Business Mobility – UK Expansion Worker – main applicant and dependents		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Global Business Mobility – Secondment Worker – main applicant and dependents		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
High Potential Individual – main applicant and dependents		1,083.00 USD	335.73 KWD
Scale-up – main applicants and dependents		1,083.00 USD	335.73 KWD
Temporary Work – Charity Work – main applicant and any dependents	Temporary Work (also applicable to Isle of Man)	393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Temporary Work – Creative Worker – main applicant and any dependents		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange visa – main applicant and any dependents		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Temporary Work – Religious Worker – main applicant and any dependents		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Temporary Work – Youth Mobility Scheme – main applicant only		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Temporary Worker – Seasonal Work – main applicant only		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Temporary Work – International Agreement – main applicant and dependant		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Offshore worker	Other work categories	840.00 USD	260.40 KWD
Overseas domestic worker in a private household		840.00 USD	260.40 KWD
Representative of an overseas business – main applicant and dependents		948.00 USD	293.88 KWD
An employee of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation		948.00 USD	293.88 KWD
Sheep Shearer		840.00 USD	260.40 KWD
UK ancestry		840.00 USD	260.40 KWD
Innovator Founder – main applicant and dependents		1,570.00 USD	486.70 KWD
Endorsement fee under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT		1,318.00 USD	408.58 KWD
Contact point meeting with endorsing body under Innovator Founder route (payable to endorsing body) excluding VAT		659.00 USD	204.29 KWD
Start-up – main applicant and dependents		573.00 USD	177.63 KWD
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is required		253.00 USD	78.43 KWD
Approval letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application for Global Talent		691.00 USD	214.21 KWD
Global Talent – main applicant – where Approval Letter is not required		944.00 USD	292.64 KWD
Global Talent – dependents only		944.00 USD	292.64 KWD
Work permit holder – Baliwick of Jersey and Baliwick of Guernsey – main applicant and dependents	Other work categories – Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man	948.00 USD	293.88 KWD
Application for entry clearance to enter the Baliwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey for the purposes of work permit employment for a period of 12 months or less – main applicant and dependents		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Application for entry clearance to enter the Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey for the purposes of low-skilled work permit employment for a period of 12 months or less – main applicant and dependents		393.00 USD	121.83 KWD
Worker – Isle of Man – main applicant and dependents		948.00 USD	293.88 KWD
Representitive of overseas business – Isle of Man – main applicant and dependents		948.00 USD	293.88 KWD
Diplomatic Posting to the UK	Exempt	Free of charge
Diplomatic Posting to the UK (Dependent)		Free of charge
Members of International Organizations on Official Visits		Free of charge
Official Transit through the UK		Free of charge
Official Visit to the UK		Free of charge
HM Forces personnel or Member of foreign armed force – exempt from immigration control	Members of armed forces and their families (non-settlement)	Free of charge
dependents of exempt international forces applying under Part 10 of Appendix Armed Forces	Members of armed forces and their families (non-settlement)	840.00 USD	260.40 KWD
Family visas – Joining your partner, parent, proposed civil partner or child (also applicable to EC to the Isle of Man, Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey)	Family of settled people (settlement)	2,433.00 USD	754.23 KWD
Family visas – Adult dependent relative (also applicable for EC to the Isle of Man)		4,284.00 USD	1,328.04 KWD
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as a victim of domestic abuse and dependant children under Appendix Victim of Domestic Abuse to the Immigration Rules		3,803.00 USD	1,178.93 KWD
Route to Settlement – refugee dependant relative		533.00 USD	165.23 KWD
Dependent children under the age of 21 only applying under “Appendix ECAA Extension of Stay” to the immigration rules.		Free of charge
Former UK Armed Forces	Settlement for current and former members of HM armed forces, and their dependents	2,433.00 USD	754.23 KWD
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as the dependant of an HM Armed Forces service leaver or a member of HM Armed Forces under Appendix HM Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules		3,803.00 USD	1,178.93 KWD
Indefinite leave to enter the UK as an HM Armed Forces service leaver or a member of HM Armed Forces under Appendix HM Armed Forces to the Immigration Rules		3,803.00 USD	1,178.93 KWD
Pre 1997 Gurkhas (outside immigration rules)		2,433.00 USD	754.23 KWD
Overage dependant children of pre 1997 Gurkhas		2,433.00 USD	754.23 KWD
HM Forces dependents applying under part 4,5,7 or 8 of Appendix Armed Forces		2,433.00 USD	754.23 KWD
Returning resident	Returning residents	840.00 USD	260.40 KWD
Family reunion, under Part 11 of Asylum, Immigration Rules (pre-flight dependents)	Family reunion to join asylum seekers	Free of charge
Post-flight dependents		2,433.00 USD	754.23 KWD
Family reunion – other dependent relatives		533.00 USD	165.23 KWD

UK Visa Processing Time from Kuwait

The following table shows UK Visa Processing Time from Kuwait:

Visa types	Category	Processing Time
Standard Visitor	Visit visas	3 weeks
Marriage Visitor	Visit visas	3 weeks
Chinese tour group	Visit visas	3 weeks
Transit	Visit visas	3 weeks
Student	Study visas	3 weeks
Child Student	Study visas	3 weeks
Study English in the UK: Short-term student (6 to 11 month English language courses)	Study visas	3 weeks
Partner or spouse	Family visas	12 weeks
Parent	Family visas	12 weeks
Child	Family visas	12 weeks
Adult coming to be cared for by a relative	Family visas	12 weeks
Skilled Worker	Popular work visas	3 weeks
Health and Care Worker	Popular work visas	3 weeks
Government Authorised Exchange	Temporary work visas	3 weeks
Charity Worker	Temporary work visas	3 weeks
Creative Worker	Temporary work visas	3 weeks
International Agreement	Temporary work visas	3 weeks
Seasonal Worker	Temporary work visas	3 weeks
Religious Worker	Temporary work visas	3 weeks
Global Talent	Work visas you can apply for without a job offer	3 weeks
Youth Mobility Scheme	Work visas you can apply for without a job offer	3 weeks
India Young Professionals Scheme visa	Work visas you can apply for without a job offer	3 weeks
UK Ancestry	Work visas you can apply for without a job offer	3 weeks
High Potential Individual (HPI)	Work visas you can apply for without a job offer	3 weeks
Innovator Founder	Work visas to start a business	3 weeks
Start-up	Work visas to start a business	3 weeks
Overseas Domestic Worker	Work visas for an overseas employer	3 weeks
Graduate Trainee	Work visas for an overseas employer	3 weeks
Secondment Worker	Work visas for an overseas employer	3 weeks
Senior or Specialist Worker	Work visas for an overseas employer	3 weeks
Representative of an Overseas Business	Work visas for an overseas employer	3 weeks
Service Supplier	Work visas for an overseas employer	3 weeks
UK Expansion Worker	Work visas for an overseas employer	3 weeks
International Sportsperson	Other visas and permits	3 weeks
Minister of Religion	Other visas and permits	3 weeks
Scale-up Worker	Other visas and permits	3 weeks

Conclusion

The UK visa service from Kuwait is provided through the official website of the UK government on the Internet, and then an appointment is booked through VFS Global to receive the visa after completing its electronic procedures and approval.

Questions & Answers

Does a Kuwaiti need a visa to enter the United Kingdom?

A Kuwaiti needs a visa to enter the United Kingdom if he wants to travel to study or work, while he can go after obtaining an ETA when going for tourism or a short visit.

How to get an UK visa from Kuwait?

The UK visa is obtained from Kuwait by applying through the official website of the UK government and then booking an appointment to receive the visa through VFS Global.

How much is UK visa fee now?

UK visa prices vary greatly depending on the visa category.

Can I apply for an UK visa online?

Yes, you can apply for a UK visa online.

How to check UK visa appointment availability?

UK visa appointment availability from Kuwait is checked through VFS Global.

References

[1]homeoffice.gov.ukVisa application fees15 Feb 2025

Khaled

I have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, and have extensive experience in writing SEO-friendly content in the technical field, educational field and service content in the Kuwait and other Gulf countries.