🇫🇷FRANCE

🏳KWFR-KW

Do France passport holders need a visa to visit KW?

Q: How long can I stay in Kuwait on the tourist eVisa?

Up to 90 days from your date of entry. The visa itself must be used within roughly 30 days of issue.

Q: How much does the Kuwait tourist eVisa cost?

About 3 Kuwaiti dinars (roughly EUR 9), paid online by card. A small payment surcharge may apply.

Q: Should I use the eVisa or visa on arrival?

The eVisa is recommended because it is approved before you fly, avoiding airport queues and the risk of refusal at the counter.

Q: Is the Kuwait tourist eVisa single or multiple entry?

It is single entry. If you leave and want to return, you must obtain a new visa.

Q: Does the Schengen 90/180 rule or ETIAS apply to Kuwait?

No. Kuwait is not in the Schengen area, so those EU rules and ETIAS are not relevant to entering Kuwait.

French (ordinary) passport holders need a visa for Kuwait, but they qualify for the cheap online tourist eVisa (about 3 KWD) and can alternatively obtain a visa on arrival. Apply online a few days before travel for the smoothest entry. Kuwait is not visa-free for French citizens, but France is on Kuwait's eligible list for the electronic visa and for visa on arrival. The recommended route is the official tourist eVisa via kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw: it is a single-entry visa costing roughly 3 Kuwaiti dinars, must be used within about 30 days of issue, and permits a stay of up to 90 days from entry. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months on the date of arrival. Visa on arrival at Kuwait International Airport remains available to EU/Schengen nationals as a fallback, but applying online beforehand avoids airport queues and the risk of refusal at the counter. Kuwait is not in the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply to this route.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

France (PR)Living in France as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Tourist eVisa (electronic visa); visa on arrival also available

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days from date of entry

per entry

Entries

Single entry

from issue date

Visa fee

Approx. 3 KWD (about EUR 9)

consular fee only

Processing time

Typically 2-5 business days (allow up to 2 weeks)

standard track

Validity

Must enter within ~30 days of issue

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm eligibility and passport validity

Check that your French ordinary passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned arrival date in Kuwait and has a blank page.

· 6-month rule· Ordinary passport

/02

Open the official eVisa portal

Go to the Kuwait Ministry of Interior eVisa portal at kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw and select the tourist visit visa.

· Official portal

/03

Complete the application form

Enter your passport details, personal information, and trip details (dates, Kuwait address/hotel).

· Online form

/04

Upload documents and pay

Upload a passport bio-page scan and photo if requested, then pay the visa fee (approx. 3 KWD) online by card.

· Card payment· ~3 KWD

/05

Receive and print the eVisa

Wait for approval by email (usually within 2-5 business days) and print the eVisa to carry with you.

· Email approval· Print copy

/06

Enter Kuwait within the validity window

Travel within about 30 days of issue and present the printed eVisa, passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof at immigration.

· Enter within ~30 days

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

9 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 9 complete

French ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival

required

At least one blank passport page

required

Approved Kuwait tourist eVisa (printed)

required

Confirmed return or onward flight ticket

required

Hotel booking or host address in Kuwait

required

Credit/debit card to pay the visa fee online

required

Proof of sufficient funds for the stay

recommended

Passport-style digital photo for the application

recommended

Travel/health insurance for the trip

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Tourist eVisa fee~3 KWDStandard electronic tourist visa, paid online

Visa on arrival fee~3 KWDIf obtained at Kuwait International Airport instead of online

Card/processing surcharge0-1 KWDPossible payment gateway fee, varies

Total estimate3 KWD — 4 KWDincl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard eVisa processing

2-5 business days

Apply online and receive approval by email; recommended to apply at least two weeks ahead.

Extended security review

Up to ~2 weeks

Some applications require additional checks before approval.

Visa on arrival

At the airport on arrival

Issued at Kuwait International Airport for eligible nationalities; subject to officer discretion and queues.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Kuwait requires a visa from French citizens

France is not on Kuwait's visa-exemption list, so a visa is needed for any tourist visit.

High

/02

France is eligible for the online eVisa

French nationals can use the official electronic visa portal, making the process quick and inexpensive.

High

/03

Visa on arrival is an available fallback

EU/Schengen nationals including France can obtain a visa on arrival at Kuwait airport.

Medium

/04

6-month passport validity is enforced

Entry can be refused if the passport has under six months validity from arrival.

Medium

/05

Single entry only

The tourist eVisa does not allow re-entry; a new visa is needed for a return trip.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30 · major

France to Kuwait route verified

Confirmed France is eligible for Kuwait's tourist eVisa and visa on arrival; single entry, ~3 KWD fee, up to 90 days stay, 6-month passport validity required.

/09 — The questions