Home Office launches new visa waiver system in Kuwait
A new electronic visa waiver system has launched to make it easier for Kuwaiti passport holders to travel to the UK for business and tourism
Electronic visa waiver scheme launches
The electronic visa waiver (EVW) will allow Kuwaiti passport holders to travel to the UK for a visit of up to six months by filling in an online form at least 48 hours before they travel to the UK.
The scheme removes the need to give biometrics, attend a visa application centre or hand in passports in advance of travel. To cover the costs of the new system, a fee of £15 will be introduced later this year.
An improved EVW system has been in development since last year and, after a successful pilot scheme in Kuwait, the system has now been formally introduced.
Immigration Minister James Brokenshire said:
The introduction of the electronic visa waiver scheme in Kuwait follows an increase in the demand for visas from Kuwaiti nationals over a number of years.
Last year, more than 100,000 Kuwaiti nationals travelled to the UK and the EVW reflects the growing importance of our relationship with Kuwait and the region as a whole.
We look forward to welcoming more genuine visitors and tourists coming to the UK.
Further details on the EVW and for the latest information on the UK’s visa service, go to the Home Office website.