Kuwait
United States
United States visa for Kuwaiti citizens
Entry requirement
Kuwaiti citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 31 October 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at kw.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Kuwait
The United States has 1 mission in Kuwait, with its embassy in Kuwait City.
US visas issued to citizens of Kuwait
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 12,227 | 7,949 |
| Student (F, M) | 1,490 | 733 |
| Exchange (J) | 81 | 51 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 48 | 40 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 121 | 54 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 671 | 587 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 14,639 | 9,415 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 5.5% | 6.1% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 9,415 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Kuwait, the 81st highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 84%, student visas 8% and diplomatic and official visas 6%. That is 36% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (14,639).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Kuwait received 2,698, 30% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 6.1% for citizens of Kuwait in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 5.5%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Kuwait anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Kuwait.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Kuwait
United StatesKuwait Visa on arrival Kuwait visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Kuwaiti citizens planning a trip to the United States can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Kuwaiti citizens can stay in the United States
How long Kuwaiti citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Kuwaiti citizens apply
In Kuwait, applications go to the US embassy in Kuwait City, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Kuwaiti citizens
Canada and Mexico require Kuwaiti citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Kuwait
US citizens receive their visa for Kuwait at the border; it covers up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Kuwaiti citizens need a visa for the United States?
Kuwaiti citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
Where is the US embassy in Kuwait?
The US embassy in Kuwait is in Kuwait City.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Kuwait?
US citizens receive their visa for Kuwait at the border; it covers up to 90 days.
Can Kuwaiti citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Kuwaiti citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 31 October 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.