UK ETA Requirements for Kuwait Citizens
Everything Kuwait travellers need to visit or transit the UK with an ETA in 2025.
Do Kuwait citizens need a UK ETA?
Kuwaiti passport holders are eligible for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) when travelling to the United Kingdom for short visits or airport transit. The ETA is an online pre‑travel authorisation linked to your passport and required for visa‑free travel.
Fee
£16 per application, payable online.
Validity
Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
Stay & entries
Multiple entries; generally up to 6 months per visit under visitor rules.
Processing time
Often within hours; allow up to 3 working days.
Requirements for Kuwait applicants
Valid Kuwaiti biometric passport
Apply using the same passport you plan to travel with.
Recent digital photo
Plain background, neutral expression, no glare.
Email address
For receiving ETA confirmations and status updates.
Payment method
Debit/credit card or digital wallet to pay the £16 fee.
What Kuwait nationals can do on an ETA
Allowed (examples)
Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending events
Business meetings, conferences, trade visits
Short study (≤ 6 months) and airport transit
Not allowed
Paid work, self-employment, providing services to UK clients
Internships, training with pay, or long-term assignments
Long-term study or residence
If you plan to work or stay long-term in the UK, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa instead of an ETA.
How to apply (for Kuwait citizens)
Start your application online or via the ETA app
Create an account or sign in to begin.
Scan your passport & upload photo
Use NFC if your device supports it.
Answer eligibility questions
Choose your reason for travel: tourism, business, or transit.
Pay £16 and submit
A confirmation email will be sent immediately.
Wait for your ETA decision
Most are approved within hours; allow up to 3 working days.
UK ETA – FAQ for Kuwait Citizens
Do Kuwait citizens need a UK ETA?
Yes. Kuwaiti passport holders must obtain an ETA to visit or transit the UK visa‑free.
What documents are needed for the ETA application?
A valid Kuwaiti biometric passport, a digital photo, an email address, and a payment method for the £16 fee.
How long is the ETA valid?
Two years, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
How long does approval take?
Many applications are approved within hours; allow up to 3 working days for checks.
Can Kuwait citizens work in the UK on an ETA?
No. The ETA only allows visits for tourism, business, study (≤ 6 months), or transit. Paid work requires a visa.
Do I need an ETA if I already have a UK visa?
No. If you have a valid UK visa, you don’t need an ETA while it’s active.
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You may apply for the appropriate UK visa for your travel purpose and submit supporting documents.
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