India Visa RequirementsFor Kuwait passport holders
Kuwaiti nationals are eligible for India's 90-day e-Visa for tourism, business, or medical purposes at $25. India is a significant destination for Kuwait-based Indian diaspora (approximately 900,000 to 1 million Indian nationals work in Kuwait) and for Kuwaiti nationals themselves visiting for tourism, business, and medical treatment.
Kuwait passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to India.
Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Select Kuwait as nationality. Complete the form, upload passport photo and bio page scan. Pay $25 by credit or debit card. Approval arrives within 72 to 96 hours by email. Print the approval and present at Indian immigration. Entry must be through designated e-Visa airports.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Passport Photo
One recent photo meeting Indian e-Visa specifications (2x2 inches, white background).
Payment Card
Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) for USD 25 e-Visa fee payment online.
Required at Entry
Indian e-Visa Approval Letter
Printed or digital copy of the e-Visa approval email from indianvisaonline.gov.in. Must be presented at immigration.
Valid Kuwaiti Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay. The passport number on the e-Visa must match exactly.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed booking showing departure from India.
Current Travel Situation
Kuwait to India: What You Need to Know
India and Kuwait share one of the most significant bilateral people-to-people connections in the Gulf region. Kuwait hosts approximately 900,000 to 1 million Indian nationals, representing the largest single expatriate community in Kuwait. This creates enormous reverse tourism flows as Kuwait-based Indians visit India. Kuwaiti nationals also visit India for medical treatment (Chennai and Hyderabad hospitals), shopping (gold, textiles, electronics), and increasingly for tourism.
The Indian e-Visa covers all of these purposes: e-Tourist (90 days, double entry), e-Business (180 days, multiple entry), and e-Medical (60 days, triple entry).
How to Get There
Kuwait City (KWI) to Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Kochi (COK), Trivandrum (TRV), Kozhikode (CCJ), and Hyderabad (HYD) are all well-served by direct flights. Air India Express, IndiGo, GoAir, and Kuwait Airways operate this network.
Money & Banking
India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). As of 2024, approximately 83 INR per USD. India is very affordable. Five-star hotels in Delhi run $100 to $250 per night. Budget travel possible for $30 to $50 per day. ATMs in major cities. Cards accepted at hotels and malls.
Practical Tips
Direct flights Kuwait to India: Kuwait City to Kochi, Delhi, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Hyderabad, and other Indian cities are well-served by Air India Express, IndiGo, and Kuwait Airways. This reflects the large Indian community in Kuwait.
Medical tourism: Chennai's Apollo, Fortis, and MIOT hospitals are internationally accredited and popular with Gulf patients. Hyderabad's AIG Hospital specializes in gastroenterology. Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is internationally known.
Kerala is particularly popular with Gulf returnees and visitors given the large Keralite diaspora in Kuwait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Kuwaiti citizens need a visa for India?
Kuwaiti citizens cannot enter India visa-free, but they can easily apply for an Indian e-Visa online before travel. The e-Tourist Visa is affordable and typically processed within 72 hours.
How do I apply for the Indian e-Visa from Kuwait?
Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Fill the online form, upload your passport photo and passport scan, and pay USD 25. You will receive the e-Visa approval by email usually within 72 hours.
How long can a Kuwaiti stay in India on an e-Visa?
The e-Tourist Visa allows stays up to 90 days per visit, with double entry, and is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
What are the most popular places in India for Kuwaiti visitors?
Delhi (historic monuments, markets), Agra (Taj Mahal), Goa (beaches), Mumbai (city, Bollywood), Kerala (backwaters, Ayurveda), and Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur) are all well-loved by Gulf visitors. Halal food is widely available.
Are there direct flights from Kuwait to India?
Yes. Kuwait Airways, Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet operate direct flights from Kuwait to Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and other Indian cities. Many Indian expats in Kuwait use these routes regularly.
What documents do I need for the Indian e-Visa?
A valid Kuwaiti passport (6 months validity), a recent passport photo meeting Indian specifications, your return ticket details, and a credit or debit card for payment.
Can I get a visa on arrival in India instead of applying online?
No. India does not offer visa on arrival to Kuwaiti nationals at airports. The e-Visa must be obtained before travel via the online portal.
Is India safe for Kuwaiti tourists?
India is generally safe for tourists in major destinations. Standard safety precautions apply. Use registered taxis or app-based services like Ola and Uber. Be cautious with food and water hygiene. Major tourist areas are well-serviced.