Visa Process 

The Kuwait visa process must follow a specific sequence, and timing is critical. You should NOT begin your police clearance (FBI background check) or medical exam until you receive your eVisa from the American School of Kuwait (ASK). Starting too early will invalidate those documents.

However, you can start preparing the following documents in advance to stay on track:

• Passport
  Must be valid for at least two years and have six blank pages. No authentication required, but it must be submitted with your visa packet.

• Bachelor’s Degree
  Required. Must be authenticated by your state’s Secretary of State, then by the U.S. Department of State, and finally legalized at your assigned Kuwait Embassy or Consulate.

• Official College Transcripts
  Sealed transcripts must be submitted with your degree. Authentication is needed.

• High School Diploma
  Must reflect four full years of study. Requires authentication at the state and federal levels, and legalization at the Kuwait Embassy or Consulate. HS transcripts are required and need to be authenticated.

• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
  Needed for spousal sponsorship. Requires authentication and legalization.

• Birth Certificates for Children (if applicable)
  Needed if your children will travel with you. Must also be authenticated and legalized.

For complete details and tips, read the full Visa Guide here:

Essential Guide for U.S. Citizens

Essential Guide for Canadian Citizens

Essential Guide for Non-U.S./Non-Canadian Citizens

*Your passport and Kuwait visa must be stamped by immigration upon arrival.*

If your visa documents are not completed by the time of your scheduled flight on August 14, you must contact ASK Office to reschedule your flight. Please notify us at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Important Note about Travel Restrictions

You cannot leave Kuwait while your residency is being processed. This is required to maintain the validity of your visa and authenticated documents.

Once your residency and Civil ID are finalized, you will be able to travel freely. A new law taking effect July 1, 2025, requires private-sector expats to submit their departure date through the official Sahel app and obtain approval from their employer before exiting the country. This is a quick and easy step and should not affect your ability to travel once your residency is complete.

We will continue to share updates if any changes are announced by the Kuwaiti government.