Increase in Tourist Visas: Over 11,000 Granted to Kuwaitis from January 2024 by India
In a positive development for cultural and tourism exchange between India and Kuwait, Ambassador Swaika expressed optimism about an increase in Indian visitors in the coming period. This optimism is largely attributed to the growing popularity of India's electronic visa (e-visa) system.
The introduction of the e-visa service for Indian tourist visas has significantly facilitated travel from Kuwait to India, contributing to the growth in tourism from Kuwait in recent years. The service has made visa applications faster, more convenient, and more accessible, aligning with broader trends of Kuwait digitizing public services, including government and travel-related processes.
The e-visa platform has been welcomed by many Kuwaitis, with over 11,000 tourist visas issued to Kuwaitis from 2024 to the first half of 2025. The numbers speak for themselves, with more than 7,700 tourist visas issued to Kuwaiti nationals in 2024 alone. The trend continues, with 3,600 tourist visas issued to Kuwaiti citizens between January 1 and July 31, 2025, and 163 e-visas issued between July 13 and August 6, 2025.
The convenience offered by the e-visa system extends beyond speed and accessibility. Applicants can complete the process from anywhere without visiting the Indian visa center in person, and the option to obtain long-term visas, including five-year tourist visas, for a fee of $80 is a notable advantage.
The growth in Kuwaiti tourism to India is not limited to traditional tourist activities. A new visa category, the Ayush Visa, has been introduced for those seeking Ayurveda and yoga treatments in India, reflecting increased interest from Kuwaiti travelers.
The Indian Embassy is working to raise awareness about these visa options, with the goal of further encouraging more Indian tourists to visit Kuwait. Recent visa facilitation measures introduced by Kuwaiti authorities are expected to reciprocate this trend.
While exact recent figures on tourism growth from Kuwait to India post e-visa are not provided in the search results, the e-visa service has likely had a positive impact by lowering entry barriers, encouraging more Kuwaiti tourists to visit India. More detailed and specific tourism data would be needed from Indian tourism authorities or bilateral sources to quantify the growth precisely.
In conclusion, the e-visa service for India has proven to be a game-changer in facilitating travel from Kuwait to India, contributing to a notable upward trend in Kuwaiti tourism to India. This trend is expected to continue, fostering stronger cultural and tourism ties between India and Kuwait.
The e-visa service has made business travel between Kuwait and India more convenient, allowing for increased opportunities for trade and collaboration.
The growing popularity of the e-visa system among Kuwaitis suggests a positive shift in travel and lifestyle trends, with more individuals exploring India for leisure, wellness, and cultural experiences.
With the introduction of the Ayush Visa, the e-visa platform is supporting a new dimension in travel, catering to increasing interest in Ayurveda and yoga, further enriching India's tourism offerings for Kuwaiti visitors.
