Gulf (GCC) countries now eligible for India e-Visa
Kuwait and Qatar join the list of GCC nations now eligible for India’s electronic visa, simplifying travel and deepening people-to-people ties.
The Indian e-Visa is now available for citizens of several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with Kuwait and Qatar added to the eligible list. This policy change marks a key step in streamlining consular procedures and strengthening bilateral relations between India and GCC states, according to remarks by India’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, made during a recent press conference. The initiative aims to ease travel and foster greater human exchanges.
"This move reflects India’s vision of democratising access and enhancing the digital delivery of consular services."
Dr. Adarsh Swaika, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait
Announced on 10 July, the e-Visa rollout follows earlier confirmation that Bahraini nationals would also qualify for this streamlined visa service.
How the E-Visa Works
The service allows Kuwaiti passport holders—and now Qatari ones—to apply for an Indian visa entirely online through the government’s official e-Visa portal, eliminating the need to visit an embassy in person. Five categories are covered: Tourism, Business, Medical, Ayush–Yoga (Ayurveda), and Conference.
Processing typically takes 3–4 business days. Fees range from USD 40 to 80, depending on visa type and duration. Applicants must prepare a full set of supporting documents—a valid passport (with at least six months’ validity from arrival), an identity photo, and, for medical, business, conference, humanitarian or volunteer travel, an invitation letter.
E-Visa access for Gulf nations
All GCC member states except Iraq can now apply for an Indian e-Visa, simplifying entry for travellers and reinforcing people-to-people links. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman were previously eligible; Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar have since been added to the list.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
