Over 11,000 tourist visas have been granted to Kuwait nationals by India from the start of 2024.
In recent years, the number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting India has seen a significant increase, a trend that can be largely attributed to the growth of the e-visa service and the streamlined issuance of tourist visas.
The introduction and expansion of the e-visa system have made the visa application process more convenient and faster for Kuwaiti travelers, removing previous bureaucratic delays and encouraging more spontaneous travel. This simplification and digitalization of the visa application process have played a critical role in increasing Kuwaiti tourist visa issuances and inbound tourism to India.
India has actively promoted itself as an attractive destination for Gulf tourists, including those from Kuwait, highlighting cultural ties, business opportunities, medical tourism, and leisure options. The rising disposable incomes and economic stability in Kuwait have also contributed to this trend, enabling more Kuwaiti citizens to travel internationally.
Globally, countries in the region and beyond have seen rising tourist arrivals due to improved aviation infrastructure, government incentives, and expanding tourism sectors. These trends have positively affected travel from Kuwait to India as well.
In 2024, over 7,700 tourist visas were issued to Kuwaiti nationals alone. This upward trend continued in the first half of 2025, with 3,600 tourist visas issued between January 1 and July 31. Even more recently, between July 13 and August 6, 2025, 163 e-visas were issued to Kuwaiti citizens.
The Indian Embassy is actively working to raise awareness about these visa options, ensuring that more Kuwaitis are aware of the ease and convenience of the e-visa system. The e-visa platform has operated smoothly with no major technical issues, further boosting its popularity.
India offers a range of visa categories, including business, medical, and Ayush Visa for alternative medicine and wellness seekers. The option to obtain long-term visas, including five-year tourist visas, is available for a fee of $80.
The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, has expressed hope that the coming period will witness a rise in Indian visitors, further strengthening cultural and tourism exchange between India and Kuwait. He stated that tourism from Kuwait to India is steadily increasing, a sentiment echoed by the warm welcome the e-visa service has received from many Kuwaiti friends.
This surge in Kuwaiti tourism to India is consistent with global tourism expansion patterns where e-visa facilities enhance travel flows by reducing entry barriers, and targeted marketing further encourages travel from specific source countries. The continued growth in Kuwaiti tourism to India is a testament to the success of the e-visa system and its role in promoting cultural exchange and economic ties between the two nations.
References: [1] Indian Embassy in Kuwait. (n.d.). e-Visa. Retrieved from https://www.indianembassy.org.kw/e-visa [2] World Bank. (2025). Kuwait - Inflation, Consumer Prices. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG?locations=KW [3] UNWTO. (2025). International Tourist Arrivals. Retrieved from https://unwto.org/tourism-highlights/international-tourist-arrivals [4] Indian Embassy in Kuwait. (n.d.). Visa Facilitation Measures. Retrieved from https://www.indianembassy.org.kw/visa-facilitation-measures
News about the increasing number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting India is promising for both nations. The growth can be attributed to the implementation of the e-visa system, which simplified the visa application process for Kuwaitis, encouraging more spontaneous travel. Business opportunities and medical tourism are key attractions, but lifestyle and travel options are also contributing factors. The Indian Embassy is working to increase awareness about these visa options, especially the smooth e-visa platform. The rising number of e-visas issued suggests a positive future for travel between India and Kuwait.
