Family Visa Cancellation Guide in Kuwait

If you’re an expat living in Kuwait with your family, chances are you’ve sponsored dependents under a family (Article 22) visa. But what happens when circumstances change, maybe you’re moving back home, your child turns 21, or you’ve separated from your spouse? In any of these cases, cancelling a family visa becomes a legal necessity before your dependents exit the country.

What Is a Family Visa in Kuwait?

A family visa, officially known as Article 22, allows expats working in Kuwait to sponsor their immediate family members, spouse, children, or sometimes parents, so they can live with them legally in the country.

Who Needs to Cancel a Family Visa?

Visa cancellation is essential if:

• You’re permanently leaving Kuwait.

• Your dependent (spouse or child) is leaving for good.

• A child has reached the age limit and can no longer be covered.

• You’re divorced and no longer eligible to sponsor.

• Your dependent has received a separate visa (e.g., work or student).

Why Visa Cancellation Is So Important

Failing to cancel the visa before departure can result in:

• Overstay fines

• Travel bans

• Legal complications for the sponsor

• Delays in future visa approvals

Always cancel the visa before your dependent leaves Kuwait.

Documents Required for Family Visa Cancellation

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Original Civil ID of the sponsor

• Dependent’s passport (original and copy)

• Sponsor’s passport copy

• Dependent’s Civil ID

• Residency page copy from the passport

• Cancellation request form (Arabic, available at the immigration office)

• Employment release letter (if job termination is involved)

Where to Cancel the Family Visa in Kuwait

Visa cancellations must be done in person at your regional Immigration Department. Locations vary depending on where your residency is registered (e.g., Farwaniya, Hawalli, Ahmadi).

🕒 Working Hours:

• Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM (varies slightly by branch)

📅 Appointment:

• Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but booking an appointment in advance is advised.

Step-by-Step: How to Cancel a Family Visa

Step 1: Collect All Required Documents

• Make copies and ensure all paperwork is accurate. Don’t forget the dependent’s Civil ID and passport.

Step 2: Visit the Immigration Department

• Head to the immigration office associated with your area of residence. Be early — queues can get long!

Step 3: Fill Out the Cancellation Form

• Request a visa cancellation form in Arabic and complete it with accurate details.

Step 4: Submit Documents to the Officer

• The immigration officer will verify the documents. Some dependents may be asked to provide fingerprints again.

Step 5: Cancellation Stamp

• Once approved, the officer will stamp the dependent’s passport, indicating visa cancellation. Make sure it’s dated correctly.

What About Online Visa Cancellation?

As of now, Kuwait does not support full visa cancellation online. However, you may be able to:

• Schedule appointments through the Ministry of Interior portal

• Check application status online

• Pay any outstanding fines digitally

Don’t Forget to Cancel the Civil ID Too

After the visa is cancelled, you should also cancel the dependent’s Civil ID at PACI (Public Authority for Civil Information). This avoids any misuse or future confusion.

• Bring your original Civil ID

• Carry the visa cancellation stamp

• Visit your regional PACI branch

What Happens Next?

Once the visa is cancelled:

• The dependent usually has 30 days to exit Kuwait.

• If you overstayed, you’ll need to pay fines before departure.

• At the airport, immigration will verify visa cancellation.

Reapplying After Visa Cancellation

Yes, it’s possible to reapply for the same dependent in the future (e.g., after returning to Kuwait or switching jobs), but:

• A new application must be submitted from scratch.

• No “transfer” of previous visa applies.

• Some cases may require a cooling-off period.

Visa Cancellation While Dependent Is Abroad

If the dependent has already left Kuwait, you can still cancel the visa:

1. Visit immigration with the dependent’s passport copy.

2. Explain that the dependent is outside the country.

3. Submit a cancellation request.

This is common in cases of permanent relocation or divorce.

Fees for Family Visa Cancellation

• Visa cancellation is typically free, but:

• Overstay fines: KD 2 per day

• ID cancellation: May involve minor admin fees

Cancelling a family visa in Kuwait might feel like a hassle, but it’s a necessary step when your dependent’s stay is coming to an end. Whether it’s for relocation, legal reasons, or family changes, following the correct process ensures a smooth and stress-free exit. Make sure you prepare all required documents, cancel the Civil ID, and avoid fines or travel bans.