KWI on UA Immigration Question
Dec 18, 2012, 2:48 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA-1Kmm, AA-EX Plt mm-, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 1,093
KWI on UA Immigration Question
I'm thinking of taking a flight on UA round trip IAD-KWI (Kuwait City). This would help me top up my status for next year with enough miles at both a tolerable cost (not cheap) plus the timing works for me both in flight times and no connections required. It would be a one night stay in KWI and then non-stop back to IAD.
Has anyone gone through the immigration process in KWI? I know it is a visa on arrival and I should be able to produce a hotel confirmation. Are they likely to give me a hassle for just a one day trip? I can't imagine KWI immigration authorities get too many mileage runs so that might be hard to explain.
Has anyone gone through the immigration process in KWI? I know it is a visa on arrival and I should be able to produce a hotel confirmation. Are they likely to give me a hassle for just a one day trip? I can't imagine KWI immigration authorities get too many mileage runs so that might be hard to explain.
Dec 18, 2012, 2:58 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: ORD / DUB / LHR
Programs: UA 1K MM; BA Silver; Marriott Plat
Posts: 8,243
I've done lots of 1 day trips there from DXB - no issue at all. The process can take quite a while, especially if they're busy - I'd advise getting off the plane as quickly as you can. You take a number and you get processed at the counter, then off you go to immigration (no additional questions there) and then baggage claim.
Dec 18, 2012, 3:00 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA-1Kmm, AA-EX Plt mm-, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 1,093
I've done lots of 1 day trips there from DXB - no issue at all. The process can take quite a while, especially if they're busy - I'd advise getting off the plane as quickly as you can. You take a number and you get processed at the counter, then off you go to immigration (no additional questions there) and then baggage claim.
Dec 18, 2012, 3:00 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: PANC
Programs: Mileage Plan
Posts: 444
I'm thinking of taking a flight on UA round trip IAD-KWI (Kuwait City). This would help me top up my status for next year with enough miles at both a tolerable cost (not cheap) plus the timing works for me both in flight times and no connections required. It would be a one night stay in KWI and then non-stop back to IAD.
Has anyone gone through the immigration process in KWI? I know it is a visa on arrival and I should be able to produce a hotel confirmation. Are they likely to give me a hassle for just a one day trip? I can't imagine KWI immigration authorities get too many mileage runs so that might be hard to explain.
Has anyone gone through the immigration process in KWI? I know it is a visa on arrival and I should be able to produce a hotel confirmation. Are they likely to give me a hassle for just a one day trip? I can't imagine KWI immigration authorities get too many mileage runs so that might be hard to explain.
Dec 18, 2012, 3:16 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: PANC
Programs: Mileage Plan
Posts: 444
I've done lots of 1 day trips there from DXB - no issue at all. The process can take quite a while, especially if they're busy - I'd advise getting off the plane as quickly as you can. You take a number and you get processed at the counter, then off you go to immigration (no additional questions there) and then baggage claim.
Dec 18, 2012, 3:49 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,297
Had no problems during a 10 hour layover in KWI with immigration.
The only "problem" was that from what I remember they expect you to pay for the visa with KWD - which you can get at the money changer opposite the counter.
I agree, with get there as early as you can, you dont wanna be in line.
btw, the visa desk is NOT immigration, you get the visa, then you go thru immigration.
The only "problem" was that from what I remember they expect you to pay for the visa with KWD - which you can get at the money changer opposite the counter.
I agree, with get there as early as you can, you dont wanna be in line.
btw, the visa desk is NOT immigration, you get the visa, then you go thru immigration.
Dec 18, 2012, 3:50 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 4,771
If you are staying the night at a hotel most of them (for a slight upcharge over the visa fee) will pre arrange a visa which you can go downstairs to pick up, bypassing the melee at the visa on arrival counter. To pick up a pre arranged visa just leave the crowds behind and go downstairs to the counter next to the "Veiled Lady" inspection desk.
