🛂 Indian · Filipino · Pakistani · Egyptian · All Nationalities · 2026
Passport Renewal in Kuwait Complete Guide 2026
Step-by-step passport renewal guide for all major nationalities in Kuwait — fees, locations, timings, documents, Tatkal process, tracking, and lost passport procedures. Fully updated for 2026.
4BLS centres Kuwait
KD 23Indian passport (normal)
15–30Days processing
Updated May 2026✓ Sources: Embassy of India Kuwait · DFA Philippines · Pakistan MOFA · BLS International · Official embassy sites
⚠️ Disclaimer: Passport fees and procedures can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements and fees on your embassy's official website before visiting. KuwaitCalculator.com is not affiliated with any embassy or government body.
💡 Important 2026 note for Indian nationals: Effective 17 October 2025, all passport applications at BLS must be submitted through the new online portal first. BLS centres assist with form filling and photographs. Additionally, all passport photos must now comply with ICAO standards — BLS centres provide this service.
All Indian passport services in Kuwait are handled through BLS International — the authorised outsourcing partner of the Embassy of India, Kuwait
📌 Effective October 2025: All passport applications must be initiated online at passportindia.gov.in first, then submitted at a BLS centre. Walk-in without online registration is no longer accepted.
Step-by-Step Process
1
Apply Online at Passport Seva Portal
Go to passportindia.gov.in → Login/Register → Select "Re-issue of Passport" → Fill the form carefully — name, DOB, and all details must exactly match your existing passport. Print the Application Reference Number (ARN) receipt after submission.
2
Visit a BLS Centre in Kuwait
Walk into any of the 4 BLS centres — no appointment needed for most services (collect a token on arrival). Bring all original documents and photocopies. BLS staff will assist with form filling and ICAO-compliant photographs if needed (small charge).
3
Document Verification & Biometrics
BLS staff verify your documents, check photo compliance, and capture biometric data. Personal appearance is mandatory — you cannot send someone else. Even minor children (except newborns) must appear in person.
4
Pay Fees at BLS Centre
Pay the passport fee + BLS service fee (KD 1) in cash or card at the centre. Get your BLS receipt with tracking number — keep this safe for collection and tracking.
5
Track & Collect
Track your passport at blsinternational.com using your BLS Receipt Number and date of birth. Collect in person at the same BLS centre, or opt for delivery (additional fee). Processing: 15–30 days for normal, ~2 working days for approved Tatkal.
Documents Required
Document
Notes
Current passport (original)
Bring original + photocopy of data page and last page
Kuwait Civil ID (original)
Bring original + photocopy of both sides
Printed ARN form
From passportindia.gov.in — filled and printed
ICAO-compliant passport photo
White background, recent, 35×45mm. BLS can take it (charged separately)
Residence proof (if address change)
Only if changing registered address in passport
Supporting documents for name change
Marriage certificate, gazette notification, etc. (if applicable)
Undertaking (for Tatkal)
Prescribed format with reason for urgency. 3 ID proof documents for Indian address
Fees — Indian Passport Kuwait 2026
⚠️ Fees revised effective 18 July 2025. All fees below exclude the KD 0.750 ICWF (Indian Community Welfare Fund) charge added by the Embassy, and the KD 1 BLS service fee. Always verify on indembkwt.gov.in before visiting.
Passport Type
Fee (KD)
+ ICWF (KD)
+ BLS Fee (KD)
Total approx (KD)
New / Renewal — 36 pages, 10 years
23.000
0.750
1.000
~24.750
New / Renewal — Jumbo 60 pages, 10 years
31.000
0.750
1.000
~32.750
Minor (below 18 years) — 5 years
16.000
0.750
1.000
~17.750
Tatkal additional fee (if approved)
45.000
—
—
+45.000 extra
Tatkal 10-year (total approx)
Normal fee + KD 45 Tatkal fee
~69–77
Lost/damaged replacement
45.250–52.750
0.750
1.000
~47–55
Tatkal (Urgent) Passport — Indian
📌 Tatkal means "immediate" — an expedited passport service for genuine emergencies: medical emergency, bereavement (death of family member), or urgent job requirement. It is NOT for general convenience — the Embassy verifies reasons strictly.
Item
Details
Who qualifies
Medical emergency, death of close family member, urgent job travel, lost passport with urgent travel
Processing time
Approximately 2 working days once Embassy approves the Tatkal request
Additional Tatkal fee
KD 45.000 — paid in cash at the Embassy (not at BLS) after approval
Required documents
Undertaking form with reason for urgency + 3 recent address proof documents from India (for current address)
Approval
Not guaranteed — Embassy approves Tatkal based on eligibility criteria and merits of the case
BLS Centres in Kuwait — Locations & Timings
BLS — Sharq / Kuwait City
📍Al Jawhara Tower, 3rd Floor, Kuwait City (Sharq)
🕐Saturday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: Closed Last token issued: 5:15 PM
Two options: Philippine Embassy (Rumaithiyah) or VFS Global Passport Renewal Centre (Kuwait City)
🏛 Philippine Embassy
For all passport types including first-time, amendments, and non-ePassport renewals. By appointment or walk-in during processing hours. Processing: 28–45 days.
🏢 VFS Global (PaRC)
For ePassport holders whose records do NOT require changes. Walk-in accepted. Additional VFS service fee applies on top of embassy fee. Convenient for simple renewals.
Philippine Embassy — Passport Process
1
Book Appointment (Embassy) or Walk-In (VFS)
For the Embassy: book at visa.vfsglobal.com/kwt/en/phl or walk in during processing hours (Sunday–Thursday 8AM–2PM for processing, 8AM–3PM for releasing). For VFS PaRC Kuwait City: walk-in accepted Sunday–Thursday 9AM–5PM.
2
Prepare Documents
Original current passport + photocopy · One valid government-issued ID with photocopy · Recent passport photo (35×45mm, white background) · PSA-issued documents if applicable (name change, marriage, etc.).
3
Submit & Pay Fee
Pay KD 19.500 at the Embassy by KNET or cash (Kuwait Dinars only). At VFS, the Embassy fee of KD 19.500 plus the VFS service fee (KD 10.500) applies — total approximately KD 30. Pay at the counter after document verification.
4
Wait & Collect
Standard processing: 28–45 days at the Embassy. Check status at kuwaitpe.dfa.gov.ph under "Passport Ready for Release". Collect in person with your receipt and valid ID.
Machine Readable Passport (MRP) issued via Embassy of Pakistan, Kuwait — NADRA system
📌 Pakistani nationals can now also apply online at onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk before visiting the Embassy. Online application + Embassy visit for biometrics is now the recommended process. Passport delivery is also available for Kuwait-based applicants.
1
Apply Online (Recommended)
Go to onlinemrp.dgip.gov.pk → Create account → Apply for MRP renewal → Pay fee online via the portal → Print application form with reference number. Alternatively, also use the NADRA PAKID Mobile App for fingerprint verification.
2
Visit Embassy of Pakistan in Kuwait
Go to the Embassy of Pakistan, Jabriya with your application form, original current passport, valid Kuwait Civil ID, and NICOP/CNIC copy. Personal appearance is compulsory for live data capture and biometrics.
3
Data Capture & Interview
Embassy MRP officer captures fingerprints, photo, and signature. Data is entered per NADRA records. An interview with the MRP officer takes place. Collection date is given at the end of the process.
4
Collect Passport
Collect in person on the given date (or authorise one family member to collect passports for the entire family). After collecting, each holder must sign or place thumb impression on page 2 of the new passport.
Pakistani MRP Fees — Kuwait 2026
⚠️ Pakistani passport fees are set in PKR and converted to KWD by the Embassy. Fees may vary — always verify the latest KWD amount at the Embassy of Pakistan Kuwait or mofa.gov.pk.
Passport Type
Validity
Pages
Approx Fee (KD)
Standard MRP
5 years
36 pages
~KD 10–15
Standard MRP
10 years
36 pages
~KD 15–20
Frequent traveller
5/10 years
72 or 100 pages
~KD 20–35
Urgent/fast track
Varies
—
Extra charge applies
Embassy of Pakistan Kuwait — Contact
Detail
Info
Address
Villa 46, Qitta 11, Qasima 5, Street 101, Abdullah Ali Al-Dashti Road, Jabriya, Kuwait
Egyptian passport renewal is done directly at the Embassy of Egypt in Kuwait (Rumaithiyah). No outsourcing agent — all services handled in-house. Attend in person during consular hours.
2
Documents Required
Current passport (original + copy) · Kuwait Civil ID (original + copy) · National ID card copy (from Egypt) · Passport photos (white background, recent) · Completed application form (available at Embassy)
3
Pay Fee & Submit
Pay the applicable fee at the Embassy counter. Fees are in KWD — verify the latest amount directly with the Embassy as fees change with exchange rate adjustments. Collect receipt and processing timeline.
💡 For any nationality not listed, go to your home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and search for "Embassy in Kuwait" to find the official address, phone, and consular service hours.
Emergency
🚨 Lost or Damaged Passport in Kuwait
🚫 A lost passport in Kuwait must be reported to both Kuwait police and your embassy. Do not delay — a lost passport without a police report can cause serious problems with your residency status.
1
File a Police Report Immediately
Go to the nearest Kuwait police station and file a report for the lost passport. Ask for a copy of the police report in English or with an English translation — your embassy will require this.
2
Contact Your Embassy
Call your embassy immediately. Most embassies have emergency lines for lost passport situations. For Indians: BLS centres handle lost passport applications with an FIR (police report). For Filipinos: Embassy requires police report + affidavit of loss.
3
Apply for Emergency Travel Document (if urgent)
If you need to travel urgently before a new passport can be issued, most embassies can issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) — valid for a single journey back to your home country. Pakistani Embassy: contact MRP section. Indian Embassy: contact consular section with proof of travel.
4
Apply for New Passport
Submit a fresh passport application with the police report and all supporting documents. Lost passport fees are higher than normal renewal fees:
🇮🇳 Indian: KD 45.25–52.75 + fees
🇵🇭 Filipino: KD 48.75 (treated as new application)
Others: check with your embassy
Important
📸 Passport Photo Requirements in Kuwait 2026
Effective 17 October 2025 — all Indian passport photos must comply with ICAO standards. Similar standards apply for all nationalities.
Requirement
Specification
Size
35mm × 45mm (standard international passport photo size)
Background
Plain white background — no colours, patterns, or shadows
Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
Head position
Face must be directly facing camera, centred in frame
Glasses
No glasses permitted (ICAO standard since 2018)
Head covering
Only for religious reasons — face must be fully visible
High-resolution, no pixelation, no shadows on face
💡 BLS Kuwait now requires ICAO-compliant photos. If your photo is rejected, you'll waste a trip. All 4 BLS centres offer professional ICAO photo services on-site for a small fee. Wear dark clothing when visiting BLS for a photo.
Save Time
💡 Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
✅ Renew 6–9 months before expiry
Most countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc.) require 6 months passport validity for visas. Many Kuwait employers require valid passport for iqama renewal. Don't wait until it expires.
✅ Register online FIRST (Indians)
Since October 2025, BLS does not accept applications without prior online registration at passportindia.gov.in. Register, print your ARN, then go to BLS. Going without ARN = wasted trip.
✅ Bring ALL photocopies
Bring photocopies of every document — both sides of Civil ID, data page and last page of passport, and any supporting documents. Missing a copy is the #1 reason for repeat visits. BLS has a photocopier (charged).
❌ Don't use middlemen / agents
BLS and all embassies have clearly stated that no external agents are authorised. Agents charge extra and often cause delays. The process is straightforward — go directly to BLS or the embassy.
❌ Don't go on Friday
All BLS centres and most embassies are closed on Friday. Some also have reduced hours on Thursday. Always check current timings — especially during Ramadan when hours change significantly.
✅ Keep a scan of your passport
Email yourself a PDF scan of your passport data page, visa pages, and Kuwait Civil ID. If your passport is lost or stolen, this scan makes the replacement process significantly faster.
FAQ
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Indian passport in Kuwait without visiting BLS in person?▼
No. Physical attendance at a BLS centre is mandatory for all Indian passport applications in Kuwait. This is required for identity verification, biometric capture, and document verification. Even minor children (except newborns) must be present. You can prepare your online application at passportindia.gov.in beforehand, but the physical visit to BLS cannot be skipped.
How long does Indian passport renewal take at BLS Kuwait?▼
Standard renewal typically takes 15–30 days from the date of submission at BLS. Applications requiring police verification or detail changes may take longer. Tatkal (urgent) applications, once approved by the Embassy, are processed in approximately 2 working days. Track your application online at blsinternational.com using your receipt number.
What is the difference between BLS Sharq and BLS Jleeb?▼
All 4 BLS centres (Sharq, Jleeb, Fahaheel, Jahra) provide the same passport services. The difference is location — choose the one closest to where you live or work. Jleeb and Fahaheel serve the large Indian expat communities in Farwaniya and Ahmadi Governorates. Sharq serves Kuwait City. Jahra has reduced hours (9AM–2PM only). All charge the same fees.
Can Filipino expats use VFS Global instead of the Philippine Embassy?▼
Yes, but only for straightforward ePassport renewals where no changes are being made to passport records. VFS Global's Passport Renewal Centre (PaRC) accepts walk-ins and is convenient. However, you'll pay an additional VFS service fee of KD 10.5 on top of the Embassy fee of KD 19.5 (total ~KD 30). For first-time passports, amendments, or complex cases — you must go to the Philippine Embassy directly in Rumaithiyah.
Do I need a valid Kuwait iqama to renew my passport?▼
You need a valid Kuwait Civil ID to apply for passport renewal at BLS or any embassy. A Civil ID that has expired but is still within a reasonable validity window is generally accepted — but this varies by embassy. If your Civil ID has expired, it is best to renew it first (via the iqama renewal process) before applying for passport renewal. Some embassies may accept a recently expired Civil ID with a renewal receipt — confirm with your specific embassy.
What should I do if my passport expires while I'm in Kuwait?▼
An expired passport does not affect your residency status directly — your Kuwait Civil ID is your primary ID for residency purposes. However: (1) You cannot travel internationally with an expired passport. (2) You will need a valid passport for iqama renewal at the immigration office. (3) Apply for renewal immediately — don't delay. Contact your embassy or BLS to confirm whether you need any additional documentation for an already-expired passport. Most embassies treat expired passport renewal the same as standard renewal.
How do I track my Indian passport application at BLS Kuwait?▼
Go to blsinternational.com/india/kuwait/passport/track-application.php. Enter your BLS Receipt Number (on your receipt from the day of submission) and your date of birth, then click Submit. Keep your BLS receipt safe from day one — without the receipt number, tracking is not possible. You can also call BLS on +965 2221-1228 during working hours.