Spain to Improve Visa Services for Kuwaiti Travelers Through Establishment of New Visa Application Center
SUMMARY
• Spain has inaugurated a new BLS office in Kuwait.
• The Embassy of Kuwait in Spain anticipates receiving visa applications from 65,000 to 80,000 Kuwaiti tourists in Málaga this summer alone.
• Spain and Kuwait are planning to increase direct flights between the two countries, particularly during the upcoming summer season.
The Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait and Bahrain, Miguel Moro Aguilar, has announced the opening of a new BLS office in Kuwait, a key service provider responsible for processing visa applications for Spain.
According to Ambassador Aguilar, Spain has consistently been a preferred destination among Kuwaiti travelers. The establishment of the new BLS office reflects Spain's commitment to streamlining the visa application process for the more than 30,000 individuals seeking entry to the country annually.
Local media reports indicate a significant increase in visa applications, with over 9,000 applications received by April 2024, nearly half of which originated from Kuwaiti nationals alone. Ambassador Aguilar also revealed Spain's projection to host between 65,000 and 80,000 Kuwaiti tourists in Malaga.
To accommodate this influx, Spain will establish a temporary consular office in Torremolinos from June to September, specifically catering to Kuwaiti residents in the Malaga region as part of its summer strategy.
Ambassador Aguilar highlighted Spain's reputation for excellence in eye care, noting that many citizens from Kuwait and other Gulf countries visit Spain for medical treatment in this field.
"We hope that the new visa center we are opening today will enhance the experience for visa applicants to Spain. This has been the goal of the efforts made by the embassy and our agent BLS, considering the growing interest and high expectations among Kuwaitis regarding our country," stated Ambassador Moro Aguilar.
To bolster bilateral ties, plans include increasing direct flights between Kuwait and Spain, particularly during the summer months. From October 2024, travelers can expect three to four weekly flights connecting Kuwait to Madrid, as well as direct flights to Spanish cities such as Barcelona and Malaga.
Furthermore, Spain is gearing up to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2026, aiming to attract motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.