Kuwait and Vietnam Upgrade Ties with Strategic Visa Agreement

Diplomatic passport holders among first to benefit

On 17 November 2025 in Kuwait City, Kuwait and Vietnam signed a protocol amending their visa-exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, marking a significant deepening of bilateral relations.

The agreement was concluded during a high-level visit by Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh to Kuwait from 16–18 November 2025, following an invitation from Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah.

During the visit, both nations announced the elevation of their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting broader ambitions across economic cooperation, technological development, and people-to-people exchange.

What Was Signed: Verified Agreements

1. Protocol on Visa Exemption

The two countries amended an existing visa arrangement, allowing holders of diplomatic and official passports to travel without visas between Kuwait and Vietnam.

2. Diplomatic Academy MOU

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Kuwait’s Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute and Vietnam’s Diplomatic Academy, aimed at strengthening diplomatic training and institutional cooperation.

Key Official Statements

According to the official Joint Statement, the upgraded relationship recognizes a long history of cooperation dating back to 1976, when diplomatic ties were first established.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam’s support for Kuwaiti investment in the country’s future International Financial Centre and emphasized new opportunities in renewable energy, emerging technologies, and other forward-looking sectors.

For Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah highlighted the potential for expanded connectivity, including new air transport agreements and the possibility of direct flights between the two nations.

Impact & Significance

Diplomatic Efficiency

The visa exemption streamlines official travel between Kuwait and Vietnam, reducing administrative barriers and enhancing diplomatic engagement.

Strengthened Bilateral Cooperation

The new Strategic Partnership and visa protocol are expected to accelerate collaboration in energy, technology, education, and food security, aligning both countries’ strategic priorities.

People-to-People Connections

Cooperation between the two diplomatic academies is poised to strengthen cultural and professional exchanges, helping future diplomats build deeper mutual understanding.

What Happens Next

• Implementation of the visa-exemption protocol is expected to begin soon, facilitating easier travel for diplomatic and official passport holders.

• Joint programs, exchanges, and training initiatives between the two diplomatic academies are anticipated over the coming year.

• Additional agreements — potentially including trade facilitation and new investment frameworks — may follow as cooperation expands.

• The year 2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of Kuwait–Vietnam diplomatic relations, and both governments are preparing commemorative events and new initiatives to celebrate the milestone.