Kuwait Opens Visa-On-Arrival for GCC Residents
Kuwait has taken a major step to make regional travel easier: expatriates living in any GCC country can now enter Kuwait with a visa-on-arrival. No more pre-approvals, embassy visits, or lengthy online applications — just show your documents at the border, and you’re in.
What Changed?
On August 6, 2025, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior issued Ministerial Resolution No. 1386 of 2025, officially replacing the old 2008 entry rule. Under this update, expatriates with valid GCC residency can now receive a tourist visa on arrival at all Kuwaiti airports and land borders.
This move aligns Kuwait with other Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which already have similar policies for GCC residents.
Who’s Eligible?
The requirements are simple and straightforward:
- A valid passport
- A valid residency permit from any GCC country, with at least 6 months of validity left
- Purpose of visit must be tourism
Eligible GCC countries include:
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Oman
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
Why This Matters
This reform is expected to benefit millions of expats and frequent travellers, particularly:
- Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, and other nationals living in the GCC
- Business travellers who frequently move between Gulf states
- Families and weekend tourists from nearby hubs like Riyadh, Dubai, or Doha
Previously, travellers often faced confusing requirements or delays when planning a short trip to Kuwait. Now, the process is as simple as packing your bags.
The Bigger Picture
This decision follows Decree-Law No. 114 of 2024, part of Kuwait’s broader effort to ease entry rules and boost tourism. By adopting a more open travel policy, Kuwait hopes to attract more short-term visitors, encourage regional business travel, and position itself as a stronger tourism hub.
Recent reforms also include:
- Removal of university degree requirements for certain visa categories
- Longer validity periods for visit visas
- Lifting airline restrictions, expanding international connectivity
Final Takeaway
For expats living in the Gulf, this is welcome news: Kuwait is now just a short, hassle-free trip away. As long as your GCC residency is valid for six more months, you can arrive in Kuwait and get your tourist visa on the spot.
A practical step for travellers — and a sign that Kuwait is steadily opening its doors wider.
For more details please contact my team. Thanks Regards
+91 63806 92148
+91 63015 50340
