Kuwait has simplified travel for expatriates living across the Gulf. In a move to ease border rules, the Ministry of Interior announced that expats holding valid residency in any GCC nation can now obtain a visa-on-arrival tourist visa when entering Kuwait through airports or land borders.
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What Has Changed
On August 6, 2025, Kuwait formally abolished a law from 2008 and introduced Ministerial Resolution No. 1386 of 2025, signed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.
Under the new law, eligible GCC residents can secure a tourist visa upon arrival at any Kuwaiti entry point.
Who Is Eligible
To qualify for the visa-on-arrival, travelers must:
- Hold a valid passport
- Possess a valid residency permit from any GCC nation with at least six months of validity remaining
This applies to residents of:
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- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Oman
No online application or embassy visit is required. Travelers only need to present documents at the border to enter Kuwait as tourists.
Who Benefits
The update is especially beneficial for:
- Filipino, Indian, Egyptian, Pakistani, and other expatriates employed in the GCC
- Frequent business travelers within the Gulf region
- Families of expats planning short visits or holidays
- Weekend travelers from cities like Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh
Previously, many travelers faced unclear procedures or lengthy visa processes. This new system aligns Kuwait’s policies with more open travel approaches seen in other Gulf nations.
Conditions for Visa-On-Arrival in Kuwait
At the border, visitors must provide:
- A valid passport
- A GCC residency permit with at least six months’ validity
- Proof that their trip is for tourism purposes
No pre-authorization or additional paperwork is required.
The Bigger Picture
Kuwait’s visa-on-arrival policy follows Decree-Law No. 114 of 2024, part of a broader effort to simplify entry rules and promote tourism. Other Gulf nations, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, already provide similar visas to GCC residents.
This policy is expected to boost short-term tourism, weekend trips, and cross-border business travel to Kuwait.
Other Recent Visa Reforms
Kuwait has also introduced additional measures to make travel easier:
- Removal of degree requirements for certain visa categories
- Extended validity of visit visas for more flexible stays
- Lifted airline restrictions, opening the country to more carriers
These steps are part of Kuwait’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position as a Gulf travel hub.
