Kuwait Introduces Tourist Visa on Arrival for GCC Residents

Kuwait has officially opened its doors to foreign residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by allowing them to obtain a Kuwait tourist visa on arrival, effective immediately. The new travel policy was confirmed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and published in the official gazette, Kuwait Alyoum.

Under the updated rules, GCC residents holding a valid residency permit of at least six months can now enter Kuwait as tourists without prior visa applications. The visa will be issued directly at Kuwait’s ports of entry, simplifying the process for millions of expatriates living in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

This move replaces the previous 2008 regulation and is aimed at streamlining travel for GCC expatriates, enhancing regional tourism, and aligning Kuwait’s visa policies with other Gulf countries.

The Kuwait Ministry of Interior stated that the reform will make it easier for residents across the Gulf to visit Kuwait for leisure, family visits, and cultural experiences. It also reflects Kuwait’s commitment to boosting tourism and strengthening inter-GCC mobility.