GCC Residents Can Now Easily Obtain Kuwait Tourist Visas on Arrival at Border
Kuwait has introduced a new policy allowing foreign nationals residing in GCC countries to obtain tourist visas on arrival provided they hold a residency permit valid for at least six months. The rule, announced by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, is already in effect and replaces the 2008 regulation.
Who Is Eligible for Visa-on-Arrival?
- Expatriates holding a valid residency permit from any GCC country, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, or Oman.
- Residency must have at least six months of validity remaining.
- Nationality is irrelevant—eligibility is based solely on residency permit status.
How to Get Your Tourist Visa at the Border
Travelers arrive at designated immigration counters at airports or land borders. Immigration officers will:
- Verify the validity of your GCC residency permit (minimum six months required).
- Check your travel documents.
- Issue a tourist visa on the spot if all conditions are met. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Why Kuwait Made This Change
- To align with regional visa-on-arrival trends in the UAE and Oman and facilitate intra-GCC travel.
- To make leisure travel and family visits easier for GCC expats.
- To boost spending in hotels, shopping, and the cultural sector.
- To support the broader Gulf tourism and economic diversification strategy.
What’s Next for Regional Travel
This simplified visa policy is part of a larger GCC trend toward unified travel access. In fact, the GCC has approved a “Unified Tourist Visa” enabling travel across all six member states on one visa—expected to launch by late 2025 or early 2026.
Related Reading
Learn how Kuwait is modernizing its tourism infrastructure with a centralized e-visa portal in this article on the national platform: Visit Kuwait – The All-in-One Tourism and e-Visa Gateway. Also explore Syria’s recent family visit visa reforms in how Kuwait lifted income requirements for family visit visas.
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