Kuwait visa on arrival is officially introduced for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. In addition, it is expected to boost regional tourism and ease travel for expatriates.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, shared this important announcement and proudly published it in the official gazette, Kuwait Al Youm. In addition, the new rule outlined under the Ministerial Decision No. 1386 of 2025 is effective immediately.
Eligibility and Requirements for the Kuwait Visa on Arrival
Foreign nationals who are residing in any GCC country can obtain a tourist visa upon their arrival in Kuwait under the updated policy. However, they must meet the following condition for it:
- Hold a valid GCC residency permit with a minimum of six months remaining before expiry.
- Apply for the visa directly at Kuwait’s ports of entry, including airports and land borders.
Decision No. 1228 of 2008 has been replaced by this decision, which previously regulated the entry of GCC residents under a similar provision.
Purpose of the Policy
According to the Kuwait Ministry of Interior, this decision aims to simplify travel procedures for the large expatriate community residing across the country GCC. In addition, it also aims to align the entry role of the country with other regional tourism initiatives.
The policy is aligned with Decree Law No. 114 of 2024 regarding the residence of foreigners and reflects Kuwait’s aim to establish itself as a more accessible tourist destination for neighboring countries.
Boosting Tourism and Regional Mobility
It is important to note that Kuwait traditionally had more restrictive entry requirements as compared to other GCC states. However, the country has the following goals with the introduction of the Kuwait Visa on Arrival:
- Encourage short-term tourism from neighboring countries.
- Support the hospitality sector, like hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses.
- Strengthen people-to-people connections within the Gulf region.
It is expected that this move could significantly increase the visitors numbers, especially during the holiday season and major cultural events.
Immediate Implementation
Travelers meeting the criteria can now take advantage of the visa-on-arrival service without prior online applications. Moreover, the process is expected to be straightforward, with immigration authorities issuing the visa directly upon presentation of a valid GCC residency and passport.
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