GCC citizens can now secure tourist visas upon arrival in Kuwait
In a significant move to simplify travel within the Gulf region, Kuwait has announced a new tourist visa policy for residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The policy, effective immediately, allows any foreign national living in a GCC member state with a valid residency permit of at least six months to enter Kuwait on a tourist visa.
The change in Kuwait's tourist visa policy is part of a broader effort to streamline travel for the expatriate population living across the GCC. The new policy aims to boost tourism and economic activity by easing entry requirements, making it significantly easier for GCC residents to visit Kuwait for tourism.
According to the new policy, foreign residents of GCC countries, including those from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, are eligible to obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Kuwait airports and border crossings. The visa is issued directly at the port of entry in Kuwait and is valid for up to 90 days.
The policy replaces past regulations requiring e-visa application or restrictions based on profession. It is important to note that the policy does not apply to Iraqi nationals who may still face some restrictions, although it is unclear if these restrictions have been relaxed in the latest policy.
The new policy does not affect the validity or process of obtaining other types of visas for foreign nationals. It is also not expected to have a significant impact on the overall immigration policies of Kuwait or have a noticeable impact on the demographics of Kuwait, as it only applies to GCC residents.
The policy change is in line with regional trends and was announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. The decision was published in the official gazette Kuwait Alyoum. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents can now enjoy the convenience of obtaining Kuwait tourist visas upon arrival.
The Interior Ministry did not provide details on how the new policy will impact tourism statistics in Kuwait. The policy change is not expected to have a direct effect on the economy of Kuwait, as it only pertains to tourist visas. However, it is hoped that the policy will encourage more GCC residents to visit Kuwait, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector and the overall economy.
[1] Gulf Times. (2025, August 10). Kuwait opens doors to GCC residents with new tourist visa policy. Retrieved from https://www.gulf-times.com/story/699644/Kuwait-opens-doors-to-GCC-residents-with-new-tourist-visa-policy
[2] Arab News. (2025, August 10). Kuwait announces new tourist visa policy for GCC residents. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/1819231/gulf
[3] Khaleej Times. (2025, August 10). Kuwait introduces new tourist visa policy for GCC residents. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/gulf/kuwait/kuwait-introduces-new-tourist-visa-policy-for-gcc-residents
[4] Gulf Business. (2025, August 10). Kuwait introduces new tourist visa policy for GCC residents. Retrieved from https://gulfbusiness.com/kuwait-introduces-new-tourist-visa-policy-for-gcc-residents/
[5] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 10). Kuwait eases travel for GCC residents with new tourist visa policy. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/10/kuwait-eases-travel-for-gcc-residents-with-new-tourist-visa-policy
- This development in Kuwait's tourist visa policy has been covered extensively in various news outlets, including Gulf Times, Arab News, Khaleej Times, Gulf Business, and Al Jazeera.
- The new tourist visa policy in Kuwait, which allows GCC residents to obtain visas upon arrival, is expected to boost the Gulf region's lifestyle sector by encouraging more travel and tourism within the region.
