Kuwait now grants visa-on-arrival to all GCC Residents
Ashwini Gambo
kuwait now grants visa-on-arrival to all gcc residents
kuwait city in a significant move to simplify regional travel, Kuwait now allows foreign residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to obtain tourist visas upon arrival, provided they hold a residency permit valid for at least six months.
Announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al‑Yousef and published in the official gazette, this policy replaces a restrictive 2008 rule and takes effect immediately The change applies to residents of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, regardless of their nationality.
Under the new framework, eligible travelers may obtain a tourist visa directly at air, land, or sea ports, streamlining entry with no prior visa requirement Just proof of GCC residency and a valid passport. Some sources even note that visas can now extend up to 90 days.
This reform aligns Kuwait with regional tourism trends and is expected to fuel short-term visits, family trips, and economic activity within the hospitality and retail sectors.
Meanwhile, Kuwait has also launched a unified e‑Visa portal “Visit Kuwait” that simplifies visa applications and offers travel information, marking another leap toward a more accessible tourist experience.
