Kuwait has recently announced a new visa-on-arrival program aimed at residents of GCC countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain. This initiative is part of the country’s ongoing efforts to simplify travel procedures and boost tourism and business visits.
To be eligible, travelers must hold a valid residency permit from their home country with at least six months remaining before expiration. Applicants should also belong to specific professional categories, possess a valid passport, and have a confirmed return ticket. Additionally, they must not be listed on Kuwait’s security blacklist.
The visa can be obtained directly at Kuwait International Airport, providing a convenient and efficient entry process. Each visa issued under this scheme will be valid for a three-month period, allowing sufficient time for business meetings, family visits, or short-term tourism.
This move complements Kuwait’s recent rollout of a nationwide e-visa platform, launched in July 2025, which offers pre-approved electronic visas to eligible visitors. The combination of the e-visa system and the visa-on-arrival facility reflects Kuwait’s broader strategy to modernize its immigration services and streamline entry procedures.
Furthermore, the initiative comes in anticipation of the long-discussed unified GCC tourist visa, which aims to enable easier travel across member states. By gradually implementing these measures, Kuwait positions itself as a more accessible and welcoming destination for GCC residents, promoting both economic engagement and cultural exchange.
With these reforms, Kuwait is clearly signaling its commitment to facilitating travel while maintaining security and regulatory standards. Travelers from the Gulf region can now look forward to a more flexible and seamless experience when visiting the country.
