Published on
August 11, 2025 |
Residents of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain can Now take advantage of Kuwait’s new visa-on-arrival system starting August 2025, which greatly eases travel for expatriates living in these Gulf countries. There is no longer a requirement for border and airport visa Kuwait border or airport. With this new system, Kuwait seeks to improve border travel within the region, especially for expatriates traveling for business, leisure, or familial and convenience trips, thanks to the reduced red tape, and thus supporting the more relaxed travel policies of other Gulf countries.
Kuwait has recently introduced a new visa-on-arrival policy, significantly simplifying travel for expatriates residing in GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. Starting from August 6, 2025, expatriates holding valid residency permits from any GCC nation can now obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Kuwait’s borders or airports, eliminating the need for prior approval or online applications. This major policy shift replaces an older regulation and is set to benefit millions of expatriates living across the Gulf region.
Overview of the New Visa-On-Arrival Policy
In a move to streamline its entry processes, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has announced a transformative change to its visa policy. The updated system, introduced through Ministerial Resolution No. 1386 of 2025, allows expatriates from GCC countries to receive a visa-on-arrival, enabling them to enter Kuwait as tourists without the bureaucratic delays previously involved.
This decision was made official by Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The shift comes as part of a broader effort by Kuwait to enhance tourism and business travel while simplifying the border entry process for expatriates across the Gulf region.
How the New Visa Policy Works
Under the new policy, expatriates who hold a valid residency permit from any GCC country (including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait) can now obtain a tourist visa upon their arrival in Kuwait. This visa will be granted at any of Kuwait’s international airports or land border points.
To take advantage of this visa-on-arrival, travelers must meet the following basic conditions:
- Hold a valid passport.
- Have a residency permit from any GCC country with at least six months of validity remaining.
This simplified procedure removes the need for advance visa applications or embassy visits, making travel more convenient and efficient. Travelers simply need to present their documents at the border, and they will be granted entry.
Who Is Eligible for the Visa-On-Arrival?
The new visa-on-arrival policy applies to expatriates who meet the following criteria:
- Passport Requirement: The traveler must have a valid passport from their country of origin.
- Residency Permit: A valid residency permit from any GCC country is required, and it must have at least six months of validity left.
- Travel Purpose: The primary purpose for the visit must be tourism, making this policy ideal for both leisure and short business trips.
The eligibility extends to nationals from various countries living in the GCC, including India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and other expat communities. The policy will particularly benefit those who travel frequently between GCC countries, such as business professionals or families who live in the region and wish to visit Kuwait for short stays.
The Benefits of the New Visa Policy
Kuwait’s new visa-on-arrival policy brings a wide range of benefits, particularly for expatriates and frequent travelers in the Gulf. Some of the main groups that stand to benefit include:
- Expatriates Living in the GCC: Nationals from countries like India, Pakistan, and Egypt, who make up a large portion of the GCC’s expatriate population, will find travel to Kuwait far easier.
- Business Travelers: The policy makes it more convenient for business professionals traveling between GCC countries for meetings or events.
- Weekend Travelers: Many individuals living in nearby cities like Riyadh, Dubai, or Doha can now plan quick weekend trips to Kuwait without the hassle of applying for a visa in advance.
- Families and Short-Term Visitors: Expat families wishing to visit Kuwait for short holidays or to see relatives can now do so with minimal paperwork.
This change aligns Kuwait’s visa policies with those of other Gulf countries, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have long offered similar visa-on-arrival options to residents of GCC nations. This move is expected to attract more tourists and business travelers to Kuwait and encourage regional travel.
What You Need to Enter Kuwait
To take advantage of the new visa-on-arrival policy, travelers will need to present the following documents at the border:
- A Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is up to date.
- GCC Residency Permit: A valid residency permit from any GCC country, with at least six months of validity.
- Purpose of Visit: The purpose of your visit must be for tourism.
- No Pre-Approval Required: There’s no need for pre-approval or online applications. Simply show up at the border with the required documents.
The straightforward requirements make it easier for travelers to visit Kuwait on short notice, fostering greater tourism and business activity.
The Bigger Picture: Kuwait’s Efforts to Boost Tourism
Kuwait’s new visa-on-arrival policy is part of a broader trend in the Gulf to ease entry requirements for visitors and strengthen the region’s tourism sector. This initiative follows the introduction of Decree-Law No. 114 of 2024, which is aimed at liberalizing entry protocols and enhancing Kuwait’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.
Other recent changes in Kuwait’s visa policies include the relaxation of requirements for certain visa categories and the extension of validity for visit visas, providing more flexibility for tourists and visitors. Additionally, Kuwait has lifted certain airline restrictions, paving the way for more international carriers to operate in the country and increasing connectivity with global destinations.
These reforms are part of Kuwait’s strategy to increase its role as a travel hub in the Gulf, bringing in more tourists and business visitors from the surrounding region. By removing barriers to entry, Kuwait hopes to boost tourism, foster international business relations, and improve the ease of travel for expatriates in the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain residents can now benefit from Kuwait’s new visa-on-arrival policy starting August 2025, simplifying travel by eliminating the need for pre-approval or online applications. This move aims to enhance regional mobility and make short-term visits more accessible for expatriates living in the Gulf.
Kuwait’s new visa-on-arrival policy is a welcome development for expatriates living in the GCC. With a valid passport and residency permit, travelers can now visit Kuwait without the need for prior approval or complicated paperwork. Whether for business, tourism, or short visits, the policy simplifies travel and helps position Kuwait as a more accessible and attractive destination in the Gulf. For residents of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, the border now offers an easier way to enjoy all that Kuwait has to offer.
