Kuwait Introduces Visa-On-Arrival for Expats Residing in GCC Nations

Kuwait has launched an exciting visa-on-arrival policy for expatriates residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This new rule allows travelers with valid residency permits to enter Kuwait without requiring prior approval. This update simplifies short-term travel for millions of expatriates across the region.

With this new approach, Kuwait is making travel more accessible for expatriates living in Gulf nations. The Ministry of Interior recently announced that expatriates holding valid residency in any GCC country can now obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Kuwaiti borders or airports.

What’s Changed?

As of August 6, 2025, Kuwait has officially replaced an older travel rule from 2008 with Ministerial Resolution No. 1386 of 2025, signed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

The new regulation allows eligible GCC residents, regardless of their nationality, to secure a tourist visa on arrival at any Kuwaiti airport or land border.

Eligibility

To qualify for the visa-on-arrival, travelers must meet these two essential conditions:

• Hold a valid passport
• Possess a valid residency permit from any GCC country, with at least six months remaining before expiration. Eligible countries include:
  • • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Qatar
    • Oman
    • Bahrain
    • Kuwait

No need to apply online or visit embassies. Just arrive with your required documents, and you can enter Kuwait as a tourist.

Who Benefits from This?

This policy significantly benefits:

• Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, and other expatriate nationals living in the GCC
• Frequent business travelers navigating between Gulf countries
• Families of expatriates seeking short holidays or visits in the region
• Weekend travelers coming from nearby cities like Riyadh, Dubai, or Doha

Previously, many of these travelers faced complicated entry rules or lengthy processes to visit Kuwait. This new move simplifies travel and aligns Kuwait with the more open travel policies in the Gulf.

Requirements for Visa-On-Arrival in Kuwait

Travelers will need the following documents at the border:

• A valid passport
• A residency permit from any GCC country
• At least six months of validity left on the residency permit
• The purpose of the visit must be tourism
• No pre-approval or extensive paperwork is necessary. Just present the correct documents upon arrival.

What’s the Bigger Picture?

Kuwait’s introduction of the visa-on-arrival policy aligns with Decree-Law No. 114 of 2024, part of a broader effort to ease entry regulations and boost tourism. This move is particularly beneficial for the large expatriate population in the Gulf.

Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia already offer similar visa-on-arrival options for GCC residents. By implementing this policy, Kuwait aims to attract more short trips, weekend visits, and business travel.

Final Thoughts

If you are a resident of any GCC country with a valid residency permit for at least six more months, traveling to Kuwait has never been easier. Simply bring your passport and residency proof, and you’re set to enter. This change is a practical victory for millions of expatriates and indicates that Kuwait is slowly but surely opening its borders. Enjoy your travels!