Kuwait Announces Tourist Visa-on-Arrival Facility for GCC Residents

Kuwait has introduced new visa regulations that make it easier for foreigners residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to visit. The announcement was made on Sunday by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah.

Under the new policy, foreign residents of any GCC member state will be able to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival in Kuwait. 

The decision was published in the official gazette, Kuwait Alyoum, and applies to those holding a valid residency permit of at least six months in a GCC country. The tourist visa will be issued directly at the port of entry.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the new regulation replaces Decision No. 1228 of 2008, which previously governed the entry of GCC residents under similar provisions. Officials stated that the update is in accordance with Decree Law No. 114 of 2024 on the residence of foreigners.

The ministry has assigned its undersecretary to implement the new rules. The decision is aimed at promoting tourism and strengthening Kuwait’s relations with its neighboring Gulf states.

According to the Interior Ministry, the change is designed to simplify travel for the large expatriate population living across the GCC and to bring Kuwait’s entry rules in step with current regional trends.

While this visa-on-arrival scheme opens new opportunities for foreign residents in GCC countries, nationals of the GCC member states will see no change to their travel arrangements. GCC citizens continue to enjoy full freedom of movement within the bloc and do not require a visa to enter Kuwait.