Foreign nationals living anywhere in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) can now enter Kuwait with a visa-on-arrival, thanks to a sweeping policy change that took effect immediately.
Published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm on August 10, the new rule applies to all expatriates residing in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman—opening the door for millions of residents to enjoy a 90-day stay without prior application.
The move scraps previous restrictions that limited visa-on-arrival eligibility to GCC residents in select professions such as doctors, engineers, and executives. It replaces them with a more inclusive system aimed at boosting tourism and accessibility.
Kuwait’s Ministry of the Interior says the change could benefit around 25 million foreign nationals in the region, inviting them to explore its blend of modern landmarks like the Kuwait Towers and the Grand Mosque, as well as bustling traditional souks.
This update comes ahead of the planned GCC Unified Travel Visa, set for trial later in 2025, which is expected to further ease movement across member states. Work is also progressing on a regional railway network—targeted for completion by 2030—that will expand travel options throughout the Gulf.
