If you’re a foreign resident of one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, there’s some good news for your future travels. Kuwait has just made a big move to simplify travel for the millions of expatriates living in the GCC by allowing them to obtain tourist visas on arrival.
As of now, foreign nationals residing in GCC countries can get a tourist visa directly at the port of entry when arriving in Kuwait. The only requirement is that you’ve been holding a valid residency permit for at least six months in your GCC country of residence.
This change, announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, was officially published in the Kuwait Alyoum gazette and has taken effect immediately. This move repeals the previous regulation from 2008, which required foreign residents to follow a more complicated process to obtain a tourist visa for Kuwait.
The new rule aims to make it easier for residents across the GCC to visit Kuwait, aligning the country’s entry policies with trends in the region. It’s a step toward streamlining travel, and it’s designed to benefit the expat population who already live and work in the Gulf.
In July 2025, the country launched e-visa platform, making it even easier for tourists, families, and businesses to apply for visas online. Read the full story with details on visa categories and their durations here.
Additionally, GCC countries are working together on a unified visa, which will allow travelers to explore six Gulf countries with just one document. This is a major step in simplifying travel within the region, so keep an eye out for updates on this exciting initiative!
