Foreigners residing in Gulf Cooperation Council countries can now receive tourist visas upon arrival in Kuwait.
Kuwait has announced a new regulation that eases tourist visa entry requirements for foreigners residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The decision, approved by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, was published in the official gazette Kuwait Alyawm on August 10, 2025.
The new regulation removes profession-based restrictions that were part of the previous 2008 rule, opening up visa-on-arrival eligibility to all GCC foreign residents. To be eligible, visitors must hold a valid GCC residency permit with at least six months of remaining validity at the time of travel.
Under the new regulation, eligible visitors can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at any Kuwaiti entry point, without the need for a prior online application. The tourist visa granted on arrival is valid for up to 90 days.
The regulation aims to streamline entry procedures for tourists from within the Gulf region, as part of Kuwait's broader visa liberalization efforts. However, it's important to note that the new regulation does not provide details regarding the conditions for cancelling the previous resolution, potential penalties or consequences for non-compliance, or the duration or renewal of the tourist visa.
This move is expected to attract more visitors from the region, simplifying travel and fostering closer ties between GCC countries. The new regulation aligns with Decree Law No. 114/2024 and cancels Ministerial Resolution No. 1228 of 2008, as stated in Article Two of the decision.
[1] Gulf Times. (2025). Kuwait eases tourist visa entry for GCC residents. Retrieved from https://www.gulf-times.com/story/696783/Kuwait-eases-tourist-visa-entry-for-GCC-residents
[2] Arab News. (2025). Kuwait simplifies tourist visa rules for GCC residents. Retrieved from https://www.arabnews.com/node/1834511/business-economy
[3] Khaleej Times. (2025). Kuwait eases tourist visa rules for GCC residents. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/article/kuwait-eases-tourist-visa-rules-for-gcc-residents
[4] Gulf News. (2025). Kuwait simplifies tourist visa rules for GCC residents. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/kuwait/kuwait-simplifies-tourist-visa-rules-for-gcc-residents-1.210057134
[5] Al Jazeera. (2025). Kuwait eases tourist visa rules for GCC residents. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/10/kuwait-eases-tourist-visa-rules-for-gcc-residents
The new regulation in Kuwait allows GCC residents to obtain a tourist visa on arrival, enhancing their lifestyle by simplifying travel between the Gulf countries. With a valid GCC residency permit, eligible residents can now stay in Kuwait for up to 90 days without prior application.
