Kuwait has announced a new visa-on-arrival policy for foreign residents of GCC countries, including the United Arab Emirates. The initiative, effective immediately, aims to simplify travel and enhance tourism and business exchanges within the Gulf region. Eligible residents can now obtain a tourist visa directly at Kuwait International Airport, valid for three months.
Easier Travel for GCC Residents
Under the new regulations from Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior, foreign nationals holding a valid residency permit from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, or Bahrain — with at least six months’ validity — can apply for a visa on arrival.
This replaces the earlier requirement for an e-visa prior to travel. GCC residents, except Iraqi nationals, can obtain the visa at the airport’s dedicated counter, streamlining the arrival process.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the visa-on-arrival, travellers must:
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Hold a passport and GCC residency permit valid for more than six months.
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Belong to specific professional categories such as doctors, engineers, teachers, journalists, business owners, and other skilled professions.
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Have a return ticket and provide a local residence address in Kuwait.
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Not be listed on Kuwait’s entry restriction list.
Part of Wider Regional Integration
This policy follows Kuwait’s July 2025 launch of a nationwide e-visa platform covering tourist, family, business, and official visas. It also aligns with the GCC’s upcoming unified tourist visa, which will allow visitors to travel across all six member states — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait — on a single visa.
Key Highlights
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Start Date: Effective immediately.
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Validity: Tourist visa valid for 3 months.
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Location: Visa issued at Kuwait International Airport.
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Profession-Based Eligibility: Open to skilled and professional categories.
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Part of GCC Tourism Growth: Complements the upcoming unified Gulf visa initiative.
Official Statement
A spokesperson for Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior stated, “This decision strengthens travel convenience for GCC residents and supports the region’s vision for closer economic, cultural, and tourism integration.”
Positive Impact for UAE Residents
For UAE residents, this policy offers faster entry into Kuwait for both leisure and business, fostering stronger bilateral ties and enhancing opportunities for collaboration in trade, education, and tourism.
FAQs
Q1: Can all UAE residents apply for visa-on-arrival in Kuwait?
Ans: Only foreign residents in the UAE with certain professional roles and a valid GCC residency permit (6+ months validity) are eligible.
Q2: How long is the visa valid?
Ans: The tourist visa is valid for 3 months.
Q3: Where can I get the visa?
Ans: At the visas counter at Kuwait International Airport.
Q4: Is a return ticket required?
Ans: Yes, travellers must present a return ticket.
Q5: Does this affect the upcoming GCC unified visa?
Ans: No, this complements the unified visa initiative, which is still in progress.
Final Thoughts
Kuwait’s introduction of visa-on-arrival for eligible UAE and GCC residents marks a significant step towards greater regional mobility and cooperation.
By reducing travel barriers and streamlining entry procedures, the initiative not only supports tourism and business growth but also reinforces the GCC’s vision of creating a more connected and accessible Gulf region.
For UAE residents, this development opens the door to more spontaneous travel, stronger cross-border partnerships, and enriched cultural exchange.
