In a major policy change benefiting millions of bay migrants, Kuwait now allows foreign GCC residents to get tourist visas on arrival, without prior application or embassy procedures, to lift long -standing restrictions and open new travel opportunities in the entire region.
What is new policy
Kuwait’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Internal Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yusaf al-Sab, issued a new instruction through the official Gazette of the country. Kuwait uloum On Sunday, August 10, 2025. The announcement confirms that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is eligible to receive a tourist visa on any foreign national, namely, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Bahrain, Oman, or Kuwait, on his arrival, unless his housing permit is valid for at least six months. The visa is directly given to the port of entry into Kuwait and does not restrict the eligibility based on nationality, provided that the resident norm is completed. This policy immediately cancels the regulation of 2008 as to first control how foreign residents of GCC states can enter Kuwait for tourism purposes. Its purpose is to streamline admission processes and improve regional mobility, especially for non-GCC citizens living in the region.
Eligibility and admission process
The visa-on-back process is designed to be simple and efficient. On reaching any Kuwaiti border point or airport, eligible passengers can contact nominated immigration counters. Immigration officers will investigate:
- validity of
GCC Residency Permit (Minimum six months) - Valid passport and travel documentation
Once they get verified, tourist visa is released on the spot. It facilitates quick entry into Kuwait, without the need for pre -online applications or embassy trips. This step is especially beneficial for expats that often travel on low notice for holidays, family seizures or non-function purposes.
Who benefits and why it matters
This decision significantly affects a large part of the population of the bay. By the end of 2024, the total population of the GCC region was more than 61.2 million, and foreign residents built more than half of that figure. Historically, while GCC citizens enjoy the spontaneous inter-country trip, foreign migrants have faced more restrictive admission rules including Kuwait. This change reflects a broad regional tendency towards migrant residents to reduce travel restrictions, especially in support of intra-we tourism. Countries like UAE and Oman have already taken similar steps to liberalize visa norms for residents of neighboring Gulf states. This policy can simplify the movement for geographically close cities such as Riyadh, Dammam, Manama and Doha, which is traveling to Kuwait for a weekend or short holiday trips for a practical option.
Tourism and economic integration
The visa-on-back-regimen is beyond the policy facility, supporting Kuwait’s broad target to promote tourism, an area that is estimated to generate more than $ 1.13 billion by 2025N, early double in four years. It aligns with Vision 2035 of Kuwait, which aims to the oil beyond the economic diversification and cultural development. By reducing the journey for GCC residents, Kuwait strengthens regional relations and follows Gulf neighbors in promoting permanent tourism, increasing its cultural appeal and running economic integration throughout the region.
