Kuwait has widened its tourist visa on arrival scheme to include all foreigners residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, allowing easier entry for millions of expatriates across the region.
Kuwait visa for UAE residents
Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah issued a decision permitting all foreign residents of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain to obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Kuwait’s entry points.
The decision was published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm on Sunday and is effective immediately.
The tourist visa granted under the new rules is valid for 90 days. Eligible residents must hold a valid GCC residency permit with at least six months remaining.
Previous restrictions lifted
The new policy replaces the 2008 regulations that restricted visa on arrival access to specific professional categories such as doctors, engineers, judges, and executives. Now, approximately 25 million expatriates living in GCC states can benefit from the expanded visa scheme.
Ongoing visa easing efforts
Kuwait has progressively relaxed visa regulations over the past 15 months to boost tourism and facilitate visits by foreigners.
Recent measures include easing family visit visas for expatriates, allowing them to bring close relatives such as spouses, children, and parents for stays up to one month.
Additionally, Kuwait has simplified procedures for hotels to sponsor visitors and for businesses to secure visas for foreign partners.
Kuwait has long allowed citizens of many European, North American, Latin American, and leading Asian countries — including China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore — to obtain tourist visas on arrival.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
