New policy ends 17-year-old restrictions, making it easier than ever to visit Kuwait
In a landmark decision, Kuwait has officially opened its doors to millions of foreign residents living in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, granting them the ability to obtain a tourist visa on arrival at any entry point in the country.
The announcement was made by Kuwait’s Interior Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, and published in the official gazette, Kuwait Al-Youm, on Sunday. The new rules take effect immediately.
Who Can Get the New Visa?
Under the updated policy, all foreigners holding valid residency permits in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, or Bahrain can now get a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival in Kuwait. However, their residency permit must be valid for at least six months at the time of application.
This marks a major change from the 2008 regulation, which allowed visa-on-arrival access only to certain high-skilled professions such as doctors, engineers, and executives. Now, the privilege is open to all professions, making travel far more accessible for the region’s huge expatriate population.
Officials estimate that around 25 million foreign residents in GCC countries are now eligible to visit Kuwait more easily under the new rules.
More Than Just GCC Residents
It’s not just GCC-based expats who enjoy this benefit. Nationals from many European, North American, Latin American, and major Asian countries — including China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore — have long been able to enter Kuwait with a visa on arrival.
The move reflects Kuwait’s broader strategy to boost tourism and business travel, making it a more attractive destination in the region.
Kuwait’s Push to Open Up
Over the past 15 months, Kuwait has been steadily easing its visa policies to attract more visitors and investors. Measures include:
Relaxing family visa restrictions
Allowing hotels to sponsor guests
Simplifying procedures for companies to invite foreign business partners
These steps are part of a bigger plan to diversify the economy and strengthen the country’s role as a regional hub for trade and tourism.
Opportunities for Pakistanis
The policy change also comes as good news for Pakistan. The Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) recently announced new job openings in Kuwait after the country restored its visa policy for Pakistan.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Kuwait is actively seeking skilled Pakistani workers, driven by business-friendly government policies that have boosted global demand for the country’s workforce.
With the visa door now wide open, millions of GCC residents — including Pakistanis — have a chance to explore Kuwait’s culture, business opportunities, and hospitality like never before.
Hi, I’m Zaheer Shah, a contributor and reporter at TezzLive.com. I have a strong passion for storytelling and believe that accurate, timely news can make a real difference in people’s lives. My work focuses on delivering reliable updates, in-depth analysis, and human-interest stories that connect with our readers.