Kuwait launches visa-on-arrival for expats in GCC countries
Kuwait has just changed up its visa rules for all GCC residents, including those living in Abu Dhabi, making it easier to visit one of the region's top destinations.
Effective immediately, all foreign nationals living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman can now obtain a visa-on-arrival at entry points in Kuwait.
The decision was published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm on Sunday August 10 and applies to all residents living in Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Kuwait City (Credit: Supplied)
The move means that around 25 million foreign nationals living in the region can now enjoy the benefit of a Kuwaiti visa-on-arrival for a 90-day stay.
As a result, Kuwait's Ministry of the Interior has now abolished previous visa rules, which only granted visas on arrival to GCC residents from certain categories of profession – such as doctors, engineers, judges and executives.
Previously, nationals of countries in most European and North American, some Latin American countries plus the likes of China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore were eligible for the tourist visa-on-arrival.
Kuwait offers tourists a wide range of modern attractions and rich cultural heritage, with the likes of Kuwait Towers and the Grand Mosque of Kuwait being must-visit attractions, before heading to the traditional souks.
The visa change comes ahead of the rollout of a wider GCC Unified Travel visa, which is set to be introduced on a trial basis later in 2025.
While full details of the unified visa have not been finalised, it will loosen travel rules all across the region for all residents and encourage tourism between GCC member states.
Work is also gathering pace on a regional railway project, which will allow travellers more options across the region. The railway project is scheduled to be completed by 2030.
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