Latest news with #GCC‑based
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kuwait reboots eVisa system with new rules for GCC residents: Key info for travellers
Streamlined eVisa process aims to attract GCC-based travellers and boost regional tourism/Representative Image TL;DR: Kuwait reopened its improved e‑Visa portal in January 2025, allowing certain GCC‑based residents to apply online or obtain visa‑on‑arrival. Eligible applicants must hold a GCC residency of 6+ months, a valid passport, and work in specified professional categories such as doctors, engineers, teachers, journalists, and business managers. Excluded nationals must apply via diplomatic channels. E‑visa costs start at 3 KWD ($10), processed within 1–3 business days, valid for 90 days, and grants up to 30‑day stays. What's Changed: Platform Reopened, Rules Streamlined After a temporary suspension in December 2024 for system upgrades, Kuwait relaunched its Kuwait Visa portal in early 2025. The upgraded system offers digitally streamlined e‑Visa applications, specifically for residents residing in the GCC. This move is part of Kuwait's broader initiative to modernize immigration procedures, promote regional travel, and boost transparency while preserving national security standards. Who Qualifies? Application criteria for GCC expats include: Residency permit in GCC (UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) valid for at least 6 months. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel date. Profession listed on Emirates ID (or equivalent GCC ID) must match an approved category like doctor, engineer, teacher, journalist, business manager, etc. Clean legal and immigration record. Excluded nationalities must apply via Kuwaiti missions. Application Steps & Documents Applicants must: Visit official Kuwait Visa Registration website, select GCC resident/tourist e‑Visa option. Create an account with email, phone number, and secure password. Upload supporting documents: Passport bio page, GCC residency page, recent passport photo, proof of accommodation or hotel booking, and return ticket. Enter professional occupation as listed on GCC residence ID. Pay the 3 KWD fee ($10)) online. Track the application, approval typically takes 1–3 business days. Present a printed copy of the e‑Visa upon arrival in Kuwait for immigration clearance. Once issued, the e‑Visa is valid for 90 days and allows an entry stay of up to 30 days. Visa on Arrival Option Eligible GCC residents may also opt for a visa on arrival, depending on airline discretion. Airlines like Emirates and Jazeera Air have approved boarding passengers with valid GCC visas and matching professional categories, though Kuwait Airways may apply stricter rules. Context: Bigger Picture and Updates This updated access aligns with Kuwait's broader regional strategy, including the upcoming rollout of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa ('GCC Grand Tours Visa') expected later in 2025 or early 2026. This single-entry visa will cover travel across all six GCC nations for tourism purposes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Filipinos don't know about this! Read More Undo Kuwait also continues to maintain strict penalties for overstaying or improper use of visas, with fines up to KD 2,000 and potential bans for violations. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has been witnessing a rapid shift in travel policies as member states strive to boost regional tourism and economic integration. While countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have introduced long-term tourism and business visas to attract global talent and visitors, Kuwait has traditionally maintained stricter entry protocols. However, with the implementation of Vision 2035, Kuwait's national development roadmap, authorities are now actively modernizing administrative systems, including the digitization of immigration services. The simplified eVisa program is part of these reforms, aiming to make the country more accessible to GCC-based expatriates and regional tourists Why It Matters Greater accessibility : GCC residents in professions like medicine, education, journalism, or management can now apply directly from their host country. Speed & simplicity : Digital approvals in under 3 days improve travel flexibility. Tourism boost : Eases access for regional business and leisure travellers. Fair but firm policy : Eligibility rules and exclusions help balance openness with legal and security standards. Kuwait's revamped e‑Visa system for GCC residents marks a significant step in simplifying regional travel, particularly for qualified professionals who live and work in the GCC nations. With clear eligibility criteria, affordable fees, rapid turnaround, and visa-on-arrival options, the process is now more inclusive and efficient. It reflects Kuwait's growing commitment to modernizing immigration systems, facilitating regional mobility without compromising on compliance and security.
Arabian Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
DXB Unveils QR‑Based Greet & Go Welcome System
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai International Airport has introduced DXB Greet & Go in Terminal 3, revolutionising the way arrivals are greeted. Licensed hotels, tour operators and transport providers can now tap QR codes—replacing traditional placards—to meet guests efficiently in a dedicated arrivals area. The initiative, officially live since early July, provides an authorised meeting zone designed to improve passenger flow and elevate hospitality standards. Dubai Airports has established this as part of its strategy to ease congestion and reduce stress at peak arrival times. ADVERTISEMENT This digital-first service streamlines the reception experience: instead of waiting among crowds, drivers and host staff now scan pre-shared QR codes, guiding travellers directly to designated areas where they are met by clear signage. The system aligns with security protocols while offering better clarity and comfort. Industry observers describe DXB Greet & Go as another milestone in Dubai's automation and smart-performance ambitions. It complements prior enhancements—like biometric Smart Tunnels and QR-code navigation tools—designed to process high passenger volumes more swiftly while preserving a premium touchpoint. Key regional operators have already registered. A senior operations manager at one of Dubai's leading hospitality chains noted guest satisfaction has improved, citing fewer missed connections and faster handovers. Dubai Airports spokesperson emphasised that launch partners are primarily 'licensed entities' committed to seamless, branded guest engagement. Compliance and coordination with security teams were paramount in crafting the scheme. The dedicated meeting point follows stringent screening criteria and maintains oversight from airport operations, ensuring guest meets do not impinge on wider terminal safety. It also alleviates footfall in busy corridors, especially during peak periods. Analysts see branding and service quality benefits. Sharply reducing wait times at arrivals enhances early impressions for high‑value guests, business travellers and VIPs—key revenues for both hotels and airport retail operators. And as QR-based systems gain traction worldwide, DXB's approach may offer a replicable benchmark for other global gateways. Passengers have already reported smoother arrivals. A recent poll by a GCC‑based travel blog found that 87 percent of users appreciated the clarity of designated zones and reduced crowding. Several said using the service felt more 'personalised and modern', aligning with expectations for a luxury travel experience. Onboarding requires minimal effort: partners register via Dubai Airports' platform, receive official QR codes linked to flight details, and station meeting personnel accordingly. QR scanning synchronises with flight schedules, activating the service only once the flight has landed and passengers have disembarked. Dubai Airports reports the system has quickly gained traction among boutique hotels and VIP ground handlers, with expansion plans underway. Terminal 3—the main hub for Emirates—is expected to expand the service across other terminals if demand continues. The move also integrates with existing smart journeys like DXB Express Maps, enabling visitors to navigate lounges, shops and gates by QR scanning digital kiosks. The combined effect is a frictionless experience from landing to departure, supporting ambitions to top 100 million annual passengers.
