Family visas and visas on arrival: what has changed for expats in Kuwait?

Kuwait, August 13, 2025 – The country's authorities have announced significant changes in visa policy aimed at attracting more foreign guests and simplifying entry procedures. Among the key innovations – visa on arrival for expats from GCC countries, expansion of electronic visas, and cancellation of a number of restrictions for family and business trips.

Visas on arrival for GCC residents

From August 13, all expats residing in the Persian Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) can obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Kuwait. To do this, it is enough to have a valid residence permit for at least 6 months. The visa is issued for 90 days and is available to approximately 25 million foreign citizens of the region.

This decision cancels the old rules of 2008, according to which visas on arrival were issued only to representatives of individual professions (doctors, engineers, lawyers, etc.). Now it has become easier for all GCC expats to enter Kuwait.

Cancellation of restrictions for family visas

Kuwait has canceled the minimum salary requirement for expats wishing to invite relatives. Now any resident can sponsor a guest visa, regardless of income. In addition, the list of allowed relatives has been expanded – now including relatives up to the 4th degree of kinship.

Another important change – cancellation of the mandatory flight with Kuwait Airways. Now guests can enter the country by any airline, as well as through land and sea checkpoints.

These reforms are part of the Kuwait Vision 2035 strategy aimed at developing tourism, business, and social ties. It is expected that the changes will make the country more attractive to foreign guests and strengthen its position in the region.