Visitor & short-stay visas
Kuwaiti Visa on Arrival (GCC Residents)
Residents of other GCC states who hold a valid residence permit may be granted a visa on arrival when they reach Kuwait.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The six-month minimum residence-holding period, 90-day stay and excluded-nationality list are reported but not verified here from an official page.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Kuwait government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Visa on arrival for GCC residents
- Route type
- Visa on arrival
- Who qualifies
- Holders of a valid GCC residence permit (reported minimum 6 months)
- Minimum-holding period not confirmed here from an official page
- Stay
- Reported up to 90 days
- Not confirmed here from an official page
- Where to apply
- Granted at the Kuwaiti port of entry - no prior online application
- Maximum stay
- Reported up to 90 days
- Not confirmed here from an official Kuwait government page
- Minimum residence held
- Reported minimum 6 months' GCC residence
- Not confirmed here from an official Kuwait government page
Who it is for
- Expatriates resident in another GCC country
- Travellers whose nationality is not on Kuwait's excluded list
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Valid GCC residence permit held for the required minimum period
- Nationality not among the excluded categories
How to apply
- Present passport and GCC residence permit at the Kuwait port of entry
- Visa is issued on the spot to eligible travellers
Documents you may need
- Passport valid for the duration of your stay
- Valid residence permit from the GCC state where you live, held for the required minimum period
- Confirmed onward or return ticket and proof of accommodation may be requested at the border
Frequently asked questions
It is reported to be open to GCC residents regardless of nationality, but travellers on Kuwait's excluded-nationality categories cannot use it and must apply through a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate instead. Confirm your eligibility before travelling.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Kuwaiti visas
- SHORT STAYTOURISMELIGIBLE NATIONALSTourist e-VisaAn electronic entry visa for eligible nationals to visit Kuwait for tourism, applied for online through the Ministry of Interior.View visa details
- SHORT STAYGCC CITIZENSVISA-FREEGCC Nationals Visa-Free EntryCitizens of GCC member states may enter Kuwait without a visa, using their national ID or passport instead of applying in advance.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITTransit VisaA short-stay visa for travellers transiting through Kuwait who need to stay beyond the visa-free transit window.View visa details
