If your holiday plans have been gathering dust because of tricky visa rules—polish that suitcase, my friend. Kuwait has just rolled out the red carpet for GCC residents, and yes, that includes Abu Dhabi folks like you.
Starting immediately (as in, you could pack tonight), all foreign nationals living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman can stroll into Kuwait with a visa-on-arrival for up to 90 days. That’s three whole months of shawarma-fueled adventures and city sightseeing without the paperwork stress.
The announcement landed in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and marks the end of the “exclusive professions only” rule. Previously, visa-on-arrival in Kuwait was a privilege mainly for doctors, engineers, judges, and other “serious job title” holders. Now, it’s for everyone—so yes, even if your title is “Professional Brunch Enthusiast,” you’re in.
This change affects around 25 million foreign nationals in the GCC—that’s a lot of potential travel selfies against the backdrop of the Kuwait Towers or the majestic Grand Mosque. And if your style is less skyscraper, more souk-hopping, you’ll be spoiled with Kuwait’s vibrant markets.
The timing couldn’t be juicier. The move comes just before the much-anticipated GCC Unified Travel Visa, set for a trial run later in 2025, which promises smoother travel across the region. Plus, the planned GCC railway—aiming for a 2030 debut—will turn regional hopping into a train ride away.
So, if you’re in Abu Dhabi and craving a quick Gulf getaway, Kuwait’s doors (and airport gates) are officially wide open. ✈️
