Kuwait just made it a lot easier for expatriates to bring family members into the country. In a major policy shift, the government has scrapped the minimum salary requirement for family visit visa sponsors, expanded the eligibility criteria for relatives, and dropped the rule that visitors must fly in only on Kuwait’s national airline.

Let’s break down the changes in family visit visa rules and explain why they matter.

What Was the Old Requirement?

Previously, Kuwait required expatriates to meet a specific income threshold to sponsor visiting family members. That salary limit excluded many lower-earning residents from applying.

On top of that, the old rules allowed only close relatives (typically spouses and children) to visit and required visitors to arrive exclusively via Kuwait Airways. Travel flexibility was limited, and hosting extended family was often out of reach for many.

What’s Changed Under the New Visa Policy?

According to officials, the updated family visit visa rules include three key changes:

No More Salary Limit

Any legal resident in Kuwait, regardless of income, can now apply for a family visit visa. This change makes it easier for more people to sponsor their family members, who were previously excluded sponsor their family members.

Broader Family Eligibility

Expatriates can now invite extended relatives, including: Blood relatives up to the fourth degreeIn-laws up to the third degree. This means aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings-in-law, and even grandparents could qualify.

More Ways to Travel

Visitors are no longer restricted to flying Kuwait Airways. They can enter by land, sea, or air, using any airline. It’s a small shift with a big impact, more affordable fares and easier travel planning.

Why This Matters

Kuwait’s new visa rules aren’t just small updates, they’re a big step toward making the system more practical and people-friendly. Here’s why it matters:

• Simpler process for expats to bring family members without income barriers
• More travel options with the airline restriction removed
• Stronger family ties by allowing extended relatives to visit
• More inclusive system for the large expat community in Kuwait
• Positive shift in how Kuwait approaches mobility and social connection

Other Important Visa Changes in Kuwait

Along with the relaxed rules for family visit visas, Kuwait has made a couple of other visa updates that are worth knowing. Here’s a quick look:

Visa-On-Arrival for GCC Residents

If you live in any GCC country and have a valid residence permit, you can now get a Visa-On-Arrival when entering Kuwait. No need for pre-approval.

New Tourist Visa Categories

Kuwait has introduced four different types of tourist visas. These are based on things like your passport, qualifications, or past travel experience, making it easier for different kinds of travelers to visit.

Final Thoughts

Kuwait is clearly rethinking how it handles mobility and migration, especially for the people who live and work there. Removing income barriers and travel restrictions isn’t just a policy tweak, it’s a sign that the country is prioritizing family connection, fairness, and flexibility.

Whether you’re planning to bring your family over or just keeping tabs on how Gulf countries are adjusting their visa systems, this is a development worth noting.