Kuwaitis shift travel preferences in 2025 toward new, visa-friendly destinations

Kuwait’s travel landscape in 2025 has undergone a notable transformation, shaped by economic factors, expanded visa facilitation, and the introduction of direct flights to emerging destinations.

A clear trend has emerged among citizens favoring countries with moderate climates, lower tourist density, and higher safety standards, reports Al-Rai daily.

As a result, embassies across Kuwait have witnessed a sharp rise in visa applications, reflecting heightened interest in non-traditional and alternative travel destinations.

A breakdown of global visa access for Kuwaitis reveals expanding travel freedom:

Europe: 7 out of 50 countries waive visa requirements, while 3 others offer simplified online applications.

• Asia: 11 of 32 countries offer visa-free entry, and 7 more provide visas on arrival.
• Africa: Only 3 of 47 countries offer visa exemptions, but 15 allow airport-issued visas.
• Americas: 14 of 37 countries do not require visas for Kuwaiti nationals.

This growing accessibility is reshaping travel choices, particularly among families and young adventurers.

According to sources at travel agencies interviewed by Al-Rai, Central Asian countries—including Georgia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and even Moscow—have become top choices this year.

“The rise in demand is largely due to the availability of direct flights from Kuwait, eliminating the need for stopovers,” a tourism company official said. “These destinations offer rich nature and culture, perfect for short, affordable, and peaceful trips.”

He also predicted growing interest in Hungary, Armenia, and the Russian city of Sochi, especially as they become more accessible through new direct routes.

Despite the diversification of destinations, traditional Arab hotspots remain strong. Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, and Dubai continue to be among the top choices for Arab travelers. Meanwhile, Turkey and Thailand remain consistently popular among Kuwaiti tourists across demographics.

Najda Abdullah, of ITL World Travel, highlighted that visa ease or exemption is now one of the top considerations for travelers in 2025.

“Families and youth alike are drawn to countries that offer hassle-free entry,” she said, naming Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Montenegro, Morocco, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uzbekistan as top emerging destinations.

“These countries combine accessibility, pleasant weather, cultural diversity, and affordable prices, making them ideal for modern Kuwaiti travelers,” she added.

Despite the rise of online booking platforms, travel agencies remain dominant in the Kuwaiti market. According to Abdullah, 75% of bookings are still made through agencies, especially for family and luxury travel, while 25% of young travelers are turning to digital apps for spontaneous, short-term getaways.

While many Kuwaitis are exploring budget-friendly options, luxury travel remains robust. Destinations such as London, New York, Greece, Austria, and Switzerland continue to attract high-income travelers, showing that demand for premium experiences is far from declining.

As Kuwaitis continue to explore new global horizons, the 2025 travel season reflects a more diverse, dynamic, and convenience-driven approach to tourism—balancing adventure, accessibility, and comfort in equal measure.