Kuwait’s strict new visa rules just made your next dream vacation $800 more expensive.
Starting next month, travel books might need a fresh "Kuwait" chapter: The government has slapped a mandatory health insurance fee on all tourist visas, quietly doubling your trip's upfront cost for a weeklong stay. Airline tickets aren't included, so brace for $200+ extra just to enter. For budget travelers, this is the death of spontaneous Gulf getaways. But here's the kicker: If you're planning layovers in Kuwait City, even transit visas are affected—and that means your next cheap flight to Dubai or Turkey could suddenly cost more if your itinerary includes a stop there. Pro tip: Check your passport now; renewed passports with fewer blank pages might get extra scrutiny at Kuwaiti customs, adding time and confusion to your arrival. For digital nomads, working remotely from Kuwait just got pricier too—new taxes on foreign-earned income are lurking, slashing your daily spending cash. Pack sunscreen, a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and a backup plan for budget hotels that are now beyond reach. Your wallet will thank you later.