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Navigating Oman’s Visa Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers




Oman offers a wealth of attractions, from its stunning dive sites and intriguing archaeological ruins to historic forts and bustling souqs. With some of the region’s best hiking trails, Oman promises an unforgettable travel experience. While obtaining a visa for Oman is straightforward, it involves a bit more red tape compared to its Gulf neighbors.

Many travelers visit Oman after spending a few days in Dubai in the neighboring United Arab Emirates, but navigating the visa process for Oman can be overwhelming. Whether you plan to relax on the beach, delve into Muscat's rich history, or hike in the Hajar Mountains, here’s a guide to the latest visa requirements for this fascinating desert sultanate.

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Oman?

Citizens of 103 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU and EEA nations, can visit Oman without a visa for stays not exceeding 14 days. For a complete list of visa-free countries, refer to the Foreign Ministry of Oman’s website.

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—can travel to Oman visa-free. If you're unsure about the visa rules for your nationality, check the Royal Oman Police website, which oversees Oman’s immigration system.

Visa-exempt visitors must present confirmed hotel bookings for their entire stay, health insurance, and a return travel ticket within the visa-free period. Additionally, your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in Oman.

Additional Requirements for Visa-Free Travel

Citizens of some countries, such as Mexico, India, and Jordan, can visit Oman without a visa only if they hold a valid visa for the Schengen Area, the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, or Japan (or are legal residents of these countries). Check the Royal Oman Police website for more details.

Staying in Oman for More Than 14 Days

Apart from GCC citizens, all travelers planning to stay in Oman for more than 14 days require a tourist visa. Applications must be submitted online through the official Oman e-visa website before arrival.

Visas for GCC Residents

GCC residents of other nationalities can apply for a Resident Tourist Visa if they work in a profession on Oman’s approved list or are accompanied by someone who does. These visas cost OR5 (US$13) and allow stays of up to 28 days. Applications must be made via the Oman e-visa website, and your GCC residence visa must be valid for at least six months upon entry into Oman.

Visas for Non-GCC Residents

Non-GCC residents planning to stay in Oman for more than 14 days must apply online for an Unsponsored Visit Visa. There are various types of Unsponsored Visit Visas for tourism, business, or transit, each with specific rules and conditions. Use the visa eligibility tool on the Royal Oman Police website to determine the appropriate visa type and conditions.

Visas for 30-Day Stays

Citizens of 72 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan, and many European nations, can apply for a 26B Tourist Visit Visa. This single-entry visa allows a 30-day stay and costs OR20 (US$52). Applications should be made on the official e-visa website, where a list of eligible nationalities is available.

These nationalities can also apply for the 36B Tourist Visit Visa, a long-term, multiple-entry visa valid for one year, allowing a maximum 30-day stay per visit. This visa costs OR50 (US$130).

Other Tourist Visit Visas

Citizens from countries with a valid Schengen Area visa or a visa for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Japan can apply for the single-entry 26M Tourist Visit Visa for OR20 (US$52) or the one-year multiple-entry 36M Tourist Visit Visa for OR50 (US$130). Approved countries include India, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, the Maldives, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Visiting Oman from Dubai

Travelers meeting the visa-exempt entry conditions and holding a valid Dubai tourist visa can apply for a Type 21 Dubai/Oman Common Visa (also called the Dubai/Oman Joint Visa). This free, single-entry visa allows a 21-day stay in Oman and is not extendable. It is only valid if you enter Oman directly from Dubai.

Applications for this visa should be made through the Consulate General of the Sultanate of Oman in Dubai. Your Dubai tourist visa must have at least 21 days validity remaining when you enter Oman.

Other Visa Options for Oman

Five and ten-year multiple-entry visas are available for US diplomatic passport holders and US citizens visiting Oman for training or as part of an international organization registered in Oman, such as the World Health Organization. Additional documents detailing the visit's purpose are required.

Applying for a Visa for Oman

To apply for an Omani visa via the official e-visa portal, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned entry date. You will need to submit a photograph, a copy of your passport, hotel bookings, and confirmed flight tickets.

Visa processing times vary depending on the visa type, ranging from 24 hours to a few days. Apply online at least four days before your trip to ensure your visa is authorized before your flight.

Even if driving to Oman from Dubai and entering through a land border, apply online for the correct visa beforehand. While hard copy application forms might be available at the border, this system is being phased out, and wait times can be lengthy.

Overstays and Visa Extensions

Overstaying your visa incurs a fine of OR10 (US$26) per day and may complicate future entry into Oman. Single-entry tourist visas can be extended for another 30 days, but multiple-entry tourist visas cannot be extended. Apply for a visa extension via the official e-visa portal.

With the right preparations, you can enjoy everything Oman has to offer without the hassle. Safe travels!


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