Oman Eliminates Tourist Visa Requirement for 103 Countries

Oman has dropped its tourist visa requirement for visitors from 103 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand. Travelers are now allowed to stay for up to 10 days if they have a hotel reservation, health insurance, and a return ticket out of the country.

Previously, all tourists entering Oman had to apply for a visa online in advance of their visit, with the visa valid for either 10 days at a cost of about US$13 or 30 days for $52.

Since October, Oman has been gradually opening its borders to international travelers, allowing residents and citizens abroad to return. By the end of November, tourist visas were issued again for the first time in about eight months. This is significant as tourism has become the fastest-growing non-oil industry in Oman, and accommodation providers and tour operators are eager to welcome visitors back.

Moreover, before the pandemic, Oman had been working on enhancing connectivity with its neighbors in the region to boost accessibility. For instance, in 2019, Dubai’s public transport system added a bus route to Muscat. With the new visa-free travel announcement, many travelers will not need to utilize the online visa application process established last year.

Oman has recorded almost 127,000 cases since the start of the coronavirus pandemic; nevertheless, the number of new cases appears to be on a downward trend. New arrivals are required to complete an online pre-registration form before departure and undergo a PCR test upon arrival at their own expense (approximately $65). Moreover, passengers must download a contact tracing app and take another PCR test after a week of isolation. Health insurance is mandatory, covering at least 30 days of coronavirus treatment. Consequently, those interested in visiting Oman can find a full list of nationalities that can now travel visa-free here.