Oman’s visa policy outlines the entry requirements for foreign nationals wishing to visit the country. Depending on their nationality, visitors may enter Oman visa-free, apply for an e-Visa, Oman visa on arrival, or secure a visa before travel. Oman offers a variety of visa options to encourage tourism and business travel, while maintaining regulations for security and immigration control.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Oman?
The majority of foreign nationals must obtain a visa to enter Oman, with specific exceptions for citizens from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and certain other countries.
- GCC Nationals: Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates enjoy freedom of movement and do not need a visa to enter Oman.
- Visa-Free Countries: In an effort to promote tourism, Oman allows nationals of 103 countries to enter the country visa-free for up to 14 days, provided they meet specific entry requirements.
- e-Visa Eligibility: Citizens from 71 countries and territories can apply for an e-Visa online, valid for stays of up to 30 days. This is a convenient option for those eligible and can be done through Oman’s official e-Visa platform.
Visa-Free Entry
Oman allows citizens from a wide array of countries to enter visa-free for stays up to 14 days. Eligible travelers must present:
- A confirmed hotel reservation
- Health insurance
- A return ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
Countries with visa-free access for 14 days include:
- European Union member states
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- Japan
- Russia
- United States
- United Kingdom
This visa-free stay option encourages short-term tourism to Oman while ensuring that visitors have sufficient resources and accommodations for their stay.
e-Visa for Oman
The Omani e-Visa is available to citizens of 71 countries, including EU member states, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Russia, and the United States. The e-Visa is a single or multiple-entry visa, valid for 30 days, and can be extended if necessary. The e-Visa application process is straightforward and can be completed online, offering travelers a convenient method to obtain travel authorization.
There are two main types of e-Visas:
- Single-entry e-Visa:
- Valid for 30 days from the date of issue
- Costs approximately 20 OMR (Omani Rial)
- Multiple-entry e-Visa:
- Valid for 1 year
- Allows stays of up to 30 days per visit
- Costs 50 OMR
Certain nationalities, such as New Zealand and Brunei, are eligible for free e-Visas for up to 30 days.
Conditional e-Visa
Nationals from several countries are eligible for a conditional e-Visa, provided they hold a valid Schengen visa or a visa/residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, or the United States. This allows for a more streamlined visa process for travelers who already hold visas for other major destinations.
The conditional e-Visa can be issued as:
- A single-entry visa for 10 days (cost: 5 OMR) or 30 days (cost: 20 OMR)
- A multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year (cost: 50 OMR) with a 30-day stay per visit
Eligible countries for this visa include India, Armenia, Albania, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and several others.
Non-Ordinary Passports
Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports from certain countries are exempt from needing a visa or may be granted longer visa-free stays. For example:
- Bangladesh, Brunei, and Kazakhstan passport holders can stay in Oman for 30 days visa-free.
- Holders of diplomatic passports from Germany, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and Switzerland can stay for up to 90 days.
Oman has also signed agreements with Uzbekistan and Suriname for visa exemptions for diplomatic and special passport holders in 2024, though these are yet to be ratified.
Transit Without a Visa
Passengers transiting through Oman can do so without a visa, provided they:
- Hold onward tickets and continue their journey by the same flight
- Transit is limited to a maximum of 6 hours
This transit option allows travelers passing through Oman to connect flights without the need to obtain a visa, making it an attractive hub for international travel.
Special Entry Requirements
Certain categories of travelers must meet additional requirements for entry:
- Maldives Citizens: Nationals of the Maldives who hold a valid Schengen visa or visas from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or Japan can enter Oman without a visa.
- Non-Ordinary Passport Holders: Holders of diplomatic or service passports from specific countries are either exempt from visa requirements or can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 90 days.
Visa Application Process
For those requiring a visa or eligible for an e-Visa, the application process generally involves the following steps:
- Submit the application via Oman’s e-Visa website.
- Upload necessary documents, including a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, and travel itinerary.
- Pay the applicable visa fee based on the visa type and duration of stay.
- Receive the visa electronically, typically within a few business days.
Visa Fees
Visa fees vary depending on the type and duration of the visa. Below are some examples:
- Single-entry e-Visa (30 days): 20 OMR
- Multiple-entry e-Visa (1 year): 50 OMR
- Conditional e-Visa (10 days): 5 OMR
For visa-exempt visitors, no fees are charged for stays within the permitted duration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need a visa to visit Oman? Most visitors require a visa to enter Oman unless they are from GCC countries or eligible for the 14-day visa-free entry.
- Can I apply for an e-Visa for Oman? Yes, citizens of 71 countries can apply for an e-Visa online, valid for 30 days or multiple entries within 1 year.
- What is the duration of visa-free entry to Oman? Visitors from 103 countries can stay visa-free for up to 14 days, provided they meet entry conditions.
- Can I transit through Oman without a visa? Yes, transit passengers can stay in Oman without a visa for up to 6 hours, as long as they have onward tickets.
- How much does an Omani visa cost? A 30-day e-Visa costs 20 OMR, while a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year costs 50 OMR.
- Are diplomatic passport holders exempt from Omani visa requirements? Yes, holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports from several countries, including Germany, Japan, and Russia, are exempt from visa requirements for up to 90 days.