Sachin Walls
If you're planning to travel to Oman and enter through Muscat International Airport, it's important to understand the visa requirements. While visas on arrival were previously available at the airport and select border checkpoints, the Omani government stopped issuing them in February 2019. Currently, only in exceptional cases will a visa on arrival be granted. Instead, most visitors need to obtain an e-visa, also known as an Oman visa, before their departure. This electronic travel authorization visa is linked to your passport and allows a maximum stay of 30 days in Oman. It is valid for one year and cannot be extended. To apply for an e-visa, you must have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and make an online payment of the visa fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you get a visa on arrival at Muscat Airport? | No, visas on arrival are no longer available. |
| When did this change happen? | February 2019 |
| What is the alternative? | E-visa or online visa |
| Who is eligible for an e-visa? | Citizens of more than 60 countries are eligible for the e-visa. |
| How long does the e-visa allow you to stay in Oman? | Maximum of 30 days |
| How many entries does the e-visa permit? | Single entry |
| How long is the e-visa valid for? | 1 year |
| Can the e-visa be extended? | No, it cannot be extended until an existing one expires. |
| What are the requirements for the e-visa? | Valid passport, proof of accommodation, debit/credit card for payment, health insurance certificate (for some nationalities) |
| Where can I use the e-visa? | Only for entry into Oman, not for other GCC countries. |
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What You'll Learn
- The Omani government stopped issuing visas on arrival in February 2019
- The eVisa scheme replaced the visa on arrival system
- The eVisa is electronically linked to your passport
- The eVisa is valid for one year and allows a maximum stay of 30 days
- Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries are exempt from needing a visa
The Omani government stopped issuing visas on arrival in February 2019
Before the Omani government introduced the e-visa, travellers could obtain a visa on arrival at Muscat International Airport. However, this service is now only maintained for exceptional cases. The Omani authorities confirmed in November 2019 that all foreign nationals must apply for an Omani visa in advance.
The e-visa application process is straightforward. Applicants must submit a clear scan of their passport, which must be valid for at least six months, a recent passport-style photo, proof of accommodation in Oman, and a return ticket. Additionally, business or student applicants may need to provide an invitation letter or enrolment confirmation. The visa fee must be paid through the online system, and it usually takes four to five business days for the visa to be processed.
The e-visa scheme has made it easier and faster for international visitors to secure travel permits. It eliminates the need for lengthy manual processes and waiting in visa upon arrival lines at border control. However, travellers must ensure their e-visa application status shows "granted" before travelling to avoid complications.
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The eVisa scheme replaced the visa on arrival system
The Omani government stopped issuing visas on arrival at Muscat International Airport or other points of entry in February 2019. The visa on arrival system was replaced by an electronic visa scheme. This scheme is available to citizens of more than 60 countries, who can apply for the e-visa online before boarding their flight to Oman. The e-visa is linked to the traveller's passport, so a printed copy is not required.
The Omani e-visa is a single-entry visa that allows holders to stay in Oman for a maximum of 30 days. It is valid for one year and cannot be extended until the existing visa expires. To apply for an e-visa, applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages for visa stamps. They must also provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or the contact address of friends or family they will be staying with.
Certain nationalities are still eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at Muscat International Airport. Passengers wishing to discuss visa and immigration issues can contact the Royal Oman Police. They can also apply for a visa online before departure and present their reference number to an immigration officer upon arrival.
The e-visa scheme offers several advantages over the previous visa on arrival system. The online application process eliminates the need for applicants to submit physical documents, making it more convenient and efficient for travellers. Additionally, the e-visa is electronically linked to the passport, ensuring a seamless travel experience without the hassle of carrying additional paperwork.
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The eVisa is electronically linked to your passport
Oman has replaced its visa on arrival system with an eVisa scheme. This means that travellers wishing to visit Oman must apply for an eVisa before they depart for the country. The eVisa is electronically linked to the passport of the traveller, meaning that they do not need to print a copy of the eVisa. However, travellers can still print a copy of the eVisa if they wish to.
To apply for an eVisa, travellers must possess a valid passport with at least six months of validity. They must scan the first and last pages of their passport, and their passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. Applicants must also provide their passport number and proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or the address of friends or family with whom they will be staying.
The Omani eVisa is only valid for entry into Oman. It is not valid for travel to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Citizens of GCC countries, such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, are visa-exempt for Oman. Residents of GCC countries can apply for a special, cheaper version of the Oman eVisa.
The Oman eVisa is valid for one year and allows the holder to stay in Oman for a maximum of 30 days. It is a single-entry visa, meaning that it can only be used once. The eVisa must be used within its validity period, and holders must exit the country before the expiry of their permitted stay.
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The eVisa is valid for one year and allows a maximum stay of 30 days
As of February 2019, the government of Oman no longer offers visas on arrival at Muscat International Airport or other border entry points. Instead, eligible travellers must apply for an eVisa before their departure. The eVisa is valid for one year and allows a maximum stay of 30 days in Oman. This is the case for both the single-entry and multiple-entry visas.
The single-entry visa allows one entry and a maximum stay of 30 days. This visa is valid for 90 days to one year. The multiple-entry visa also allows a total stay of 30 days during its one-year validity. This visa is suitable for travellers who wish to visit Oman for shorter periods over the course of the year.
To apply for an eVisa, eligible travellers must complete an online application form. This process is straightforward and does not require the submission of physical documents. The visa is electronically linked to the traveller's passport, so a printed copy of the eVisa is not necessary. However, travellers can choose to print a copy of their eVisa to present at Omani border control.
To complete the application, travellers will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages for visa stamps. They will also need to provide their passport number and proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or the contact address of their host. It is important to note that the eVisa is only valid for entry into Oman, and separate visas are required for other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
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Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries are exempt from needing a visa
As of February 2019, visas on arrival have been discontinued at Muscat International Airport and other Omani entry points. This system has been replaced by an e-visa scheme, which is available to citizens of more than 60 countries. However, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are exempt from needing a visa to enter Oman.
GCC countries include Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Citizens of these countries can enter Oman without a visa and stay for up to 28 days. Separate immigration counters (from number 1 to 4) are available for GCC nationals at Muscat International Airport.
The Oman e-visa is an electronic travel authorization visa for tourists. It is valid for one year and allows a maximum stay of 30 days in Oman. The visa is electronically linked to the passport and does not need to be printed. To apply for an e-visa, applicants need a valid passport with at least six months of validity and at least two blank pages for visa stamps. They must also provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or the contact address of friends or family they will be staying with.
The e-visa application process is straightforward and can be completed online. Applicants should submit their applications early and download their confirmation upon receipt. The total fee for the e-visa depends on the processing time and visa type. While the e-visa simplifies the process, travellers may still face challenges, and it is recommended to seek assistance from visa processing services for a smoother experience.
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Frequently asked questions
No, visas on arrival are no longer available at Muscat International Airport. The government of Oman stopped issuing visas on arrival in February 2019 and replaced them with an electronic visa scheme.
The e-visa is obtained by applying online prior to departure. The process involves filling out an online application form and making an online payment using a debit or credit card. Once approved, you can print a copy of the e-visa to present at Omani border control.
The main requirements for the e-visa are a valid passport with at least six months of validity and at least two blank pages for visa stamps, and proof of accommodation. The e-visa is electronically linked to your passport, so you don't need to print a copy if you don't want to.
