Oman eases visa rules for nationals of 68 countries

Foreign visitors from a total of 68 countries can visit Oman on a one-year tourist visa, but they should not stay in the country for a period of more than one month at a time.

Included in this list of countries are 39 belonging to Europe and 10 to South America.

In addition, people of certain countries can enter the Sultanate of Oman, if they hold a visa to gain entry into Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States or a visa of Schengen Convention State.

It is expected that this measure would improve the economy of this Middle Eastern state as foreign investors and tourists would be able to spend more time in this nation. It is averred that its service sector would also be boosted.

This move was announced by Brigadier General Hilal Al Busaidi, Director General of Passports and Residency, recently.

He was quoted as saying by Times of Oman as saying that foreign nationals could avail www.evisa.rop.gov.com, the ROP website to get a tourist visa or obtain one once they arrive at select locations.

These tourists should also show a passport with a validity of more than six months.

According to Al Busaidi, the cost of the new tourist visa is OMR50 and it would be valid for 12 months.

He said though some amendments have been made recently to the executive rules of the law on the stay of foreigners, the Inspector General of Police is yet to ratify the changes. The tourist visa would be issued to all eligible foreign tourists, even those who have not been sponsored by locals, said Al Busaidi.

Now, a foreigner will be able to apply for a tourist visa with a validity of one month by paying OMR20.  He added that included in online registrations would be fast visas, besides tourist visas. He was quoted as saying that the second phase of the e-visa process to include fast visas and guaranteed tourist visas was completed by The Royal Oman Police.

Al Busaidi stated that as visas could be immediately obtained by accessing the ROP website, foreigners need not visit a service building. He said that this was a giant stride in the way that service was being delivered by them.

He added that this was in accordance with the approach of the ROP to attain its tactical objectives of improving and simplifying the services provided, via an efficient methodology.

Al Busaidi said that its aim was to better the services so that residents, as well as citizens, could avail them. Horizons would be widened in the makeover of all the offerings that the ROP was providing, he said.

If you are planning to visit Oman, get in touch with Y-Axis, a leading consultancy for immigration services, to apply for a tourist visa.