Oman’s Visa-Free Entry Policy Attracts Tourists from 103 Countries

Oman has opened up visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry to 103 countries, to boost its tourism industry with the help of international tourists. The National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reported a staggering 348% increase in tourists in 2022, with 2.9 million travelers visiting the country.

The increase in tourism has also led to a 50.8% rise in revenue for 3-5-star hotels and a 31.3% increase in occupancy rates, reaching 53.7%. This comes after the Omani government’s decision to allow tourists from 103 countries to extend their stay beyond 14 days.

India has been among the countries witnessing a surge in tourists, with 29 other countries also permitted to get visas on arrival. These countries include Algeria, Bhutan, Egypt, Panama, Tajikistan, and Vietnam, among others. Additionally, visitors from Portugal, Norway, Italy, Sweden, and Bulgaria can enter Oman without a visa for up to 14 days.

Travelers can also apply for a multi-entry visa for a year, as long as they meet certain requirements and stay for no more than a month on each visit. After the initial 14-day period, visitors must apply online for an e-visa and pay a fee of OMR 20 for a one-month stay.

The move has been welcomed by several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among others. The list also includes countries such as South Africa, China, Iran, and Turkey, among others.

The ROP official said that Indian tourists are among the 30 countries allowed entry on arrival provided they have an entry visa for the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Schengen countries, Japan or a resident permit of one of the GCC countries.

The other 29 countries include:

1. Armenia,
2. Azerbaijan,
3. El Salvador,
4. Costa Rica,
5. Nicaragua,
6. Honduras,
7. Albania,
8. Laos,
9. Kyrgyzstan,
10. Mexico,
11. Vietnam,
12. Bhutan,
13. Guatemala,
14. Belarus,
15. Cuba,
16. Panama,
17. Peru,
18. Tajikistan,
19. Uzbekistan,
20. Turkmenistan,
21. Bosnia
22. Herzegovina,
23. Kazakhstan,
24. Maldives,
25. Jordan,
26. Tunisia,
27. Algeria,
28. Mauritania,
29. Morocco,
30. and Egypt.

The decision to open up visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry has clearly been a hit among international tourists, as Oman’s tourism industry continues to thrive. The policy was also announced in the post-COVID era back in 2020.

Information Source: Times of Oman