In 2017, the Sultanate of Oman relaxed its visa rules by announcing visa on arrival (unsponsored tourist visa) for the citizens of India, China and Russia or who reside in or who hold an entry visa to one of these countries – United States of America, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and Schengen States.
To further simplify the process, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced that following March 21, visas will only be granted electronically via evisa.rop.gov.om. There will be no more hand-processed visas at Muscat International Airport effective that date.
“The migration to electronic visas is due to its simplicity and effectiveness, its alignment with modern technology and is in line with the e-government project of the Sultanate. Further, it will save tourists and visitors time so they don’t have to wait in long queues at the airport. The system has been thoroughly tested and more than 12,000 users have already benefited from it. The system is considered to be one of the safest and most confidential in the world, having achieved an ISO certification,” says an official of the Royal Oman Police, Sultanate of Oman.
The website states that visas can be obtained either individually or collectively a through a tourism company. It also explains the visa formalities for various groups of countries.
Travellers to Oman can also seek information through the official Twitter account of @OmanEvisa or via the 24-hour service centres of ROP.
The new e-visa system is in line with Oman’s tourism strategy that aims to attract 11 million tourists by 2040.
