Oman

Your Gateway to the Arabian Peninsula's Hidden Gem

Whether you're planning to explore Muscat's stunning architecture, conduct business in the rapidly expanding economic zones, or pursue educational opportunities at Sultan Qaboos University, understanding Oman's comprehensive visa requirements is essential for seamless travel planning.

Professional Immigration Services Overview

Located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, Oman maintains a welcoming visa policy that has been significantly streamlined, with visitors from more than 100 countries and regions now exempt from entry visas for stays up to 14 days. The visa process for visitors to Oman is managed by the Royal Oman Police (ROP), with most travelers able to complete applications through a convenient online e-visa system.

Key Traveler Categories:

• Tourism and leisure visitors
• Business professionals and investors
• Students and academic researchers
• Employment and work visa holders
• Family joining and relative joining visa applicants
• Transit passengers

In Oman, visas are categorized into four main categories: Resident Sponsored Visas, Resident Unsponsored Visas, Visit Sponsored Visas, and Visit Unsponsored Visas. Oman's 2026 e-visa program makes travel simpler, faster, and more accessible, with online applications streamlining the entire process from short-term tourist trips to multiple-entry business visits. Visa options include single-entry visas for 5 OMR for 10 days or 20 OMR for 30 days, or 1-year-valid multiple-entry visa for 50 OMR (approximately 13 USD, 52 USD, and 130 USD respectively).

Whether you need a visa for Oman depends on your nationality and passport type. Oman has simplified entry for visitors from over 100 countries who can now enter visa-free for up to 14 days, while other travelers require advance visa arrangements.

Visa-Free Entry to Oman

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain can enter Oman without a visa for unlimited stays.

Citizens from 103 countries are allowed to enter Oman for up to 14 days without securing a prior visa. This visa-free access includes nationals from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Russia, Turkey, Thailand, Indonesia, and many other countries across Europe, South America, and Asia.

Visa-free visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months, present a return ticket, confirmed hotel reservation, health insurance, and proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Oman. Russia and Turkey citizens can visit without a visa for up to 30 days.

Conditional Visa-Free Entry

Visitors from more than 100 countries are divided into two groups for visa exemption purposes. Citizens of second-group countries can obtain 14-day visa-free entry if they hold a valid visa from the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Schengen countries, or Japan, or if they reside in GCC countries in eligible professions.

Essential Passport Requirements

All travelers must ensure their passport meets Oman's entry criteria:

• Minimum six months validity from entry date
• At least two blank pages for entry stamps
• Machine-readable passport recommended

Transit Passengers

Visitors holding onward tickets may transit through Oman without a visa for up to six hours if proceeding by the same flight. If you plan to leave the airport or stay longer, standard visa requirements apply.

Who Needs a Pre-Approved Visa

Nationals of 71 countries and territories can apply for e-Visas online valid for 30 days. The process of obtaining a visa for visitors to Oman is managed by the Royal Oman Police. Most nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, including citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and many African countries, must obtain a visa before arrival through Oman's official e-visa system.

Always verify current requirements with the Royal Oman Police e-visa portal or your nearest Omani embassy, as visa policies are subject to change.

Oman offers diverse visa categories designed to accommodate various travel purposes, from brief tourist visits to extended business engagements. Understanding the specific visa type that aligns with your intended activities ensures smooth application processing and compliance with immigration requirements.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Tourist visas are available in single-entry formats with fees of 5 OMR for 10 days or 20 OMR for 30 days, and multiple-entry visas valid for one year at 50 OMR. The 10-day single-entry visa allows brief vacations, while the 30-day single-entry visa permits standard tourism stays up to one month, and the multiple-entry visa valid for one year allows frequent visits with up to 30 days per stay. Processing typically takes 3-5 days for most eVisas, with many processed within 24-72 hours. The e-visa is valid for three months from the date of approval, allowing one entry during this period, with stays up to 30 days from arrival.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas cater to commercial activities and professional engagements:

• Commercial Visit Visa - For meetings, negotiations, and market exploration
• Exhibition Visa - Specifically for trade shows and business exhibitions
• Conference Visa - For attending professional conferences and seminars

The business visa is valid for 6 months and allows foreigners to visit Oman to attend business meetings and conferences, invest in emerging opportunities, or engage in other business engagements. Business visas are available for short-term visits related to business activities such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations, typically lasting for one month with possible extensions.

Employment and Work Visas

Employment visas are issued to foreign nationals who have secured a job in Oman, are valid for up to two years, and can be renewed. Any foreign national aged between 21 and 60 intending to work must obtain a work permit. Processing times range from about 2 to 6 weeks for standard employment visas once all documents are complete, while short-term business visas may be processed more quickly, sometimes within 1 to 3 weeks. The visa fee is 20 Omani Rials. Work visas require employer sponsorship and comprehensive documentation including employment contracts, educational credentials, medical certificates, and police clearance certificates.

Student and Academic Visas

Student visas permit residency in the Sultanate of Oman for pursuing education in a college, university, or other authorized educational institution located in the country. Student visas are typically valid for the academic year duration with renewal options based on continued enrollment status and require proof of enrollment from recognized educational institutions.

Family and Residence Categories

Family joining visas permit residency for family members of Omani natives or foreign residents staying in the country, while relative joining visas permit residency for spouses and children to live with foreign residents employed in Oman, and also permit residency for foreign spouses of Oman citizens. Investor visas enable investors to stay in the country for a duration from 1 year to 10 years.

Transit and Special Categories

Visitors from any country who hold onward tickets may transit through Oman without a visa for up to 6 hours if proceeding by the same flight. Diplomatic and official visas serve government representatives with specialized processing procedures. Visitors from more than 100 countries and regions are exempt from entry visas for stays up to 14 days.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist visas typically process within 3-5 business days through online applications, while express processing reduces this to one business day at a higher fee. Standard processing normally takes 5-7 business days, though many eVisas are processed within 24 to 72 hours. Business visas generally take 3-4 business days for standard processing. Work permits involve extended timeframes of approximately one week to one month depending on the consulate or embassy. Pakistani applicants can expect visa issuance within 10 working days.

Cost Structure and Fee Ranges

A single-entry 30-day tourist visa typically costs around 20 Omani Rials (approximately 52 USD), while a multiple-entry visa valid for one year costs approximately 50 Omani Rials (around 130 USD). The 10-day tourist visa costs 13 USD. Express visa service is available for travelers who require faster processing times at a higher fee. Business visa fees are not definitively specified in current sources but remain in the higher fee bracket for single-entry permits. Multiple-entry permits command premium pricing with extended validity periods.

Application Channels and Locations

• Online portal: evisa.rop.gov.om - the only official and authorized platform for Oman e-Visa applications managed by the Royal Oman Police
• eVisa Call centre: +968 2429 0942 or +968 2429 0826
• Email: Info-OmaneVisa@rop.gov.om
• Visa-free entry: Visitors from more than 100 countries are exempt from entry visas for stays up to 14 days

Peak Season Considerations

Processing times may extend during peak tourist season, which runs from October through March. It is recommended to submit applications at least one week before the date of travel, while applying 2-3 weeks in advance ensures smooth processing, especially during busy travel seasons or holidays. Ramadan periods may impact government office operations. Submit applications well in advance of intended travel during high-demand periods for optimal processing outcomes.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Identify the appropriate visa category based on your travel purpose, intended duration of stay, and nationality. Tourist visas are available for short-term visits, while business and work visas require specific employer sponsorship or commercial arrangements. Visitors from more than 100 countries and regions are exempt from entry visas for stays up to 14 days.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Compile essential documents including:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Completed application forms with accurate information
• Recent passport-sized photographs meeting official specifications
• Supporting documents specific to your visa category
• Return ticket, confirmed hotel reservation, and health insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses during your stay

Document legalization through Omani diplomatic missions may be required for certain certificates.

Step 3: Create an Account and Submit Your Application

You must first login to the eVisa system to start the visa application process. Applications can be submitted through multiple channels:

• Online portal: eVisa system available at evisa.rop.gov.om for eligible nationalities
• Embassy or Consulate: In-person submission at diplomatic missions
• Authorized agents: Through approved visa processing centers

Four video guides are available on the ROP's eVisa website to help you complete the online visa application process. Applications containing incorrect information will be rejected.

Step 4: Pay Processing Fees

Settlement of visa fees using accepted payment methods including credit cards, bank transfers, or cash payments depending on submission channel. Visa fees are 5 Omani Rials (approximately 13 USD) for 10-day single entry, 20 Omani Rials (approximately 52 USD) for 30-day single entry, or 50 Omani Rials (approximately 130 USD) for 30-day multiple entry. Retain payment receipts for tracking purposes.

Step 5: Track Application Progress

After submission, you'll receive a confirmation email with your application reference number for tracking. Monitor your application status through the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal by entering your passport number and application number. Processing times vary, but standard applications typically take between three to five business days. Express applications may be processed within one business day.

Step 6: Complete Biometric Requirements

Biometric registration is required and includes document and contract authentication. Upon arrival in Oman, employees undergo required medical examinations and biometric registration, which are typically mandatory for longer-term employment and residence. These must be completed within the specified timeframe after entry.

Step 7: Collect Your Visa

Upon approval, collect your visa through the designated method. eVisas are delivered electronically to your registered email address as a PDF attachment. Download this document and print multiple copies to carry during your travel. Embassy applications require physical collection or courier delivery. Verify all details immediately upon receipt to ensure accuracy before travel.