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 over 100 countries benefit from visa-free entry for stays of up to 14 days, divided into two groups. Group 1 — comprising approximately 77 nationalities — receives unconditional visa-free entry and 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, Philippines, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Thailand, Indonesia, and many other countries across Europe, South America, and Asia. Following a January 2026 revision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs entry-visa list, the Philippines, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Turkey were formally added to Group 1.

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. Under bilateral mutual exemption agreements, citizens of Russia, Turkey (effective 22 December 2025), and Belarus (effective 26 March 2026) are entitled to stays of up to 30 days per visit without a visa.

Conditional Visa-Free Entry

Visitors from Group 2 countries can obtain 14-day visa-free entry if they hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, a Schengen country, or Japan, or if they reside in GCC countries in eligible professions. Without a qualifying document, nationals of Group 2 countries — including India — must apply for a sponsored or unsponsored e-visa before travel.

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

Nationalities not covered by the unconditional or conditional visa-free arrangements must obtain a visa before arrival. Eligible nationalities can apply online through the Royal Oman Police e-visa portal at evisa.rop.gov.om. Citizens of countries not eligible for the e-visa portal — including many African nationalities such as Tanzania — must apply in person at an Omani embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Always verify your entry category on the ROP e-visa portal or with the 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 e-visas are available in single-entry formats with fees of 5 OMR for a 10-day stay and 20 OMR for a 30-day stay, and as a 1-year multiple-entry visa at 50 OMR (approximately 13, 52, and 130 USD respectively at prevailing exchange rates). The 10-day single-entry visa suits brief stopovers; the 30-day single-entry covers standard tourism stays; the 1-year multiple-entry visa allows repeated visits with up to 30 days per entry. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, with many e-visas approved within 24–72 hours. Unsponsored e-visas must be used within one month of the issue date; the permitted stay from the date of entry is 10 or 30 days as applicable to the visa class.

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 nationals or foreign residents, while relative joining visas permit residency for spouses and children living with foreign residents employed in Oman and also cover foreign spouses of Omani citizens. Investor visas enable investors to stay in the country for a duration of 1 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.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist e-visas typically process within 3–5 business days through the online portal, with many approved within 24–72 hours. Express processing is available for an additional fee and can reduce approval to one business day. Business visas generally take 3–4 business days for standard processing. Work permits involve extended timeframes of approximately one to four weeks depending on the consulate or embassy and completeness of documentation.

Cost Structure and Fee Ranges

Official Royal Oman Police published fees in Omani Rials: 10-day single-entry tourist e-visa — 5 OMR (approximately 13 USD); 30-day single-entry tourist e-visa — 20 OMR (approximately 52 USD); 1-year multiple-entry visa (up to 30 days per stay) — 50 OMR (approximately 130 USD); express visit visa — 30 OMR. Extension fees are OMR 5 for the 10-day class, OMR 20 for the 30-day class, and OMR 30 for the express class. USD figures are approximate conversions only; no official USD equivalents are published by the Royal Oman Police.

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: [email protected]
• Visa-free entry: Visitors from more than 100 nationalities are exempt from entry visas for stays up to 14 days (or 30 days under bilateral agreements)

Overstay Fines and Visa Extensions

Single-entry e-visas can be extended once via the Royal Oman Police e-visa portal before expiry, for the same duration as the original visa. Extensions are not available for the 1-year multiple-entry visa or the express visa; stays must not exceed the permitted period. Overstaying without an approved extension incurs fines of OMR 10 to OMR 20 per day. Extension and overstay fine figures were confirmed by Royal Oman Police published service information in August 2025.

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 the 1-year multiple-entry visa (up to 30 days per stay). 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.

Oman does not operate a traditional visa-on-arrival facility where travelers pay a fee and receive a visa stamp at the immigration counter upon landing. Understanding Oman's actual entry model prevents confusion and avoids travel disruption.

Visa-Free Entry Is Not a Visa on Arrival

For the more than 100 nationalities eligible for visa-free access, no advance application is needed and no fee is paid at any stage — travelers simply present a valid passport at the port of entry. This is a pre-granted bilateral or multilateral exemption, not a visa issued on arrival. Eligible travelers must still present a return ticket, confirmed accommodation, health insurance, and evidence of sufficient funds, as immigration officers may verify these conditions on entry.

E-Visa Must Be Obtained Before Travel

Nationalities that require a visa must apply and receive approval through the Royal Oman Police e-visa portal (evisa.rop.gov.om) before travel. Approved e-visas are issued electronically and must be printed or saved digitally before departure. Airlines verify visa validity before boarding. There is no facility at Omani airports, seaports, or land border crossings for travelers to purchase or obtain a visa after arrival for nationalities that require one in advance.

Embassy-Only Nationalities

Certain nationalities are not eligible to apply through the ROP's online portal and must obtain a visa from an Omani embassy or consulate in their country of residence. This category applies to several African and other nationalities. Applicants in this situation typically attend in person. The list of portal-ineligible nationalities is updated periodically; always check the ROP e-visa portal for your passport's current eligibility before booking travel.

Chinese Nationals: 14-Day Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of China (including holders of Hong Kong and Macau SAR passports) are in Oman's Group 1 unconditional visa-exemption list and may enter Oman without any advance application or fee for stays of up to 14 days. This is a direct border entry based on a pre-existing exemption, not a visa issued on arrival. For stays exceeding 14 days, a tourist e-visa must be obtained in advance via the ROP portal.

Entry at the Discretion of Immigration Officers

A valid visa or eligibility for visa-free entry does not guarantee admission to Oman. The Royal Oman Police officer at the port of entry retains the authority to deny entry if documentation or conditions are not satisfied. All supporting documents — return ticket, accommodation confirmation, insurance, and proof of funds — should be carried and available for inspection.

Summary: Entry Options at a Glance

• GCC nationals: visa-free, no application required
• Group 1 nationalities (approx. 77 countries): visa-free up to 14 days unconditionally (Russia, Turkey, Belarus: up to 30 days under bilateral agreements)
• Group 2 nationalities with qualifying visa (US/UK/Schengen/Canada/Australia/Japan): visa-free up to 14 days
• E-visa eligible nationalities: apply online at evisa.rop.gov.om before departure
• Embassy-only nationalities: apply in person at an Omani diplomatic mission before travel

Oman's standard unsponsored tourist e-visas are capped at a maximum stay of 30 days per entry. Travelers seeking longer continuous stays — commonly searched as a "3-month visit visa" — need to access sponsor-dependent visa categories or use the available extension and re-entry mechanisms.

Standard Tourist E-Visa Stay Limits

The single-entry 30-day e-visa (20 OMR) allows a continuous stay of up to 30 days from entry. It can be extended once for a further 30 days via the Royal Oman Police e-visa portal before expiry (extension fee: OMR 20), bringing the maximum possible continuous stay on this visa class to 60 days. The 1-year multiple-entry visa (50 OMR) permits stays of up to 30 days per entry with no limit on the number of entries within the 12-month validity window; exiting and re-entering resets the 30-day stay period.

Sponsored Visit Visas: Stays Up to 3 Months

Sponsored multi-entry visit visa categories allow authorized stays of up to three months per visit, with the visa itself valid for between six months and one year. These visas require an Omani sponsor — typically a registered company, licensed hotel, or approved tour operator — to initiate the application on the traveler's behalf through the ROP portal. They are suited to business visitors with repeated or extended commercial engagements in Oman. Stays under these sponsored categories cannot themselves be extended.

How to Access a Sponsored Visit Visa

Sponsored visit visas are not self-applied. The Omani sponsoring entity must file the application using a company PRO (Public Relations Officer) account on the ROP system. Individual travelers cannot apply for these categories independently without a confirmed Omani sponsor. Travelers unable to secure a local sponsor should use the standard 30-day e-visa extension or the 1-year multiple-entry visa re-entry approach to manage their time in Oman.

Overstay Consequences

Overstaying any Oman visit visa beyond the permitted period without an approved extension incurs fines of OMR 10 to OMR 20 per day. Extension applications must be submitted through the ROP e-visa portal before the existing visa expires. Visa overstay may affect future entry eligibility to Oman.

Investor and Long-Term Residence Options

Foreign investors who establish a qualifying business in Oman may be eligible for investor residence visas valid from 1 to 10 years. These are a separate category from visitor visas and require engagement with Oman's relevant investment registration authorities before or alongside the initial entry application.