Are you considering a trip to the enchanting Sultanate of Oman? If so, you’re likely to need an Oman-on-arrival visa. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to assist you in navigating the process, ensuring you have a smooth and hassle-free journey. The Oman on-arrival visa is a travel document that foreign tourists must obtain upon arrival at the airport in Oman. This visa permits foreign nationals to enter and stay in Oman for a specified period.
The Sultanate of Oman, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, draws in tourists from all over the globe. To accommodate the increasing number of visitors and make the travel process more streamlined, the Royal Oman Police introduced the on-arrival visa. This visa has made it significantly easier for tourists to visit Oman, eliminating the need to visit the embassy or consulate beforehand.
The Oman on-arrival visa is available for various durations, depending on the purpose and length of your visit. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended exploration of the country, this guide will help you understand the process of obtaining your Oman on-arrival visa.
Check if your country supports Oman Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Armenia | e-visa |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahrain | visa free |
| Belize | visa required |
| Benin | e-visa |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Brazil | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa required |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Costa Rica | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa required |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| El Salvador | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | e-visa |
| Gabon | visa on arrival |
| Gambia | visa required |
| Ghana | visa required |
| Grenada | visa required |
| Guatemala | visa required |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| Guyana | visa required |
| Honduras | visa required |
| India | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa required |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | visa required |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa free |
| Lesotho | e-visa |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | e-visa |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | visa required |
| Namibia | visa required |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Nicaragua | visa on arrival |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | visa on arrival |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Panama | visa required |
| Peru | visa required |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | e-visa |
| Saint Lucia | visa required |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Saudi Arabia | visa free |
| Senegal | visa on arrival |
| Sierra Leone | visa on arrival |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Africa | visa required |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa free |
| Taiwan | e-visa |
| Tajikistan | visa on arrival |
| Tanzania | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Trinidad and Tobago | visa required |
| Turkey | e-visa |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| United Arab Emirates | visa free |
| United Kingdom | EVW |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa on arrival |
| Zambia | e-visa |
| Zimbabwe | e-visa |
Who is eligible for the Oman on-arrival visa?
The Oman on-arrival visa is available to nationals from over 70 countries worldwide. The list of eligible countries includes all European Union member states, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, several Asian countries, and more. If you need to check whether your country is on the list, it’s always a good idea to check with the Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a reliable travel agency.
However, eligibility doesn’t automatically guarantee approval. All applicants must have a valid passport that doesn’t expire for at least six months from the date of arrival in Oman. Furthermore, the applicant must not have travel bans or other legal issues that could affect their entry into the country.
Remember, the Oman on-arrival visa is primarily intended for tourism purposes. If you are planning to work or study in Oman, you must apply for a different type of visa, which often requires a more complicated process.
Required documents for Oman on arrival visa
Before you embark on your journey, ensure you have all the documents for your Oman on-arrival visa. First and foremost, you must have a valid passport for at least six months from the planned entry date into Oman. The passport should also have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
In addition to your passport, you may also need to provide proof of your onward or return journey. This could be a return ticket or a ticket to another destination following your stay in Oman. Additionally, you may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Oman.
It’s essential to note that the requirements may vary slightly depending on your nationality. Therefore, checking with the Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your travel agency for the most accurate information is advisable.
Read: How to apply for Oman eVisa
Step 1: Preparing for your trip to Oman
Preparing for your trip to Oman involves more than just packing your suitcase. It’s also about ensuring you have all the necessary documentation and meet the eligibility criteria for the Oman on-arrival visa.
Double-check your passport’s expiry date. It should be valid for at least six months after entering Oman. If it’s not, you should renew it before travelling. Additionally, ensure you have proof of your onward or return journey and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Oman.
It’s also advisable to carry a copy of your hotel reservation or details of your accommodation in Oman. While this is not mandatory, having this information at hand can help speed up the visa application process upon arrival.
Step 2: Arriving at the Oman airport
Once you arrive at the Oman airport, follow the signs directing you to the on-arrival visa counter. The counter is easily identifiable, with clear signs in both Arabic and English. At the counter, an immigration officer will review your documents and eligibility for the Oman on-arrival visa.
Be prepared to answer some questions about the purpose of your visit, where you plan to stay, and how long you intend to be in Oman. Answer the questions honestly and confidently. Remember, the immigration officer is just doing their job to ensure the safety and security of the country.
After the preliminary review and questioning, you will be directed to fill out a visa application form.
Step 3: Filling out the visa application form
The visa application form is relatively straightforward. You must provide your details, passport information, travel itinerary, and accommodation details in Oman. Make sure to fill out the form accurately and completely. Any errors or omissions can delay the visa approval process or even lead to rejection.
The form is available in both Arabic and English. If you have any queries or need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask the immigration officers. They are usually friendly and willing to help.
Once you have filled out the form, you must submit it back to the immigration officer along with your passport. The officer will then direct you to the payment counter.
Step 4: Paying the visa fee
The next step in the Oman on-arrival visa application process is paying the visa fee. The fee varies depending on the duration of your stay. Typically, the fee is around 20 Omani Rials for a 30-day visa.
The payment can be made in cash or by credit card. If you are paying in cash, ensure you have the exact amount, as change may only sometimes be available.
Once you have made the payment, you will receive a receipt. Keep this receipt safe, as you will need it for the next steps in the process.
Step 5: Waiting for the visa approval
After submitting your application and paying the fee, you must wait for the visa to be approved. The waiting time typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes. However, it can take longer during peak travel times.
During this waiting period, you can relax in the designated waiting area. It’s essential to remain patient and calm during this time. If your application is straightforward and you’ve provided all the necessary documents, there’s no reason why your visa application would be denied.
Once your visa is approved, your passport will be stamped with the Oman on-arrival visa. You will then be directed to the passport control counter.
Step 6: Collecting your visa at the airport
The final step is collecting your passport with the Oman on-arrival visa from the passport control counter. The officer will verify your identity and hand back your passport. Make sure to check that your visa details are correctly printed on the visa stamp.
Congratulations, you have successfully navigated the process of applying for an Oman on-arrival visa! You can now enjoy this beautiful country and all it has to offer.
Tips for a smooth Oman on-arrival visa application process
To ensure a smooth visa application process, it’s advisable to prepare all your documents in advance. Double-check your passport expiry date and ensure you have the necessary proof of onward or return journey and sufficient funds.
When filling out the visa application form, provide accurate, complete, and honest information. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or even visa denial.
It’s also essential to be respectful and patient throughout the process. The immigration officers are doing their job, and impoliteness or impatience can negatively impact your application.
Common mistakes to avoid while applying for the Oman on-arrival visa
One of the most common mistakes people make when applying for an Oman on-arrival visa is to check their passport expiry date. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your entry into Oman.
Another common mistake is needing more cash to pay the visa fee. While credit card payment is usually accepted, it’s always a good idea to carry sufficient cash just in case.
Lastly, ensure you fill out the visa application form correctly and completely. Only complete or accurate information can lead to delays or even visa denial.
Applying for an Oman on-arrival visa can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time travelling there. However, proper preparation and a clear understanding of the process can be quite a smooth and straightforward experience.
This step-by-step guide has walked you through the entire process, from arriving at the airport to collecting your visa. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure your journey to the mesmerising Sultanate of Oman is as smooth as possible.
Read: How to apply and get Qatar Visa on Arrival
Remember, the key to a successful visa application is preparation, accuracy, and patience. With these, you’re well on your way to exploring the beautiful landscapes, rich culture and warm hospitality Oman offers. Happy travels!