Oman Unveils Free 10-Day Visit Visa to Boost Tourism

Muscat, Oman has introduced a free 10-day visit visa for cruise ship passengers and crew, aiming to enhance its tourism sector. The new policy also includes a one-month visa option and updates to the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law.
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In a strategic move to invigorate its tourism industry, Muscat, Oman has unveiled a new visa policy. Cruise ship passengers and crew members arriving in the Sultanate of Oman are now eligible for a complimentary 10-day visit visa.

New Visa Regulations Announced

Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsen Al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, issued this change through Decision No. 132/2024. This decision amends certain provisions in the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law.

Key Features of the New Visa Policy

10-Day Free Visa: Passengers and crew members of cruise ships can now receive a free 10-day visa. This visa is granted upon the request of the tourist ship agent. It must be used within 30 days of issuance.

One-Month Visa Option: For those requiring a longer stay, a one-month visa is also available under similar conditions. The entry must occur within 30 days of the visa’s issuance.

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This new policy marks a significant step toward attracting more international visitors to Oman.

Also Read: Oman Expands Restricted Professions for Non-Omani Workers: New Rules Explained

Amendments to the Executive Regulations

The decision brings the following changes to the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law:

Article (1): Updated Visa Clauses

10-Day Visit Visa: The new regulations now include a 10-day visit visa for tourists. This visa must be used within 30 days of issuance. It is designed to accommodate short-term stays and enhance tourism.

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One-Month Visit Visa: For those needing a longer visit, a one-month visa is also available. Like the 10-day visa, it requires entry within 30 days of issuance and is intended for extended tourism.

Article (2): Updated Visa Table Sequence

Free 10-Day Visa for Cruise Ship Passengers: The entry visa table has been updated to state that a free visit visa is available for passengers and crew of cruise ships. This visa is valid for up to 10 days and aims to simplify the entry process for cruise travelers.

Article (3): Removal of Previous Visa Sequence

Cancellation of Previous Sequence: The previous sequence (12) in the entry visa table has been removed. This change reflects the new focus on the updated visa options for tourists and cruise ship visitors.

Other Visa Options for Travellers

Apart from the new 10-day free visit visa, Oman offers several other visa types for tourists:

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  • Tourist Visa: Allows for stays of up to 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days.
  • Business Visa: Valid for up to 90 days, designed for business meetings, conferences, and other professional activities.
  • Family Visit Visa: Enables family members of residents to stay for up to 30 days, with the possibility of an extension.

Conclusion

Oman’s new visa policy, including the free 10-day visit visa for cruise ship passengers and crew, aims to boost tourism by making entry easier. With additional visa options available, Oman is set to attract a diverse range of international travelers.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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