Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Practical Tourist Visa Information in Oman

This post is intended to help travelers to Oman to understand the tourist visa process upon arrival to Oman. Information about how to extend a tourist visa is at the end of the post
(Last Updated: June  2016)

General Information:

Tourist visas are issued for ten days or for thirty days. For persons of Tier 1 countries or for GCC residents 'visa on arrival' are granted. Otherwise, one must apply at their local Omani embassy or consulate beforehand.

New 2015: See ROPs (Royal Oman Police) Visa Wizard - it's very helpful.

https://evisa.rop.gov.om/web/guest/voa/-/VisaWizardportlet/Start-again

Fees:

  • 30 Day Tourist Visa - 20 OMR - Extendable for 30 days (20 OMR)
  • 10 Day Tourist Visa - 5 OMR - Extendable for 10 days (5 OMR)
  • GCC Residents - 5 OMR - .4 weeks - Extendable for one week
  • Multi-Entry Visa - 50 OMR (with permission only) - 3 weeks entry at time, good for 6 mo to one year (not extendable)
  • Common Visa Dubai - No charge for 21 days if one has a valid Dubai stamped visa for at least 3 weeks. Not extendable. Must come directly from Dubai emirate through an airport or al wajaja/Hatta border or by sea. For Tier 1 countries only
  • Common Visa Qatar - One month visa, extendable one week. Must come directly from Qatar no third country stop over. Tier One countries only.
  • Passengers & Crew of ships. Free for 24 hours, 5 OMR per person for stops of 24-96 hours. 
  • Overstay Fee - 10 OMR per day up to maximum fine of 500 OMR

The "upon arrival" instant tourist visa is issued to persons of Tier 1 countries only (see end of post for full list, generally, EU+, USA, Canada, specific S. American and Asian countries, Australia/New Zealand). So, if your country is on that list you can obtain a tourist visa at the Muscat airport upon arrival. Otherwise, one must pre-arrange the visa which can be done through tourism company as sponsor, as relative/friend visit visa, and go through an Omani Embassy or upon requesting a three day transit visa (see 'notes' below for transit visa information).

Major Omani Tourism companies:


There are special exceptions for servants of GCC travelers. If you have a Dubai airport stamped tourist visa, your fee will be free as part of a tourism partnership with Dubai Emirate (be sure to note this at the Muscat airport).  There is a 10 OMR fee for each additional day a traveler overstays a tourist visa up to a maximum fine of 500 OMR. You may be asked to pay visa fees with a credit card and cash rejected at land borders. The airport entry prefers currency. Generally, it is best to have both available. 


Visit the Oman Royal Police website, www.rop.gov.om, for more visa options.

Visit the Airport Management Company for more info on on-arrival visas:
 http://www.omanairports.com/visaonarivals.asp


*UPDATE JUNE 2013The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates is pleased to announce that beginning June 1st, 2013, the Government of the United Arab Emirates will be restoring the previous visit entry requirements to the UAE, whereby regular Canadian passport holders will not require a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates (UAE).*

Arrival by Air: Muscat  


After being bused to the terminal from the tarmac, you will enter the immigration arrival hall.
  • Step One:  Buy a tourist visa at the Travelex Counter on the far left side of the arrival hall. There will be a line here. The cost is 20 OMR or 55 USD for 30 days and 5 OMR for 10 days. You can use a credit card or cash (major currencies, GBP, USD, EUR, OMR).  They will ask for cash only, but they do accept cards. It is a bit counter-intuitive to visit an "exchange counter" to purchase a visa, but it is a necessary step before entering the official  immigration line for non-GCC persons. 'On the spot' tourist visas available to citizens of Tier 1 countries (EU, Canada, USA, see list below in 'notes').
  • Step Two:  Present the receipt from the Travelex counter to immigration officer. The immigration officers are generally friendly and helpful. Most speak some English. Proceed through immigration to have a visa issued and your passport stamped.
  • Step Three: Baggage Claim. Retrieve your bags in the next hall. They will be put through security machine on the way out.  The ROP seems to be tightening security lately. There is a 'last chance' small duty free store on the way out of immigration area which sells a variety of alcoholic beverages not available for public purchase in Oman outside the airport. You may purchase two bottles or 24 beers. This is for Non-Muslims only.
  • Step Four: There are several ATM machines located in the arrivals section of Airport if you need to take out Omani currency. Be aware that currency exchange shops (even in the airport) do not change all currencies to OMR - only main currencies such as EURO, USD, GBP and locally relevant ones such as Rupees, etc. If they do change the currency, the rate will not be favourable. What I have found is that it is best to change your currency, for example, Korean Won, into USD or EUR before coming to Oman. Then, in Oman it is easy to change those currencies to Omani Rial at a decent rate.

  • Also, on the Exit out of the Arrivals Hall to the Parking, the local phone carriers Nawras (now Oreedoo) and OmanTel have offices set-up where one can buy prepaid SIM cards for about 2-3 OMR (5-8 USD) that work in most unlocked international phones. 
It may be advisable to bring a tourism book with maps included. GPS is handy if driving with out knowledge of the area. Muscat is a city made up of  'neighborhoods' spread out weaving in and out of a mountain range along the coast. When driving, one travels in the direction of the section of town or 'neighborhood' such as Qurum or Seeb when following highway signage.
   
When you see 'Muscat' referred to in a highway sign, it means the small section of the old city where some government buildings and the palace is located not the Muscat and surrounding areas referred to as the capital. Http://wikimapia.org/ provides a useful map of Muscat and regions in Oman; just search for Muscat, Oman.

If you need a map, try purchasing one in an Oman Oil petrol station, in a Hypermarket or at the airport's book shop. If by chance you drive through the Wadi Jizzi border post near Buraimi City, there is a tourism office inside the main building. The staff is friendly and can provide ample materials and some maps about Oman.


2011 - 2012 Taxis are not metered as of yet (rumored to be soon) and by law only Omanis can drive taxis (unlike Dubai). You should agree on price before embarking on the trip. Negotiation is expected and prices often start high for tourists. Do not pay more than 8 OMR (as of 2011- now more) to go to the farthest place in Muscat from the Muscat airport.



Update 2013* Taxi rates went up.
Taxi price update to various places around Muscat and beyond: 

Update 2016 - There are special taxi cars at airport - blue purple stripe on white. 
all fares start at 6 OMR about 15 USD. 

See: http://www.omanairports.com/transport.asp  The rates to major hotels vary from 6 OMR to 15 OMR (15 USD to 40 USD) from the airport. Frankly, it may be more cost effective to rent a car if one will need to hire a taxi often. When catching taxis outside of the airport, Oman is a place where it is necessary to bargain hard for the fare before the journey especially for foreigners  You may be able to negotiate a weekly taxi rate.  There is little to no public transportation. 


Arrival by Air to Salalah, As of June 2015, the new Salalah Airport was opened. 


And, as of Novemeber 18, 2014, the new Sohar, Oman airport was inaugurated (domestic only) which then ceased operations in June of 2016.


Duqm Airport.  Air Oman flies to Duqm. Book through http://duqmair.com/.

Arrival By Car 

Important: 
  • Your car needs insurance which covers driving in Oman to cross into Oman at the major checkpoints. This normally can be purchase near the border post for 10 OMR.
  • You might be required to use a credit card to pay the visa fees into Oman. (Wadi Jizzi, Hilli for sure. Hafeet cash may be ok) You will also have to pay an exit fee of 35 dhs to Exit the UAE.
  • 2016 - Most advisable to bring a credit card to UAE & Oman borders post AND to bring cash. Some border posts are only accepting credit cards and others request cash. There is no way to know what each border is accepting as the policies keep changing.
  • 2016 - The UAE and OMAN have started checking the car registration and insurance very frequently. You need this to cross the border in a vehicle.
  • 2016 If you are a foreigner and non-GCC resident, you will need to park and exit your vehicle at all border stations and enter a small trailer on the side of the road or large immigration hall - depending on the border - to be stamped out or to have new visa issued. The signage is not the best on smaller border posts.  
Also, if you manage to get in with out being covered you will be responsible for the cost of all damages if you have an accident. Not paying is a jailable offence. It is possible to buy temporary insurance at most borders from small insurance shops (10-22 OMR) located near the border posts or if renting a car contact the rental office.

Sometimes, border control will ask for a letter from the car rental company indicating the car has permission to cross the border and for a copy of the registration and insurance papers. Before driving between countries, ask the rental car company to issues these papers. It costs about 15 OMR for the insurance to drive temporarily in the UAE from Oman. Generally, if traveling by private car, one needs the car's mulkiyya (card designating ownership) to present to the border guards when crossing at UAE especially. 


What I mean by 'generally' is that sometimes I did not need to show these things and other times I did; use your own risk threshold. Most likely the UAE will ask for these papers. (You may get by without at Hili border, but not recommended.) If you are just making a visa run to/from Oman or UAE and U-turning at the border they may let you do this without insurance.


At all the border stations, your passport should be checked and your vehicle searched which normally consists of a quick look in the boot. You will receive a slip of paper indicating the number of passengers in your vehicle that you will need to give to the border control at the border post exit. If exiting the UAE, make sure the immigration officer stamps your passport with a green-coloured exit stamp. This involves entering the visa station. 


Otherwise, Oman will not issue a visa until you return to the UAE and get stamped out. Or, in a not so good scenario Oman does issue a entry stamp and then technically your UAE visa was never cancelled which could cause major problems if wanting to enter the UAE again and you may be fined for each additional day overstayed. The UAE is sophisticated in their immigration tracking and will find out even on a new passport. 


It is possible to walk across the borders. However, some have more distance between the Oman and UAE side than others. Also, one can take a taxi or bus across the borders.  

The easiest to walk between UAE and OMAN: 

1. Hafeet/Mezyad Border (500 m)

2. Al Buraimi (50 m between Al Ain and Buraimi, however, the Omani visa issuing post is in Al Jizzi is 45 km away)




Click to Enlarge: Map of land borders - Oman/UAE
The borders are open 24/7.

Approximate Driving Times:

1. Hatta to Sohar: 45-60 min / Hatta to Muscat: 3-4 hrs. /  Hatta to Dubai: 1 hr.
2. Buraimi to Al Ain: 10 min. / Buraimi to Sohar: 1 hr. / Buraimi to Muscat: 4 hrs. / Buraimi to Dubai 1.5 hrs. / Buraimi to Abu Dhabi 1.5 hrs. / Buraimi to Wadi Jizzi Border 20-35 min
3. Dubai to Muscat: 5-6 hrs., Dubai to Sohar 2-3 hrs., Dubai to Sur 6-7 hrs, Dubai to Salalah via Al Ain-Hafeet-Ibri-Haima: 1200km, 12-16 hrs
4. Note: When dealing with currency, 10 UAE Dirham make up 1 OMR (Omani Rial).
5. The exit fee out of the UAE by car is 35 dirham per visa holder.


From Al Ain, UAE to City of Al Buraimi, Oman
Al Hili Border : (Coordinates: 24°15'45"N   55°46'4"E)
Distance between UAE and Oman border station: about 45 km
One should use the Al Hili border crossing out of UAE. This is the border for expats into Buraimi. There is another border for GCC nationals (Al Madheef). This border is best used for those headed toward Sohar and coastal areas. If you are going to Ibri/Nizwa/the interior of Oman or you are making a visa run use the Mezyad/Al Hafeet border. Al Hili is an exit out of UAE only border. The Omani border station in 45 km down the road at Wadi Jizzi. You will receive and exit stamp (green-colored) from the UAE.
Hili Border, Al Ain, UAE

Also, one must pay a UAE exit fee of 35 Dirham and personally enter the immigration building if you are from the USA, Europe, etc to leave the UAE. In the 'exit' room, you can take a number and wait your turn. In the last few years, the Emirates has completely fenced off the UAE off from Oman. There is a long fence of several hundred kilometers separating the UAE from Oman which supposedly keeps out smugglers and absconders. The only way to cross is through a border.


Give yourself about 45 minutes to one hour to cross the border. Sometimes it is faster, but the UAE office gets backed up at times. The UAE border officers are professional and speak English; however, they seem to prefer polite behavior from visitors. The Gulf society has a strong cultural value of dignity which seems to supersede any job, law or procedure.


Afterwards, you will enter the Omani City of Al Buraimi. You are now in a kind of 'no mans land' because the Omani immigration check point of Wadi Jizzi  is about 45 Km down the road in the mountains toward Sohar. You will not receive an Omani visa until you reach Wadi Jizzi border station. At Al Wadi Jizzi post, you will need to fill out tourist visa application and pay the fee to obtain a tourist visa.


You must drive here to get a visa even if staying in Buraimi. Otherwise, one technically would not have a valid visa to stay in Oman and one is stamped out of the UAE. There are some backroads through the desert to avoid all of this (from Dubai through Madam toward Hatta), but taking these routes are at your own risk.



Photo Jizzi Border from Google Maps
Directions from Hili Border Post UAE to Wadi Jizzi Border Post Oman:
(Coordinates: 24°13'23"N   56°9'45"E)
Take note of directions out of Buraimi; it is not that straight forward or well marked if you havent been there before.  Once in Buraimi go straight at through immediate round that you exit into from the border to next R/A (Salam Roundabout) and make a left. At next R/A (AL Juma- there is a huge mosque here), go straight. Continue straight out of town. You will pass a McDonalds on your right and then many Gift Markets. The Buraimi Hotel will be on the left. Follow signs to Sohar and Jizzi. If you get lost, ask for sultan qaboos mosque R/A from here you can head toward the Mcdonalds and out of toen. 

You will pass through the new 'Buraimi Gate' You will head down a desert road into the mountains in the direction of Sohar. Continue straight until reaching Wadi Jizi border post. Park and go inside. Arrivals are to the right of the hall. You need a credit card here to pay the visa fee.

Al Jizzi Border Post (Tel +968 25668054)

From UAE - Fujairah/ into Shinas, Oman - 

Khatm Al-Mallah Border:
(Coordinates: 24°58'26"N   56°21'53"E)
Distance between UAE and Oman border station: about 1 km
Make sure you have insurance for Oman. Cross and pay the fee. The border has been under construction for at least two years. The UAE border has been issuing visas at the road stalls as one drives through. The Omani used to use a make shift walk-up counter in the road for visa issuing; however, there is now a small customs building that opened off to the side. There is about one km between the UAE check point and the Omani check point. There is often traffic and a long queue between UAE and Oman border points. Prepare for delay especially during Eid and on weekends even late at night.

From Dubai to al Hatta UAE, Oman Border

Al Hatta - Al Wajajah (Omani side border):
(Coordinates: 24°47'4"N   56°17'49"E)
Distance between UAE and Oman border station: about 8 km
This is border post station buses use into Oman from Dubai. Exit out of UAE (be sure to get green exit stamp). There are several buildings off the road on the Emirati side including Customs, Passenger Arrivals, Duty Free (perfumes and cigarettes) and an insurance shop. Expats need to visit the Passenger Arrivals/Departures building. After getting the proper passport stamps and paying the exit fee (about 40 dirham), proceed into Oman. Oman has a check point set up where they search your car going into Oman. 

Then, proceed about 8 km to the Omani border post and passport control. Approach Omani border station Al Wajaja. Park out front and go in building. The building houses restrooms and a small shop selling refreshments besides the passport control. Car insurance for the Sultanate is a must. Tourist Visa applications are located in the building by the back wall. A tourist visa will be issued for the fee. The customs officer will also give you a small paper indicating the number of people in your car, that you will need to give to the exit guard driving out of the border station.

If you are doing a visa run from the UAE to Oman to renew your UAE visa, these days there is a 10 day Omani tourist visa for 5 OMR (no need for the 30 day visa 20 OMR). This may be the best border to do a visa run from Dubai by car.


Omani Wajaja Border, Source: Google Earth

From Abu Dhabi to Hafeet/Mezyad Border

Oman Check Point:
(Coordinates: 24°0'48"N   55°50'47"E)
Distance between UAE and Oman border station: about 500 metres
Same requirements as other land borders. One may get an Omani visa at this station.  Use this crossing if planning to drive to interior Oman - Ibri/Nizwa and even to Muscat. The interior roads of Oman are much improved in the last couple of years making it a viable route to Muscat. The traffic is minimal on the Oman side until Muscat. Also, use this border if going to Salalah from the UAE.   This border is on the outskirts of Al Ain near Al Hafeet mountain (the only large mountain in the area if needing a landmark to drive toward). It takes about 30-45 minutes to reach from Al Hili area in Al Ain or 30 minutes from the Al Ain Hilton. It's about one hour from Ibri on the Oman side and four hours to Muscat. 

Look for signs toward Mezyad or Sinyayya (industrial area) on the Al Ain side. Otherwise, use Wadi Jizzi or Hatta to take the coast route to Muscat. Hafeet/Mezyad might be the best border to do a UAE visa run from Abu Dhabi and surrounding areas. If you can't get Omani insurance for your car, the immigration may let you take your car just for the visa run; otherwise, it is possible to walk between the border stations as they are about 500 metres apart. Remember if doing a visa run into Oman, visa for arrival for Oman is open to countries from Tier 1 only listed at the end of this post and does exclude India (as I get many questions about that).

Hafeet Border Post (Tel: +968 25662280) 

Truck Driver Backroad from Dubai into Oman

This route is for people that don't need visas but want to save time through border crossings. From Dubai head to Road 44 towards Madam. You will stay on this road heading toward Hatta border for about 45 min to one hour depending on your speed. Before you reach Hatta just after Al Roudha Mountain, there is a roundabout and a Shell station to the right. R/A Coordinates: 24°51'54"N   55°56'40"E. Labeled Al Moot Roundabout on Google Maps but also known as Mahdha.

Make a right at the roundabout and drive into Oman towards Mahdha. This is a desolate desert road with poor lighting. There will be an Omani checkpoint but no visas are issued. Continue on this road to the town of Mahdha; there will be a few turns along the way. At Mahdah, you can turn towards Buraimi or head towards the Wadi Jizzi station and on to Sohar. This cuts off time and distance if the main border posts are crowded.


Personal preferences. For a UAE visa run from Abu Dhabi, I like the Mezyad/Hafeet border. The border stations are close together between Oman & UAE, and if something really goes wrong with the visas/car- you are in Al Ain with hotels and shopping and even an airport instead of the middle of nowhere. 

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Tourist Visa Extensions
How to extend your tourist visa for additional 30 days.

*UPDATE 2013: The Omani weekend officially changed to Friday & Saturday instead of Thurdsay & Friday; therefore all operating days are changed from Sat-Wed to Sun-Thurs.* Also, please note that during Ramadan hours are reduced and most government services close by 2pm during the holy month.


Vocabulary: Tamdeed Tasheera - Visa Extention.  Khatim - Stamp. 


In Muscat

In Muscat, it is fairly straight forward to extend your visa (just bring your passport and credit card). Outside of Muscat at local police stations, you may need to bring a "letter" typed in Arabic explaining what you need. There are many "document clearing" shops that can do this for you.

1. At the Airport: There is an office in the "Departures Area" across from the Costa Coffee (The office is a glass window type against the far wall). It is open between 8 am - 1 pm Sun - Thur ONLY for visa extensions. 20 OMR fee (need credit card) for 30 day extension. 


2. At the main immigration office (maktab jawasat): Coordinates:  23°34'59"N 58°17'8"E

It is located near the airport but on the Golden Tulip Hotel side of the main highway. When you exit for the Airport (coming from Ruwi direction toward Seeb) cross the bridge (do not turn right to the airport at the signal). After crossing the bridge, turn right onto the service road. Go straight through first R/A and then make a left at the second R/A.

Travel about 400-500m and the police gate will be on your right. The passport office is the building behind. The first building is for resident cards. If you don´t speak Arabic ask an Omani in Dishdasha and turban where to go (they are probably company PROs waiting for employee visas and can direct you. The guys working at the info desk do not speak much English.) Open until at least 5 pm (Sun-Thur).  20 OMR fee (the immigration office requests you use a credit card) charged for 30 day extension. There is an application form to fill out. There is a special ladies room that is entered from outside the building at a side door. 



Visa Extension: Civil Status buildings (until 5pm) or Airport (before 1pm)


Other Cities

Go to the main police station. Ask for the immigration office ("wen maktab jawasat") and say that you need to tamdeed your tasheera (extend your visa). If you are extending your visa, do not 'stamp out' of Oman at the Police Station. Sometimes, you may need to have a typing service write up a letter or application before getting the extension  (town by town). Look for document clearing office and ask them to type a letter for you (1 OMR). Most immigration branches of police stations close early by 2pm. Even better if an Omani can accompany you to the police office. This is totally different that the Muscat experience for renewals. 

 Notes:

  • You cannot extend visas at the border posts such as Wadi Jizzi.
Tier 1 Countries - Visa issued upon arrival  
Source: ROP - Royal Oman Police
COUNTRY LISTING 1
European Countries
AndorraEstoniaItalyMonacoSlovenia
AustriaFinlandLatviaNetherlandsSpain
BelgiumFranceLiechtensteinNorwaySweden
BritainGermanyLithuaniaPolandSwitzerland
BulgariaGreeceLuxembourgPortugalVatican
CroatiaHungaryMacedonRumania
Czech Rep.IcelandMaltaSan Marino
DenmarkIrelandMoldovaSlovakia
South American Countries
ArgentinaColombiaUruguay
BoliviaEcuadorVenezuela
BrazilParaguay
ChileSuriname
Other Countries
AustraliaHong KongNew ZealandTaiwan
Brunei Dar al-SalamIndonesiaSeychellesThailand
CanadaJapanSingaporeTunis
CyprusLebanonSouth AfricaTurkey
French GuianaMalaysiaSouth KoreaUnited States

**Transit Visa (for non-Tier 1 country citizens who would like to stay up to three days).
TRANSIT VISA
Divided into two sections
Air transit visa:
To be granted by competent authority at air way passages to expatriate based on application submit by aviation carrier company entitle the holder to enter the country only once and resident for a maximum period of (72) hour provided that he should have enough money to cover his expenses and valid ticket to continue his travel .

Road transit visa:

To granted by Sultanate embassies in coordination with the competent authority and valid for two months, entitle the holder to going transit Sultanate territory to neighbour country through legal way passages identify by this authority during a period not exceeding three days provided that the expatriate is from nationality of neighbour country or holding entry visa to this neighbouring country. Fees: 5 Omani Riyals.

Required attachments:

Submit visa application form typed electronically, approved and stamp by applicant to the competent staff in the Sultanate embassy in UAE or Sultanate embassy in Yemen Republic and type in Arabic language for Arab nationalities and English language for non-Arab. Enclose copy of applicant’s passport valid for a period not less than six months.



 Tourist Visa Oman, Oman tourism, visas oman, coming to oman, arrival in oman, visiting oman, muscat visa, muscat airport visa, travel tips in oman, information muscat

52 comments:

  1. You have done a great help for those how are planing to stay on tourist visa in Oman and also full guideline what to do when you need to extent your visa ...
    simply great ....

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have done great work for tourist.....and also you provide guideline that how you extent your visa.Thanks for info.
    Abu dhabi tourism

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice post its very useful for everyone,Thanks for sharing keep posting oman visa information

    ReplyDelete
  4. great summary. I wasnt able to find anywhere alse such comprehensive information. thank you. Eva

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for great sharing post. Its very comprehensive information for everyone, very important to know about Oman Visa Information

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi this information is truly very helpful. However it is very difficult for a first timer to oman to know about the authorized hotels or tourist company to obtain visas. Is it only through a tourist company or even an authorized Hotel.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for all of the info - very helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for sharing such valuable infortmation.
    Damdama Lake located in Gurgaon is a fabulous place to enjoy your holidays and weekends.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Its good for all thanks for sharing such valuable information.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi...Thanks for sharing this information and your article is so impressive, help full to all regarding online clients.
    Arun Panchariya

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi, i am here in buraimi, and i would like to know if i can go to muscat airport. because my visa here is already 60days. i need to exit. is there any permit to go in muscat?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you have an Omani tourist visa and already extended to 60 days, then it seems you have overstayed the visa and will be charged 10 OMR per day as a fine. Since you are in Burami, there is no way to get to the Muscat airport without stopping at a land border such as Wadi Jizzi which may cause a problem depending on the immigration officer. Instead, you may want to exit out of Oman into Al Ain, pay the fine, then reenter Oman on a 10 day tourist visa to make it to the Muscat airport.

      Delete
  12. Good info. Thanks for making the effort.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for your comprehensive info.

    We (EU citizens) are arriving at AUH airport and plan to cross the border at Hatta (Dubai).
    Do we have to pay for the tourist visa?
    If yes, can we get the Dubai visa somewhere in Dubai before entering Oman?
    BTW, how can one tell on the entry stamp that it is from Abu Dhabi and not Dubai?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment. To the best of my knowledge, you will need to pay for an Omani tourist visa at Hatta if you have a visa from the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The fees would be 5 OMR for up to a 10 day stay and 20 OMR for up to 30 days. The stamp from Abu Dhabi Emirate would have Abu Dhabi indicated on it as a point of entry. Although the UAE is one country, the seven emirates operate somewhat differently each being governed by an emir. To get a Dubai stamp you would need to enter Dubai as your point of entry into the UAE.

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  14. I'm wondering if, after spending sixty days in Oman as a tourist, you can drive over to the UAE, drive back and do it over again? Should be possible once at least?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi there. I received an ban in the UAE and will be traveling to Oman on a visit visa, do you think I will have any problems? Also if I get a visa at Muscat Airport, will I also be able to enter into Al Braimie (I have heard it is no mans land). Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do not know your exact situation but if you are eligible for an Omani on arrival visit visa and granted one, then you should have no problem travelling anywhere in Oman including Al Buraimi. The Omani visit visa will be checked at the Wadi Jizi border station on the drive from Muscat to Al Buraimi.

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  16. I am an indian citizen working in UAE and my UAE resident visa status is Project Manager. Question, can I get an immediate on arrival visa at Muscat airport for my official visits to Oman?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Please see this post from ROP:

    http://www.rop.gov.om/english/dg_pr_visas_agcc.asp.

    I do not know your exact situation, but as a GCC resident with an approved profession, it should be allowed. However, only ROP immigration can make the approval. Otherwise, it seems that you could be eligible for a 3 day transit visa with out an Omani sponsor as long as you have adequate funds.

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  18. Muscat International Airport (formerly Seeb International Airport) is located approximately 32km west of Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. The airport is a hub for the national carrier Oman Air and is the gateway to Oman, improving connections to international destinations like the Gulf, the Middle East, Europe and the Far East.

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  19. Hi, our friend is staying with us for past 7 weeks. Already had extension for 1 month in muscat and visa will now expire within 1 week. She really wants to stay longer, any chance for her to do a visa run to UAE? I have been Reading a lot about expat doing this from UAE to Oman, but is the reverse route also possible and will she get new visa for another month? Appreciating your advice.

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  20. Greetings, this is possible; however, one needs to be from a 'Tier 1' country as defined by ROP in order to qualify for 'visa on arrival'. It is possible to exit by road in burami, hatta or near shinas and then renter oman with a new tourist visa. The shinas border may be easiest. The other option is to fly out to a close city like Dubai and then return. Fly Dubai offers discount fares. The advantage is that with a Dubai stamp in the passport, one may qualify for free visa for Oman as they have tourism cooperation. If one is only staying a day or two over it may be easier to pay the 10 OMR fine per day. Please note that is is the Eid Adha holidays so the public sector offices are shut down, but the borders should be open. Good luck.

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  21. Dear Oman Coast team - thanks very much for your extremely helpful resource. I have a quick question: if I am crossing from UAE to Oman via Hafeet (because we're heading on to Bahla), do we still need to go to Wadi Jizzi first to get Omani visas, or can we get the Omani visa at Hafeet? We're UK citizens resident in Qatar and driving our Qatari registered car. If you could let me know, that would be fantastic. Thanks!

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    1. Yes, this is possible. You may need to show insurance for the vehicle for UAE and Oman coverage though. The directions are not well marked to the border from Al Ain as I remember so you may wish to check it out on the map before you go.

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    2. Sorry, wasnt clear. Yes, this is possible 'to get Omani visa at Hafeet/Mezyad border.'

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  22. Hi, thanks for the swift reply. Really helpful and certainly our friend will appreciate this feedback. She is French hence as per your list this is a tier 1 country hence this should be possible. Actually no one told us, we knew about the UAE route but that this was also possible for Oman is certainly an opportunity. Still one question, we have been living now in Oman for almost 6 months. My husband is working as an expat at major oil company. We always travel to/from Oman by air. Is the road travel as proposed by yourself for this visa renewal safe? I do know that Oman has road safety issues but my main concern is more related to terrorism/kidnapping of western people in remote areas. Is there a security concern in these areas or in general anywhere in Oman. We are still not fully accustomed to the circumstances. Thanking you in advance for your advice.

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    Replies
    1. Hello, the road travel is safe from ' terrorism/kidnapping of western people in remote areas'; at least there have been none so far. Most likely an Omani would stop to help out if someone looked in distress. Really, it is a very safe country and there are few major crimes compared the the population and to other countries. There tends to be aggressive driving especially with tailgating in the left lane, so if you are not used to it maybe stay to the right. You may want to drive during the day the first time to become comfortable with the roads. The borders are not on remote roads. From Muscat, it takes about 3-6 hours to the border depending on speed, traffic, etc. The easiest I find is at the Shinas border because there is only 1 km between Oman and UAE.

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  23. Hi need Some advice, is It true that someone has to work for 6 months in oman before applying for family visa? I was told i can not apply earlier. Already living in country for 3 months.
    Thans you

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    Replies
    1. Greetings,

      Please see similar question answer from the Times of Oman, legal expert below. It appears you must show six months of consecutive salaries before the visa will be granted, but ROP can issue an exception. Could your company help you seek an exception? You could possibly bring them on a tourist visa and have them exit and reenter the country every 60 days until eligible for family visa if from Tier 1 country list.
      ---------------------------
      http://www.timesofoman.com/News/34993/Article-No-ban-period-after-existing-family-visa-is-cancelled-Oman-Legal-Expert

      Q--> I am an expatriate working in Oman for the past one and half years and my family was also with me. Now I have joined a new company. Following my exit from the old company, they cancelled my and family's visas too. Now I am trying to get family visa. But, they are saying there is a ban for six months for the next entry of family. Is it true? Please advise.

      DN

      A --> It is not true that there is any ban on re-entry of dependents once their existing visa is cancelled. However, an employer has to submit evidence showing transfer of salary to the employee's account for a consecutive period of six months before granting residence status to the employee's dependents. Only the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has the power to grant exemption to this rule.

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  24. Hello,
    Your post and all the information was most helpful!!!
    I am planning to renew my visa tomorrow. I will be driving from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain for that reason. Can you tell me which border crossing is walk-able because I plan to drive to Al ain, leave my car to UAE borders, walk to Oman Borders, have the stamp and walk back again to UAE borders.
    Thank you in advance

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    Replies
    1. Greetings, at Al Ain, you may walk into Buraimi; however, there is no Omani visa issuance there in Buraimi. One must travel about 40 km to Wadi Jizzi station on the Oman side. It is possible to take a taxi there and back from the border, but it could be costly. The hatta/wajaja border station is about 8km walk between UAE and Oman. And, the khatam al mallah (shinas) about 1km. You might consider using a taxi once at the borders.

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    2. The Hafeet/Mezyad border may be best for you. It is located just outside the main part of Al Ain past senaiya neat Mt Hafeet. About 40 minutes from Town Centre of Al Ain. Follow signs to Mezyad or Senaiya, or just drive in the direction of Mt Hafeet until you see signs (closer to the border fence the better). Here you can walk across- about 1/2 km.

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  25. Hello, I'm a Canadian visting the Beautiful country of oman, I bought a 30 day tourist visa for 20RO my visa will expire in 6 days, wondering I can renew my visa inside of oman or do I need to leave and reenter thanks for your time

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  26. Yes, you should be able to renew at the airport during business days. There is a window between departures and arrivals for the purpose. It's best to go before 1pm. Otherwise, the immigration and other civil buildings are located near the airport on the Golden Tulip side. It is not easy to navigate to the proper place there to renew inside the complex. You will need to ask an Omani once there. If outside Muscat, go to the ROP station before 1 pm.

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    Replies
    1. Also, I forgot to mention, the immigration in Muscat prefers credit cards to pay for renewals.

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  27. Hello,
    thank you very much for all the information!
    I have one more question: If I stay in Oman for 60 days (30 + 30 extension) and then just stay longer for, let's say, 5 days, will I get any problems when leaving the country or do I just pay the fine at the airport and that's it? Will there be any problems if I wish to travel to Oman again later?
    Or should I do a visa run via Buraimi/ Wadi Jizzi or the Hafeet/Mezyad Border? Can I go back the same day without any problems and get a visa for another 30 days? Do you have any advice if I don't have my own car? I would need public transport from/to Muscat...

    Thank you very much for your help!

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  28. Greetings, It may be fine to overstay but it may not. To be safe and prevent your self from being banned entry you may wish to do a border run. Or, go to the main passport office in Seeb before your visa expires and ask to see a manager and see if you can get assurance it will be no problem. I would say more likely than not it will be ok but 5 days is a longer time than say 1-3 days for overstay. Also, you can get a visa for 10 days instead of 30 if your only staying 5 days with will be 5 OMR instead of 20 OMR.

    It is possible to take a bus for a border run to hatta (it leaves from Ruwi) but its a long trip. You are much better off renting a car for a day to do the border run or doing a taxi share or going in a friends car. You can go back the same day most of the time with no problems subject to the ultimate authority of Oman border police. Be sure to bring cash and a credit card for the border fees. These days I like the Hafeet/Mezyad border and driving the Muscat Nizwa Ibri way there. The roads are redone and fast with little traffic. The Batinnah Highway to Buraimi is full of trucks and tailgaters and Sohar roads are under construction. The border run will take the whole day so if you can do some sight seeing along the way it may make it feel more manageable. Or, fly to Dubai and back. Get a Dubai stamp (the Omani visa will be free). Flydubai has some cheaper fares.

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  29. Thank you very much for your helpful answer!
    I think I will do it like this: I will stay for 30 days, then get an extension for another 30 days, so I will stay in Oman for 60 days without leaving. Then fly to Dubai and from there take a bus to Khasab, Musandam. They should let me in again with the Dubai visa, right? Do have any experience with this border control point? I think it would be a good travel route because I want to see Khasab anyway. From there I could take the boat back to Muscat. Travelling by boat I do not leave Oman, is that correct?
    Thank you again for a quick answer! I need to buy flight tickets this week :)

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  30. Please note the following about Dubai visa from ROP. I am not sure Khasab is valid Dubai visa entry point. You may have to pay the 5 OMR or 20 OMR fee again.

    -->Entry Traveller must arrive in Oman from Dubai (at Al-Wajajah land crossing, or at Muscat airport, or at a seaport).

    -->Dubai visa must still have 21 days valiidity remaining on entry to Oman.
    Passport must be valid for at least 6 months on entry to Oman.
    Visa can be used for a single entry to Oman.

    --->Stay Length of stay in Oman is 21 days.
    If the visitor overstays in Oman, there is a fine of OMR 10.000 for each day of overstay.

    --->Extension/ Renewal The stay in Oman cannot be extended.

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  31. Hello, I am a Nigerian currently residing in Malaysia. I have been in Malaysia for the past Six (6) years even during this Ebola epidemic, i remained in Malaysia. It happened that i got employment as a lecturer with one of the private tertiary institution in Oman (Muscat) shortly before the Ebola, while my Visa processing was on-going, the Ebola epidemic happened, and the school that offered the employment told me that the Omani government (Royal Oman Police) has suspended the issuance of a Visa to Nigerian because of the Ebola. I was informed of this on 11th September, 2014. I later told them that i did not leave Malaysia for the past six (6) years even during and after this Ebola, i remained in Malaysia. Even though they already have the scanned copies of my passport from the beginning to the end , I still re-scanned it from the beginning to the end as a proof along with the letter from Nigeria High Commission here in Malaysia to further strengthen my evidence of not leaving Malaysia both before and after the Ebola epidemic. My school later told me that after re-submitting my application again on 16th September and with the all the evidences provided, still my Visa was not approved. I was informed of this on 12th November. I really need advice concerning this problem . I have been waiting since August 2014. It has really affected my entire plan. The school themselves told me they are helpless, they can’t continue, after keeping me waiting for almost 4months. May i ask if Omani government has lifted the suspension on Nigerian Visa after the World Health Organisation decalared Nigeria as Ebola free country? Has any Nigerian got Visa after the declaration, if yes, how does he/she does it?. I will appreciate any information u could provide 4 me on out to get out of this Visa problem? Thanking u for your understanding, co-operation and in anticipation for ur response. My regards.

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  32. My parents are on oman visit visa, and we are planning to visit Buraimi. Should i obtain NOC letter for my parents from the company?

    From past experience i dont require anything except passport and Resident ID card.

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  33. Hello and first of all thank you for all this helpful information!

    I would like to know whether there is any possibility to buy a bus ticket (e-ticket to print at home) Muscat - Dubai online to be able to show something on arrival at the airport in Muscat that I will leave the country within 30 days. I want to apply for the on arrival tourist visa. I am not planning to use the bus ticket, I want to stay longer in Oman anyways and get an extension. But sometimes airlines do not transport you if you don't fulfil the visa on demand conditions which is having a flight back or another ticket out of the country within the 30 days period. I have had the problem with Lebanon once: Even though it is possible to extend the visa once you are there, the airline did not take me! So I want to be prepared for the Oman journey. I could book a flight out of Oman and not use it, but that would be more expensive of course...

    Thank you for your help!

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    Replies
    1. As you mention, the problem would most likely be with the airline. You could always hold a seat on American or Qatar Air for 24 hr to show the print out of the exit ticket.

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  34. Al Wajajah border post. Horrible experience. 4 hours waiting in a queue just to get a stamp in the passport (some people waited for as much as 6 hours!).

    Zero organisation and assistance from staff. Chief of the border post claimed he doesnt speak english and ignored the complaint.

    Last visit to Oman. Waste of time

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  35. Thank you so much, you have saved me lots of time and research to get my visa extension, providing the GPS co-ordinates especially!!!

    Ben - London

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  36. Hi.. If a person, like from Philippines, wants to come from Dubai to Oman as a visit visa, how much it will cost and is it also upon arrival or?

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    1. Greetings, is the person a resident of the UAE holding valid ID. Then, they could travel to Oman as GCC resident. Otherwise, the Philippines is not listed as a country that visa on arrival is valid for and they would need to obtain a visa prior to arrival. There is an exception for domestic workers travelling with GCC citizens such as housemaids.

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    2. Try the visa wizard link. This should list the options for the person.

      https://evisa.rop.gov.om/web/guest/voa/-/VisaWizardportlet/Start-again

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  37. Hello. I am a Turkish citizen, from a List-1 country, eligible for a visa on arrival. As I am intending to go on a backpacking tour with minimal air usage next year, my desired entry point is Khasab where a ferry service from Qeshm, Iran has been recently started. I am wondering if I can get a visa on arrival at Khasab port, as it's not indicated as an entry port on E-visa site. Can I get a visa on arrival at Khasab ferry port? There's a ferry arriving at Khasab at 10:00 and another departing to Muscat at 13:00. Is it possible to wait inside the port and get the visa upon arrival at Muscat, if Khasab's customs don't issue the visa there?

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