Oman moves to ease tourist visa restrictions for Indian, Chinese and Russian tourists

Oman's Ministry of Tourism on Tuesday issued a circular to facilitate the granting of unsponsored tourist visas to the nationals of a number of countries.

Travellers from India, China and Russia, who reside in, or hold an entry visa to one of the following countries - United States of America, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Schengen states - are now allowed to obtain non-sponsored tourist visa.

Mohammed Mahmoud Al Zadjali, director general of Investor Services and Quality Management at the Ministry of Tourism said: “This new endeavour to promote Oman as an ideal tourism destination is part of the efforts of the national program to enhance economic diversification and attract more tourism markets around the world.”

He added: “Strategic promotional activities are going to be established in collaboration with the related bodies in the tourism sector to facilitate issuance processes during the peak season, as well as take into cognizance the establishment of several other related services.”

As per the circular, a number of terms and conditions have to be met for the issuance of a visa. The applicant should also have a return ticket and a hotel booking to be granted a one month’s visa, the price of which is OR20.

The visa also allows the applicant to be accompanied by a spouse and his/her children.

Broad-based appeal and a growing reputation as an attractive destination for key markets suggest Oman could comfortably meet its long-term target to attract 11.7 million tourists by 2040, according to a new report.