June 13, 2018 TnH Global 0

Oman simplifies Visa on Arrival norms for Indian travellers

Oman has relaxed its visa rules to attract more tourists by granting visa on arrival (un-sponsored tourist visa) for the citizens of India who reside in or who hold an entry visa to one of these countries – United States of America, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan and Schengen States to enter the Sultanate of Oman. Oman visa on arrival can also be availed by the spouse (husband/wife) and children of the visa holder of any of these 6 mentioned countries as long as they are accompanying him/her, even if they do not hold a visa from these countries.

Terms and conditions to apply for Visa on Arrival in Oman

The applicant shall hold a passport valid for not less than six months from the date of expiry
The applicant shall have a return ticket and a confirmed hotel reservation in order to be granted the visa
The applicant for the Omani Tourist visa shall be a resident in or holding an entry visa to one of the following countries (Unites States of America, Canada, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom and Schengen States) provided that his/her residence or visa in these countries is valid upon filling the visa document
The visa shall be granted for a period of one month against a fee amounting to OMR 20
The competent authority may prohibit the citizens of these countries who meet the terms and conditions for obtaining a visa from entering the Sultanate if the public interest so requires
Any person who avails of such a visa facilitation and breached the regulations will be blacklisted and prohibited from entering the Sultanate of Oman and will be compelled to pay fines in accordance with the terms and provisions for the Foreigner’s Residence Law and the Executive Regulations thereof

Travellers must log on to the website and pre apply for the e- visa on https://evisa.rop.gov.om/en/visa-eligibility

Talking about the relaxed norms, Daniel D’souza- Head of Sales, India & NRI Markets & E-Commerce, SOTC said, “This strategic initiative is perfectly timed given Oman’s strong growth in demand from the Indian market. With Oman being a city of culture and development, relaxed visa rules for Indians travelling to Oman who reside in or hold an entry visa to any one of these countries — US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan and Schengen States will surely accentuate tourism in the state. Places like Muscat, Salasah, Khasbah of the Middle East region offer shopping, heritage, culture and hospitality. Oman is fast emerging as a popular destination with Indians and this new rule will help increase its demand. We are positive that this move will further help enhance tourism within this stunning country.”

While, Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa & Passport Services, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd said, “We welcome Oman Tourism’s move of relaxed visa rules for Indians travelling to Oman who reside in or hold an entry visa to any one of these countries — US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan and Schengen States. Oman has always been a popular destinations with our customers, across all segments and business verticals, at Thomas Cook India. The new age Indian traveller is charmed by the diversity of attractions offered by this fast-paced metropolis, its rich natural beauty, warm people and hospitality, souks, cuisine, and spa-wellness, we have witnessed growth in demand for holiday bookings to Oman. Easy access and connectivity offers strong potential for short getaways to Oman and this is fuelling demand from Gen Y and young professionals, equally India’s corporate travellers. Bleisure trips too are witnessing uptake. We are confident that this move will help further boost tourism.”