In a few recent years, many middle eastern countries have relaxed their visa rules. Tourism in these countries has always prospered and will now prosper even more. Oman is one such middle eastern country that is amending its travel laws. They are inviting more people to visit as these countries have a beautiful heritage.
Royal Oman Police has announced a new visa policy. Now people traveling to Oman can stay there for an entire month multiple times on a one-year visa. The earlier stay limit was three weeks. Royal Oman Police made these changes in the Foreigner Residency Law of Oman. A representative from the Royal Oman Police said that any visitor holding a one-year visa could visit the sultanate more than once a year.
The newly implemented one-month stay can be extended, but the decision completely depends on the Royal Oman Police. However, the government expects the person not to violate liberty and leave the country if an extended stay isn’t granted.

New visa rules relax travel regulations.
The sultanate will now grant a one-month visa to anyone who wants to visit the country for travel. The competent authority will also grant the visitors permission to visit any of its ports in other countries around the world.
A couple of days ago, Royal Oman Police announced a non-sponsored e-visa for 25 countries. Some countries include the United States of America, Canada, Cuba, Georgia, Mexico, Schengen countries, and the United Kingdom. However, one rule every visitor must abide by is having a confirmed two-way ticket and hotel reservation in Oman. He should also hold a passport with more than six months to expire.
This e-visa that will also last for a month costs OMR20 or $2.6.
Oman Visa Relaxed For Tourists Coming From India, China, and Russia
Tourists from India, Russia, and China will have a better time visiting Oman now. The Omani authorities have relaxed the rules for dispensing visas to tourists from the three countries.
The Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC) stated that tourists from Russia, India, and China who reside in or hold an entry visa to either USA, UK, Australia, Canada, or Schengen states could apply for non-sponsored tourist visas. These visas will be subject to the terms and conditions of Omani authorities. Having prior hotel reservations and return tickets are essential before the visas can be issued.
The cost of these non-sponsored visas is 20 Omani rials. The visas are valid for a month. The visitors can bring their spouses and children on this visa for the duration of their visit to Oman.
Tourism has made it on the radar of the Omani authorities. Approximately 3 million visitors entered the Omani state in 2016. This figure has risen substantially from 2.47 million visitors to the country in 2015, thanks to Indian tourists. Subsequently, Oman is promoting Muscat as a prime destination for tourists looking for a mix of environmental beauty and a luxurious experience. As a part of its strategy, it has recently launched a campaign to promote its brand, specifically targeting India.

Going further and digitizing processes
Digitization of systems is also high on Oman’s agenda. It is upgrading the process to start issuing e-visas for 67 countries. This ought to make the procedure hassle-free and encourage people to choose Oman as the preferred tourist destination.
This does not come as a surprise, though, since UAE implemented ‘visas on arrival’ for high profile individuals from the UK, US, Russia, and China. Consequently, it saw a huge influx of tourists from those countries. The trend is a welcome relief to hundreds and thousands of tourists looking to escape the daily churn.
Oman Relaxes Visa Rules For Expats
Oman just introduced a new tourist visa to boost international tourism. Oman has started a one-year multiple-entry tourist visa, but those who have these cannot stay in Oman for more than a month longer. It was available earlier to a few countries, but Oman has extended the visa privilege to 68 other countries. These countries include 10 South American countries, 39 European countries, and 19 other existing countries.
This move will boost Oman’s economy through international tourism. It will increase the number of business people, foreign investors, and tourists visiting the Arabic nation. It will also boost the country’s service sector. Brigadier General Hilal Al Busaidi, Director General of Passports and Residency, announced the news only recently. Visitors can either apply for the tourist visa online or at the visa-on-arrival counter at any international Oman airport.
All the tourists need to show their passport, which has a validity of at least six months. Al Busaidi also said that the one-year tourist visa would cost OMR50. He also announced that there are certain changes to the residency of foreigners but need to be ratified by the Inspector General of Police before making an official announcement.

Newly implemented electronic visa
The Royal Oman Police just finished the second phase of the electronic visa. Oman has started a one-month tourist visa that costs OMR20. Online registration will fasten the visa process. Any foreign national can get an e-visa without visiting a visa processing unit or embassy in their country. You can complete the visa application on the Royal Oman Police website. This move will strengthen Royal Oman Police’s electronic transformation in all different sectors.
Oman is one of the six Gulf Council Countries and has a long Arabian Sea coastline. Muscat is Oman’s capital. It is most popular for its Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Muttrah quarter.
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