Oman eases visa curbs for expatriates from more countries

Muscat: Foreigners from more countries can now enter Oman on a year-long tourist visa, provided that their stay in Oman does not exceed one month at a time.
The privilege has now been extended to 68 countries, including 39 European nations, 10 South American countries, besides 19 other states.
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Moreover, additional countries have been added to this list, provided that the citizens of these nations have a visa to enter the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, or have a Schengen Convention State visa.
The move is expected to boost the Omani economy by allowing tourists and foreign investors to spend more time in the country, along with strengthening the service sector.
Brigadier General Hilal Al Busaidi, Director General of Passports and Residency, made the announcement recently.
He said that eligible foreigners can apply for a tourist visa through the ROP website (www.evisa.rop.gov.com) or upon arrival at designated locations.
Foreigners should present a passport that remains valid for more than six months.
Al Busaidi added that the new tourist visa, valid for one year, would cost OMR50.
He said there have been some amendments to the executive regulations of the law on the residence of foreigners recently, and that these changes still had to be ratified by the Inspector General of Police.
Al Busaidi said that the visa is to be granted to eligible foreigners, without a local sponsor. Moreover, a foreigner can apply for a tourist visa valid for one month for OMR20. e-service boost Al Busaidi also announced that online registrations would include fast visas, along with tourist visas.“The Royal Oman Police has completed the second phase of the electronic visa process to include guaranteed tourist visas and fast visas.
This will help the immediate completion of visas through access to the ROP website, without having to visit a service building. This is a quantum leap in the way of service delivery,” said Al Busaidi. “This is in line with the ROP’s approach to achieve the strategic objectives of enhancing and facilitating the services provided, through a clear methodology.
This is aimed at improving the services offered to both citizens and residents. It will open wider horizons in the electronic transformation of all services provided by the ROP,” he added.