National Ferries Company to connect Bandar Abbas, Qeshm in Iran

Muscat: National Ferries Company (NFC) will operate its first journey to Bandar Abbas and Qeshm in Iran on July 28, coinciding with the Sultanate’s celebrations of the blessed Renaissance Day, said Mehdi bin Mohammed Al Abdawani, CEO of NFC.
Al Abdawani said in a statement to Oman News Agency that the journey will start at the Port of Khasab in the Governorate of Musandam, continuing to Bahonar Port in Bandar Abbas via the Port of Bahman in the island of Qeshm, and operating twice a week for six months on a trial basis.
He added that the starting date was approved for ferry service after a meeting with all parties and official bodies in the Sultanate and Iran.
Further, he pointed out that the executive management of NFC will work to overcome any difficulties or challenges, and fully coordinate with various government agencies to assist citizens and residents travelling to Iran.
Of note, the CEO of NFC said that travel to the Island of Qeshm does not require a visitors’ visa, while visiting the city of Bandar Abbas on board of a ferry requires a visa from the Iranian Embassy in the Sultanate.
He pointed out that there are efforts underway with Iran’s Hormozgan province to discuss the issuing of visas upon arrival at the portfor Omanistravelling to Bandar Abbas.
He added that the journey from Khasab to Qeshm takes one hour and a half, while travelling to Bandar Abbas takes two hours.
He explained that only passengers and goods, but not vehicles, will be allowed on ferries until the completion of a bridge for shipment of vehicles in some Iranian ports.
Al Abdawani said persons wishing to travel on board ferries to Iran must obtain visas and tickets, and communicate with the booking center at NFC.