Oman welcomed over 3 million international visitors in 2025, drawn by its dramatic mountains, pristine coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you plan to explore the ancient forts of Nizwa, dive the Daymaniyat Islands, or camp under the stars in the Wahiba Sands, you will need to understand the visa rules before you travel. This guide covers every type of Oman tourist visa, the fees, the application process, and the documents you need to enter the Sultanate.
Do You Need a Visa for Oman?
Oman operates a tiered entry system. Citizens of 103 countries can enter without a prior visa for short stays. Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states enjoy full freedom of movement. Everyone else must obtain a visa before travelling.
The main options for tourists are:
- Visa-free entry – up to 14 days for 103 nationalities (no application required)
- e-Visa – single or multiple entry, applied for online before travel
- Visa on Arrival – available at some entry points, though the e-Visa is recommended
GCC residents from approved professions can also apply for a separate GCC Resident e-Visa at a reduced fee.
Oman Tourist Visa Types and Fees
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) issues three main tourist e-Visa categories. All fees are payable by credit or debit card during the online application.
| Visa Type | Entries | Validity | Stay Allowed | Fee (OMR) | Approximate Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26A – Short Tourist | Single | 30 days | Up to 10 days | 5 OMR | ~3 |
| 26B – Standard Tourist | Single | 30 days | Up to 30 days | 20 OMR | ~2 |
| 36A – Multi-Entry Tourist | Multiple | 1 year | Up to 30 days per entry | 50 OMR | ~30 |
| GCC Resident e-Visa | Single | 30 days | Up to 28 days | 5 OMR | ~3 |
Citizens of New Zealand and South Korea receive their e-Visa free of charge. Some nationalities (Brunei, New Zealand) are issued visas valid for three months rather than the standard 30 days.
Which Visa Type Should You Choose?
- Short city break or stopover – Type 26A (10-day stay, lowest fee)
- Two-to-four week holiday – Type 26B (30-day stay, most popular)
- Multiple trips within a year – Type 36A (multiple entry, best value for frequent visitors)
- GCC resident visiting Oman – GCC Resident e-Visa (reduced 5 OMR fee)
How to Apply for an Oman Tourist e-Visa
The entire application is completed online through the official Royal Oman Police e-Visa portal. There is no need to visit an embassy or consulate.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official portal at evisa.gov.om
- Create an account with a valid email address
- Select your nationality and the visa type (26A, 26B, or 36A)
- Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
- Upload a colour passport-style photograph (white background)
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio-data page
- Enter your travel dates and accommodation details
- Pay the visa fee by credit or debit card
- Submit the application
- Wait for approval – most applications are processed within 24 to 48 hours
- Download and print the approved e-Visa
Important: Carry a Printed Copy
Oman immigration requires a printed hard copy of your e-Visa. Digital copies on phones or tablets are not accepted at the border. Print at least two copies and keep one with your passport and one in your hand luggage.
Oman Visa on Arrival
Tourists from eligible countries can obtain a visa on arrival at major Omani airports and land border crossings. However, the Royal Oman Police strongly recommends applying for an e-Visa in advance to avoid queues and potential delays at immigration.
Entry Points That Issue Visa on Arrival
Airports:
– Muscat International Airport (MCT)
– Salalah Airport (SLL)
– Duqm Airport (DQM)
– Sohar Airport (OHS)
Land Border Crossings:
– Hatta (Al Wajajah) – Oman-UAE border
– Al Ain – Oman-UAE border
– Khatmat Malaha – Oman-UAE border
– Tibat – Oman-Saudi Arabia border
– Al Mazyunah – Oman-Yemen border
Note: Not all land crossings have electronic visa processing. The e-Visa applied for online in advance is valid at all entry points and is the most reliable option.
Passport and Document Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Oman. This is strictly enforced – airlines may deny boarding if your passport does not meet this requirement.
Documents to Carry
- Valid passport (minimum six months validity)
- Printed e-Visa approval (two copies)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
- Travel insurance covering the duration of your stay
- Sufficient funds for your visit (credit cards accepted)
- For children: individual passport and individual e-Visa
How Long Can You Stay in Oman?
The maximum stay depends on your visa type:
- Visa-free entry: 14 days, no extension possible
- Type 26A: 10 days, no extension possible
- Type 26B: 30 days, extendable once at ROP offices
- Type 36A: 30 days per entry (multiple entries over one year)
- GCC Resident e-Visa: 28 days
Extending Your Stay
If you hold a Type 26B visa and wish to stay longer, you can apply for a single extension at any Royal Oman Police office. Apply before your current visa expires. Type 26A and visa-free entries cannot be extended – you must leave Oman and re-enter if you wish to return.
Overstay Penalties
Overstaying your visa is taken seriously in Oman. The fine is 10 OMR per day (approximately 6 USD) for each day beyond your permitted stay. Repeated overstays can result in a ban on future entry.
Traveling to Oman with Children
Every child, regardless of age, must have their own individual passport and their own e-Visa to enter Oman. There are no fee exemptions for children – the same visa fees apply as for adults.
Additional Requirements for Minors
- Children travelling with one parent may need a notarised consent letter from the absent parent
- Children travelling with guardians should carry a letter of authorisation from both parents
- Unabridged birth certificates are recommended as supporting documentation
Transit Without Visa
Passengers transiting through Muscat International Airport who remain in the transit area and hold a confirmed onward ticket can stay for up to 6 hours without a visa. If you wish to leave the airport during a longer layover, you will need a valid visa.
Oman Tourist Visa for Non-Tourist Purposes
The tourist e-Visa (types 26A, 26B, 36A) is strictly for tourism. If you plan to work, study, volunteer, or conduct business in Oman, you must apply for the appropriate visa category through an Omani embassy or consulate. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and a ban.
Vaccination Requirements
Oman does not require vaccinations for most visitors. However, if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the latest list of yellow fever risk countries on the TravelHealthPro website before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Oman tourist visa on arrival?
Yes, citizens of many countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Omani airports and some land borders. However, the Royal Oman Police recommends applying for an e-Visa online in advance at evisa.gov.om to avoid queues and ensure smooth entry.
How much does an Oman tourist visa cost?
The most common tourist e-Visa (Type 26B) costs 20 OMR (~2 USD) for a 30-day single-entry stay. The short-stay Type 26A costs 5 OMR (~3 USD) for up to 10 days. A multiple-entry 36A valid for one year costs 50 OMR (~30 USD).
How long does it take to get an Oman tourist visa?
Most e-Visa applications are processed within 24 to 48 hours. During peak travel seasons, processing may take up to 5 business days. Apply at least one week before your travel date to allow for any delays.
Do I need to print my Oman e-Visa?
Yes. Oman immigration requires a printed hard copy of your e-Visa. Digital copies on phones or tablets are not accepted. Print at least two copies before you travel.
Can I extend my Oman tourist visa?
The Type 26B (30-day) visa can be extended once at any Royal Oman Police office in Oman. The Type 26A (10-day) visa and visa-free entries cannot be extended. Apply for the extension before your current visa expires.
What happens if I overstay my Oman tourist visa?
The penalty is 10 OMR per day (approximately 6 USD) for each day you overstay. Prolonged overstays can result in detention, deportation, and a ban on re-entering Oman.
Do children need their own Oman visa?
Yes. Every child needs an individual passport and an individual e-Visa. The same fees apply as for adults. There are no age-based exemptions.
Which countries are exempt from Oman tourist visa requirements?
Citizens of 103 countries can enter Oman without a visa for up to 14 days. GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar) enjoy freedom of movement with no visa or time limit. Russian and Turkish citizens can visit for up to 30 days without a visa.
Can I work in Oman on a tourist visa?
No. The tourist e-Visa is for tourism only. Working, studying, or volunteering on a tourist visa is illegal in Oman and can lead to deportation and future entry bans. Apply for the appropriate work or business visa through an Omani embassy.
Is Oman safe for tourists?
Oman is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East for tourists. It consistently ranks highly on the Global Peace Index. Petty crime is rare, and the Omani authorities take tourist safety seriously.
