Do Indians Need a Visa for Oman?

Oman’s remarkable mixture of traditional heritage alongside modern urban wonders has made it one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian travellers. Oman offers a unique experience to every traveller with its sprawling desert landscapes, spotless beaches and bustling local marketplaces. However, before Indian citizens embark on this beautiful journey to Oman, they must understand the visa requirements and application process.

In this blog, we will discuss everything there is to know about Oman visas, including the different types of visas, documentation requirements and how to secure an Oman visa. Let’s begin!

Let’s get the most obvious question out of the way. Indian citizens are generally required to obtain a valid visa to enter Oman. However, there are certain exceptions:

Visa-Free Entry – Indian travellers with a valid visa from the US, UK, Canada, Australian, Japanese, or Schengen countries or residence permits can access Oman visa-free for a 14-day period.

E-Visa – A stay exceeding 14 days or any entry that does not match the stated conditions requires travellers to obtain an e-visa ahead of time.

Note: It is important to note that Oman no longer offers visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders.

Also Read:- Why Do Indians Need a Visa for Bhutan?

Different Types of Oman Visas

Oman offers many different types of visas to Indian nationals depending on their reason for travel. Here is a detailed list;

Tourist Visa – A tourist visa is perfect for Indian passport holders who wish to visit Oman for leisure travel, sightseeing, and short visits. A tourist visa allows the travellers to explore the beauty of Oman.

Duration – 10-day (Type 26A), 30-day (Type 26B) and 90-day Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa options.

Business Visa – It is the perfect visa for individuals trying to enter Oman for business meetings, conferences, and other related activities. It allows the visa holder to stay in the country to manage their business interests without actually engaging in full-time employment. Travellers will need an invitation letter from an Oman-based organisation for a business visa.

Duration – Valid for up to 6 months.

Employment Visa – Individuals who have secured employment in an Omani organisation need to secure an employment visa. It is usually valid for the duration of the contract, often renewable annually. For an employment visa, the employer sponsors this visa and allows the candidate to work legally in Oman.

Duration – Typically valid for 2 years.

Student Visa – Issued for foreign students enrolled in Omani educational institutions. Students typically need to secure an acceptance letter from a registered higher education institution in Oman to apply for a student visa.

Duration – Generally issued for the length of the educational program.

Transit Visa – It is a very short-term visa issued for travellers transiting through Oman to an onward destination. Travellers can use the transit visa to briefly explore Oman before heading to their destination.

Duration – Generally valid for up to 72 hours.

Eligibility Criteria for Oman Visa for Indian Citizens

Obtaining a visa involves meeting a lot of eligibility criteria. Here are some of the important criteria one must fulfil to obtain an Oman visa;

Passport Validity – The applicant must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date.

Purpose of Visit – It is important for visa authorities in the destination country to know the purpose of your visit so clearly state and provide evidence for the same.

Financial Means – Applicants need to demonstrate the availability of sufficient funds to cover the stay during the duration of the visa.

No Criminal Record – To be eligible for an Oman visa, applicants need to have a clean legal record.

Return Travel – Possess a return ticket or onward travel documentation.

Accommodation – Proof of accommodation in Oman is also a very important requirement for visa applications.

Also Read:- What is NOC Certificate

Documents Needed an Oman Visa

The specific documents required depend on the type of visa. Nonetheless, here are certain general documents that the candidates need to provide when applying for an Oman visa;

Scanned copies of the first and last pages of the passport.

Recent passport-sized photo with a white background.

Completed and signed visa application form.

Travel Itinerary containing details about flight bookings and a complete breakdown of the travel plans.

Accommodation proof such as the hotel reservations or invitation letter from a host.

Financial proof like recent bank statements to prove you can financially support your stay in Oman.

Depending on the visa type candidates may need to provide additional documents like employment letters, admission letters, or sponsor details may be required.

The Procedure for Oman Visa Application

The process of applying for an Oman visa is pretty straightforward. Here is a detailed step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for an Oman visa;

Determine Visa Type – First of all, determine what type of visa you need to apply for to match the purpose of your visit. In that respect, Oman offers a variety of visas such as tourist visas, business visas, student visas, transit visas, etc. It is important when choosing the correct category to avoid any issues later in the process.
Online Application – Go to the official Oman e-Visa website. This is the official website through which you will be able to apply for your visa. Be sure to be in the right portal for your application procedure in order not to fall victim to scams. You can also apply offline through a visa service provider.
Create an Account – You will need to use a valid email address to create an account on the portal. This account will ensure that your progress is saved. it also ensures that you will be getting the updates and can track the status of your visa application.
Fill Out the Application Form – Carefully fill in the required fields of the online application including your personal details, your passport data, your dates of visit and the reason for the trip. Double-check all entries for accuracy.
Upload Required Documents – After filling out the form, upload a scanned copy of your passport, a recent photograph, and any other documents based on the visa category applied for. Ensure that the given files are in the right format and the size is within the required size limits.
Pay Visa Fee – Once the documents are uploaded, pay the pre-determined visa using an online payment method. The fee varies depending on the type of visa.
Submit Application – Review all the information entered and once satisfied with it, apply for the visa.
Track Application Status – You may check on the status of your visa application at any given time after using the account you created.
Download and Print e-Visa – After receiving the confirmation, you can download and print out the e-visa. It is advisable to travel with a copy so as to present it at the time of immigration.

Things to Consider While Applying for Oman Visa

Processing Time – The visa processing time varies generally depending on the type of visa so start the application well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Accuracy – The information provided in all the documents should be accurate and match with one another to avoid any delays or rejections.

Validity – Each visa category comes with a different validity period. Adhere to the allowed duration to avoid overstaying and other legal issues.

Extensions – Some visas are applicable for extension. You will need to apply for the extension before the current visa expires.

Travel Insurance – Although not compulsory, it is highly recommended to obtain travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances.

Conclusion

Being a Middle Eastern country, Oman has always been famous for its rich culture and history for Indian tourists. But, in order not to have any complications, one has to make sure he or she knows how they go about getting an Oman visa and get every required document that may be needed ready beforehand. There are several measures that, if taken in advance, can help a visitor avoid all these problems and truly enjoy the charm of Omani hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Indian citizens obtain a visa on arrival in Oman?

No, the visa-on-arrival service is no longer available to Indian citizens in Oman. All travellers are required to acquire suitable legal visas before they embark on a trip.

What is the cost of an Oman Visa for Indian citizens?

The exact cost of an Oman visa depends on the type of visa and certain other varying factors. It is recommended to contact the Oman embassy or a visa service provider for an exact cost.

How long does it take to process an Oman visa?

Generally, it may take anywhere between 7-10 working days. However, it’s advisable to apply at least 15 days before the intended travel date to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Can I get an e-visa for Oman?

Yes, Indian passport holders can apply for an e-visa to visit Oman.

Can I extend my stay in Oman beyond the visa validity?

Some visas, like the 30-day tourist visa, can be extended once for an additional 30 days. However, it is important to apply for an extension before the current visa expires.