Oman Defends New Tourist Visa System, Ahead Of Its Introduction On March 21

Omani authorities have defended the country’s new visa system which is due to be introduced later this month, following criticism that it could undermine the country’s tourism industry and the wider economy by making it harder for tourists and business visitors to come to the country.

In a tweet on February 18, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) announced a new system for visitors, with all applications for tourist visas having to be made in advance through an online process, from March 21 onwards. The current system, in which nationals of some 68 countries can get a visa on arrival, is to be scrapped. “Applications for tourism visa… will not be received at the visa service desks,” the ROP announced.

In a subsequent statement, the ROP has defended the new process, saying “the new online visa system is intended to facilitate and ease the process for tourists traveling to Oman and reduce the waiting time at the arrival terminal.”
Rendering of the new terminal at Muscat International Airport, which is due to accept its first flights on March 20, 2018, with the air traffic control tower in the background. (Image: Oman Airports Management Company)

Waiting times under the existing system – under which visas are issued on arrival – are estimated by the ROP to average around 30 minutes, although they can be far shorter.

The new system will mean that any visitor to Oman will have to apply for a visa before they arrive in the country. This, says the ROP, means the arrival process will be simpler and quicker.

“The overall objective of our new system is encourage more tourism to the country rather than to put restrictions [in place]… This development is in line with the government's overall strategy for encouraging tourism to the country.”

However, local businesses have expressed concern that some potetial visitors may be put off. The ROP says it accepts there might be some difficulties at first and that “some people will arrive without applying online due to various reasons” but it insists these people “will not be rejected or denied entering the country”.