Oman eases visa rules for tourists from Russia, India and China to boost tourism

Oman has relaxed its visa rules to attract more tourists from Russia, India and China.

Omani authorities have announced that some Indian, Chinese and Russian nationals will be allowed to obtain a non-sponsored tourist visa for Oman.

A statement issued by Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) read, “All passengers from India, China and Russia, who reside in or hold an entry visa to one of the following countries (United States of America, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Schengen states) are allowed to obtain non-sponsored tourist visa to enter Oman as per the applied terms and conditions of the authorities.”

An additional circular from OAMC added that the spouse and children of the visa holder would also be allowed to enter Oman while accompanying them.

The visa will cost OMR20 and be valid for one month. Applicants must also have a return ticket and confirmed hotel reservation to be granted the visa.

Describing this as an extremely pro-active step by the government, Wasim Zaidi, general manager—Oman, Jet Airways, said this will help inbound travel to grow during these challenging times. “This will be successful if it is efficiently marketed in the Gulf, India, Russia and China and various other locations in the world,” he said.

Expand economy

Firas Rashid, director of Sales and Marketing, Anantara Jabal Akhdar, said: “I think this is a move many people in the hospitality sector are waiting for. The Ministry of Tourism has made this one of the areas for Oman to expand its economy and if you look at Russia, India and China, these are three of the countries with the largest growing portion of travellers.”

“It’s not just package tours that these people are looking for now, but luxury travel as well, because they have the ability to spend, so this is a great way to showcase Oman’s culture and heritage to people who may not have heard much about this country. But what needs to be done now is put Oman in the brochures in these areas because they have not heard of Oman. Oman Air could also have better connectivity with these countries so that more people come here. I am actually travelling to Russia on business soon so this will be a very good thing to mention,” Rashid said. 

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