Update for travelers to Oman

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Oman has implemented changes that affect certain foreign visitors and expatriates living in the region.

Travelers entering Oman from the United Arab Emirates have reported long wait times, even if they have applied for an online e-visa. This may affect foreign residents living in the UAE who do visa runs into Oman. Though the practice is discouraged, some foreign residents who urgently need to renew a visa cross the border into Oman by land and immediately return to the UAE, thus extending their visa or visa on arrival.

Expatriate residents who want to benefit from expedited immigration clearance by using e-gates at the Muscat International Airport should be aware that if they renew their passport, they must have their new passport updated with their visa information. The foreign resident must go to the Directorate General of Passport & Residence to have the visa page transferred to their new passport or the e-gates will deny them access.

Analysis & Comments: To avoid travel delays, foreign travelers should be aware of the long queues at the UAE-Omani border and of the need to transpose their visas into a new passport if they are using e-gates.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.