Planning a trip to Oman in 2026 usually starts with one question: do you need a visa, and if so, how do you get one? For most nationalities the answer is a straightforward online application through the Royal Oman Police (ROP) eVisa portal, while a large number of travellers can now enter visa-free for short stays. This guide walks through who needs a tourist visa, the visa types and durations, current fees, how to apply, and practical tips for visitors.
Who needs a tourist visa for Oman?
Oman has significantly relaxed its entry rules in recent years, so many visitors do not need to apply for anything in advance. Whether you need an eVisa depends on your nationality and, in some cases, your residency status in another country.
Visa-free 14-day entry
Citizens of more than 100 countries and territories can enter Oman without a visa for tourism stays of up to 14 days. This unconditional group includes nationals of countries such as Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, among many others. If you qualify, you simply arrive with a valid passport and the standard supporting documents (covered below) and receive entry at the port of arrival.
Conditional visa-free nationalities
Some nationalities can still benefit from visa-free or on-arrival entry, but only if they meet an extra condition. Typically this means holding a valid visa or residence permit for the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, a Schengen country or Japan, or holding GCC residency in an approved profession. Nationals of countries such as India, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Vietnam commonly fall into this conditional category, so check your eligibility on the official portal before booking.
GCC nationals and GCC residents
Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — do not require a visa to enter Oman. Residents of those countries have also had their entry conditions eased: GCC residents in most professions can obtain an eVisa or, in many cases, enter on arrival. As a rule of thumb you should hold a residence permit valid for at least three months and a passport valid for at least six months. A short list of job categories — such as housekeepers, private drivers, students and dependants — may face restrictions, so confirm your specific case before travelling.
Oman tourist eVisa types, durations and fees
If you are not visa-exempt, the ROP issues several unsponsored tourist eVisas. The main options and their current fees, paid online in Omani Rial (OMR), are:
- 10-day single-entry tourist visa — a stay of up to 10 days, non-extendable. Fee: OMR 5 (roughly USD 13).
- 30-day single-entry tourist visa — a stay of up to 30 days, extendable once for a further 30 days. Fee: OMR 20 (roughly USD 52).
- 1-year multiple-entry tourist visa — valid for one year, with each individual visit capped at 30 days. Fee: OMR 50 (roughly USD 130).
- GCC-resident eVisa — aimed at residents of other Gulf states in approved professions, typically a single entry of up to about 28 days, extendable by a short period. Fee: OMR 5 (roughly USD 13).
The Omani Rial is pegged to the US dollar, so the dollar equivalents above stay broadly stable. Always confirm the exact fee shown at checkout, as the portal charges in OMR and figures can be adjusted.
How to apply on the ROP eVisa portal
The only official channel is the Royal Oman Police portal at evisa.rop.gov.om. Many third-party sites advertise Oman visas at inflated prices, so applying directly is cheaper and safer. The process is straightforward:
- Create an account on the ROP eVisa portal and select the visa type that matches your trip.
- Complete the application form with your personal and passport details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Upload the required documents, including a scan of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo.
- Pay the fee online by debit or credit card in OMR.
- Wait for approval, then download and print your eVisa to present on arrival.
Processing is often near-instant but can take up to around three business days, so apply at least a few days before departure rather than at the last minute.
Documents and requirements
Whether you enter visa-free or on an eVisa, immigration officers generally expect the same core evidence that you are a genuine short-term visitor:
- A passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
- A confirmed hotel booking or proof of accommodation.
- A return or onward air ticket.
- Travel or health insurance covering your stay.
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your trip.
If you are budgeting for daily expenses once you arrive, our Muscat cost-of-living guide breaks down typical prices for accommodation, food and transport.
Tips for visitors
A few practical points make the process smoother. First, keep both a printed and a digital copy of your eVisa, and make sure the passport you travel on is the same one used in the application. Second, remember that overstaying carries daily fines, so track your entry date carefully — especially on the 10-day visa, which cannot be extended.
If you plan to explore beyond Muscat, timing matters: the far south around Salalah transforms during the summer monsoon season, and our guide to the Salalah Khareef covers when to go and what to expect. Many visitors also rent a car to reach wadis, forts and mountain roads at their own pace; if you intend to drive, review the rules for foreign licences in our Oman driving licence guide before you set off. Finally, Oman is a conservative country, so pack modest clothing for towns and religious sites, and be prepared for hot summers if you travel between May and September.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my Oman tourist eVisa?
It depends on the type. The 10-day single-entry visa is non-extendable, while the 30-day single-entry visa can be extended once for a further 30 days. The 1-year multiple-entry visa is not extended but allows repeat visits of up to 30 days each within its validity.
How long does the ROP eVisa take to process?
Approval is often issued almost immediately, but the Royal Oman Police advises it can take up to about three business days. To be safe, apply several days before you travel and carry a printed copy of the approved eVisa.
Do GCC residents need a visa to visit Oman?
Many GCC residents in approved professions can now enter on arrival or obtain an eVisa based on their residency, provided their residence permit is valid for at least three months and their passport for at least six months. A limited set of job categories may face restrictions, so confirm your eligibility on the official ROP portal first.
