Rules relaxed on multiple entry visas
New rules allow investors, tourists more time to scout Oman and spend money giving a boost to the economy
MUSCAT: Oman is relaxing its rules on multiple entry visas for certain countries in an effort to boost the economy.
As of July 20, people travelling from 38 countries to the Sultanate can now stay for three months at a time, rather than just three weeks.
Government officials hope the benefits of the extension to the visa will be two-fold — allowing investors more time to scout the country and giving tourists more time to spend money here.
Business leaders welcomed the news as a potential shot-inthe-arm to Oman but expats from India and other neighbouring million Omani rial was earned by Oman from inbound tourism, according to the government’s web portal countries — currently not included in the approved country list — feel they should also be allowed the benefit.
Inbound tourism to Oman in 2015 generated OMR250.9 million, according to the statistics from government web portal.
That’s almost double the income recorded in 2005, reflecting the growth in demand for Omani tourism.
A third of travellers to Oman come for leisure and the rest for business, according to the official government statistics.
Tourists and investors alike faced fines under the old system, where they were allowed to stay for just 21 days on a first trip under the multiple entry visa.
The new three-month multiple visa means they can stay for two three-month periods within a year.
A media spokesman for the Royal Oman Police confirmed that the new rule was introduced on July 20 and anyone applying from a country on Oman’s Country list 1 would be able to obtain it, at a cost of OMR50.
Some 38 countries’ citizens are eligible for the new visa, including, the UK, most of central Europe, Ireland and parts of eastern Europe. India, Bangladesh and the Philippines citizens can apply for the extended visa but require a sponsor in Oman.
The decision was issued via the Ministry of Legal Affairs official website on July 19. There is no change in the cost.
“It was quite difficult for some visitors coming through multientry visa to finish their things in 21 days,” said the ROP officer, adding that the extending decision will enable such visitors to avoid paying fines in case they exceed the 21-day limit.