Schengen visas may be lifted for Omanis
Staff Reporter MUSCAT: Plans are underway to lift visa requirements for Omani and others Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals wishing to visit countries in the Schengen zone of the European Union.
According to Roland Dubertrand, the outgoing French ambassador to Oman, “We are discussing the complete lifting of visas for Omanis and other Gulf citizens to countries of the EU. The visa requirements have already been lifted for citizens of the UAE because they asked before Oman and other Gulf countries; however, the process is ongoing.”
This endeavour is to attract tourists from Oman and GCC. “It’s important for the Schengen countries to attract Omani tourists and professionals, and with Oman there is no problem with immigration or security.”
The ambassador, however, clarified that Omanis still need visas to travel to France, and the visas can be obtained from the VFS Global office located at the Muscat Grand Mall. “We decided to outsource the visa process to VFS Global in November 2016. Their office is located in Muscat Grand Mall so applicants, Omani or otherwise, need not come to the embassy. Under normal conditions, it only takes two to three days to issue visas for Omani nationals. I believe that in 2017 we will deliver around 10,000 visas to people travelling to France from Oman.”
Although figures indicate that travel from Oman to France has been quite stable over the years, the number dropped slightly last year, “In 2015, the figure was at 11,000, but in 2016 it was 7,500. I think because of the economic situation here and the terrorist attacks in France some people were afraid. However, observing the trend during Ramadan and Eid, I really think around 10,000 people will travel to France this year.”