Oman to reopen its borders on December 29

MUSCAT: The Supreme Committee has decided to lift the ban on entry to and exit from Oman from 12 am on Tuesday, 29 December 2020 as per reports and recommendations of the specialised technical team.

The decision was taken after studying the status of new COVID-19 variant in the affected countries. Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al-Busaidi, Minister of Interior, Chairman of the Supreme Committee, presided over the meeting yesterday.

To protect all members of the society against all COVID-19 variants, the Committee has taken the following decisions: Obtaining a PCR test will be compulsory, before coming to Omanfrom all countries of the world without exception. Quarantine will be imposed again for those arriving on short visits to Oman for less than seven days.

Passenger arriving at the Sultanate’s borders should follow certain procedures. They are: Register in the Tarrasud+ application prior to arrival in Oman. Show a certificate of negative COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival provided that the test has been conducted within a period of not more than 72 hours. It is mandatory to obtain health insurance that covers costs of COVID-19 treatment. Omanis, GCC citizens and those who have free health cards are exempted. Conduct a PCR test upon arrival at the Sultanate’s airports. Wear a tracking hand bracelet at all border outlets, along with commitment to a 7-day quarantine. The tracking bracelet will be removed after completing the quarantine period, provided that no COVID-19 symptoms appear during that period, upon repetition of the PCR test on the eighth day.

Meanwhile, the quarantine period for public and private workers will not be treated as a paid sick leave.

The Supreme Committee urged citizens and residents to avoid travel abroad during the coming period unless it is an extreme necessity.