Oman Tourist Visa: Types, Cost, and How to Apply

Oman is one of the most rewarding places to visit in the Gulf, with quiet beaches, high mountains, old forts, and a calm pace that suits both first-time and returning travellers. For most nationalities, the first practical step is a tourist visa. The good news is that the process has become much simpler in recent years, and most eligible travellers now apply online before they fly. This guide explains the visa types, the cost, the documents you need, and how to apply, so your trip starts without surprises.

Do you need a visa for Oman?

Most nationalities need a visa to enter Oman for tourism, but the rules depend on your passport. Some nationalities can apply online in advance, some can get a visa on arrival, and travellers from the GCC have a simpler route. A smaller group is exempt for short stays. Because the eligible lists change from time to time, check your own nationality on the official Royal Oman Police (ROP) eVisa portal before you book, rather than relying on older advice.

The main types of tourist visa

Short-term visa. The most common option, usually valid for a single entry of 10 days or 30 days. It suits a one-off holiday or a short visit.

Multiple-entry visa. Valid for a longer period, often up to one year, and lets you enter and leave several times, with a maximum stay per visit (commonly 30 days). This suits people who travel to Oman more than once in the year.

GCC route. GCC citizens, and many residents of GCC countries who meet the conditions, can enter Oman with a simplified visa or, in some cases, with no visa at all. If you are coming from within the Gulf, see our guide to obtaining an Oman visa for Gulf residents.

Visa on arrival. Certain eligible nationalities can get their visa at the airport or a land or sea border. This is convenient, but confirm your nationality is on the current list before you travel, because it can change.

How much does it cost?

Fees depend on the visa type, its length, and your nationality. As a guide, a short-term visa (10 or 30 days) usually costs in the region of OMR 5 to 20, and a multiple-entry visa costs more. There may be a small extra charge for paying online. These figures move over time, so treat them as a rough range and confirm the current fee on the ROP portal when you apply.

Documents you will need

The requirements are straightforward for most travellers. You will need a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry, a recent passport-style photo, and usually a confirmed return or onward ticket and proof of where you are staying. Some applicants are asked for proof of funds or travel insurance. Having these ready before you start the form makes the application quick.

How to apply, step by step

For most nationalities the process is online and takes only a short time if your documents are ready. First, check your nationality and the right visa type on the ROP eVisa portal. Next, complete the form with your passport details and upload your photo and passport page. Then pay the fee by card and submit. You will receive the visa by email once it is approved, usually within a few working days, and you print it or keep it on your phone to show on arrival. Apply a week or two before travel so a delay never puts your trip at risk.

Staying longer, or turning a visit into a move

A tourist visa is for a visit, not for work or long-term living. Many people visit Oman, like it, and then look at how to stay. If that is you, there are proper routes. You can read about converting a tourist visa into a residence permit in Oman, and if you are thinking about investing to gain residency, our guide to the minimum investment for a golden visa explains the options. Passing through on your way elsewhere is different again, and is covered in our guide to the Oman transit visa.

When to go and where you arrive

Most visitors arrive by air at Muscat International Airport, and there are also flights into Salalah in the south, which is popular in the khareef season when the region turns green. Oman also has land borders with the UAE and other neighbours, and sea entry at some ports. Your visa type should match how you plan to arrive and how long you want to stay. For weather, the cooler months from around October to March are the most comfortable for travel across most of the country, while Salalah draws visitors during the summer monsoon. Planning your entry point and dates first makes it easier to pick the right visa and avoid a mismatch on arrival.

Common mistakes that cause delays

A few simple errors cause most refusals and delays. The most common is a passport with less than six months of validity left, which is often rejected outright, so check your passport before you apply. Others include a blurry or wrongly sized photo, a name spelled differently from the passport, choosing the wrong visa type for the length of stay, and leaving the application to the last day before travel. Applying early, with a clear scan of your passport and a proper photo, avoids almost all of these. If anything about your case is unusual, it is worth getting advice before you submit rather than after a refusal.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply online? Yes, for most eligible nationalities the tourist visa is applied for online through the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal before travel.

How long can I stay? A short-term visa is commonly 10 or 30 days. A multiple-entry visa allows repeat visits over a longer period, usually up to 30 days each time.

How much is it? Roughly OMR 5 to 20 for a short-term visa, more for multiple entry, depending on your nationality. Confirm the current fee when you apply.

Do GCC residents need a visa? Many GCC residents have a simpler route or an easier visa. Check the current conditions for your nationality and residence status.

Can I work on a tourist visa? No. It is for tourism only. Work and long-term stays need the correct work or residence route.

How City Squares can help

City Squares helps visitors and new residents deal with Oman's visa and government steps without the guesswork. If your visit is turning into something longer, a business trip, an investment, or a move, we guide you through the right route and handle the paperwork. To ask about your own situation, contact City Squares on WhatsApp and the team will point you to the correct visa and the steps that follow.