By Shuja Ahmad | MakeMyCompany | Updated: Feb 2026
Oman is one of the Gulf’s most visited destinations for leisure, family travel, and short-term business exploration. Whether you are planning a holiday, visiting relatives, attending a trade meeting, or relocating from the UAE, understanding exactly which visa you need, what it costs, how long it takes, and what the legal boundaries are will save you significant time and expense. This guide consolidates everything there is to know about the Oman visit visa and tourist visa in 2026 into a single authoritative reference. If your visit leads to a longer-term decision about working or investing in Oman, our full guide on Business Setup in Oman provides the relevant next steps.
What Is an Oman Visit Visa, and How Does It Differ from a Tourist Visa?
The terms visit visa and tourist visa are used interchangeably by most travellers and even on many travel booking platforms, but there is a practical distinction worth understanding before you apply.
A tourist visa in Oman is specifically issued for leisure and personal travel purposes. It covers sightseeing, holidays, visiting friends and family, and recreational activities within the Sultanate.
A visit visa is a broader category that covers all short-term entry purposes that are not employment, business, or study. This includes tourism but also covers short medical visits, family reunions, and, in some cases, brief commercial visits where no formal business visa is held.
In Oman’s Royal Oman Police (ROP) system, both fall under the same regulatory framework and are processed through the same portal. The distinction matters primarily when stating your purpose of visit on the application form, as it affects the supporting documents required.
Neither category authorises employment, income-generating activity, or formal business operations. Those activities require a separate work visa or investor visa with a valid labour clearance.
Types of Oman Visit and Tourist Visas in 2026
Oman offers several visit and tourist visa formats to accommodate different travel durations and frequencies. Choosing the right type before applying avoids unnecessary costs and processing complications.
10-Day Tourist Visa
Designed for short leisure trips, the 10-day visa is suitable for travellers making a brief visit to Oman with no intention to extend. It is one of the most affordable entry options and is processed through the ROP e-services portal.
30-Day Visit Visa
The 30-day single-entry visa is the standard option for most tourists and short-term visitors. It allows a maximum stay of 30 days from the date of entry and is the most commonly applied-for visa category among first-time visitors to Oman.
Multiple Entry Visit Visa
The multiple-entry visa allows the holder to enter and exit Oman several times within the validity period of the visa. It is particularly useful for frequent travellers, UAE residents who cross the Oman border regularly, and business visitors who make recurring short trips. Each individual stay is subject to a maximum duration per visit.
Express Visa
The Oman express visa is an accelerated version of the standard visit visa application. It follows the same eligibility and documentation rules as the regular visa but is processed on a priority basis with a significantly shorter turnaround. It carries an additional processing surcharge. Full details are covered in the dedicated express visa section below.
eVisa
The Oman eVisa is an entirely online visa issued through the ROP e-services portal or the dedicated Oman eVisa platform. It eliminates the need for embassy visits or physical document submission for eligible nationalities. The eVisa is linked to the applicant’s passport electronically and can be presented at the immigration counter on a smartphone or as a printed document.
Visa on Arrival
Nationals from specific countries are eligible for a visa on arrival at Oman’s international airports. This option does not require advance application but is subject to the applicant’s nationality and the immigration officer’s discretion. The ROP website maintains the current list of nationalities eligible for this facility.
Visa Types Comparison Table
| Visa Type | Validity | Stay Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Day Tourist Visa | 30 days from issue | Up to 10 days | Short leisure trips |
| 30-Day Visit Visa | 30 days from issue | Up to 30 days | Standard tourism and family visits |
| Multiple Entry Visit Visa | 1 year from issue | Up to 30 days per visit | Frequent travellers, UAE residents |
| Express Visa | 30 days from issue | Up to 30 days | Urgent or last-minute travel |
| eVisa | 30 days from issue | Up to 30 days | Online applicants from eligible countries |
| Visa on Arrival | On entry | Up to 30 days | Qualifying nationalities at airports |
Oman Visit Visa Requirements 2026
Meeting the document and eligibility requirements before submission is the single most effective way to avoid delays and rejections.
Passport Validity
Oman requires a passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity beyond the intended date of entry. Applicants whose passport expires within 6 months of travel must renew their passport before applying for the visa. This is one of the most common and entirely avoidable causes of visa rejection.
Photograph Requirements
The photograph submitted with the visit visa application must be recent (taken within the last 3 months), passport-sized, and with a plain white background. Digital photographs uploaded through the ROP portal must meet the specified pixel and file size requirements published on the portal.
Return or Onward Travel Evidence
Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate they have a confirmed return flight or onward travel booking, confirming their intention to depart Oman within the authorised stay period.
Proof of Accommodation
A hotel booking confirmation or a letter from a host in Oman confirming accommodation arrangements is required for most nationalities.
Financial Sufficiency
Applicants may be asked to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Oman. Bank statements covering the preceding 3 months are the standard document for this requirement.
Health Insurance
Travel or health insurance valid for the duration of the Oman visit is increasingly required as part of the application. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies within Oman is strongly recommended, regardless of whether it is explicitly required for your nationality.
GCC Resident Rules
Foreign nationals holding a valid residency in any of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, or Kuwait) are eligible to apply for an Oman visit visa through a streamlined process. The GCC residency must be valid and not under cancellation at the time of application. This rule is particularly relevant for the large population of South Asian, Southeast Asian, and other expatriate nationals residing in the UAE who regularly travel to Oman.
Oman Visit Visa for UAE Residents
UAE residents represent one of the most frequent groups of visitors to Oman, given the short travel distances, the active Oman-UAE land border at Al Wajajah and Hatta, and the regular air connections from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Who Is Eligible
Non-GCC nationals residing in the UAE on a valid UAE residence visa are eligible to apply for an Oman visit visa. GCC nationals do not require a visa. The UAE residence visa must be valid for the duration of the intended visit to Oman and should ideally have at least 3 months of remaining validity at the time of travel.
Eligible Professions for UAE Residents
The Oman visit visa for UAE residents is not available to all professions equally. Certain professional categories are approved for the UAE resident visa pathway, while others are subject to additional scrutiny or are ineligible. Approved professional categories typically include engineers, doctors, accountants, lawyers, teachers, managers, and other formally qualified or white-collar roles. Applicants in unskilled or semi-skilled occupational categories may face additional requirements or restrictions.
Applicants should verify that their profession, as stated on the UAE residence visa, falls within the eligible categories before submitting their application through the ROP portal.
Documents Required for UAE Residents
- Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
- Valid UAE residence visa (copy)
- UAE Emirates ID (copy)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)
- Confirmed return flight booking or travel itinerary
- Hotel booking or host confirmation letter
- Bank statement (last 3 months)
- Travel or health insurance
Applying for an Oman Visa from Dubai
Applications from UAE residents are submitted through the ROP e-services portal. The process is entirely online for most eligible nationalities. There is no requirement to attend an Omani embassy or consulate in the UAE for standard visit visa applications.
Steps for Dubai-based applicants:
- Access the ROP e-services portal and select the visit visa application category
- Confirm your nationality and UAE residency eligibility
- Complete the application form with your personal and travel details
- Upload all required documents in the accepted formats
- Pay the applicable fee through the portal’s payment gateway
- Receive the approved visa electronically at your registered email address
- Print the visa or save it to your device for presentation at the Oman border
Entry via Land Border
UAE residents frequently enter Oman via the Al Wajajah land border (Buraimi crossing) or the Hatta border crossing. Both borders are operational for holders of valid Oman visit visas. The same visa applied for online is valid for land border entry. Travellers entering by land must carry a printed or clearly visible digital copy of the visa alongside their passport.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Oman Visit Visa in 2026
Step 1: Check Your Nationality and Visa Requirement
Visit the ROP e-services portal and check the current visa requirements applicable to your passport nationality. Confirm whether you qualify for a visa on arrival, eVisa, advance application, or if a specific pathway, such as the UAE resident route, applies to you.
Step 2: Select the Correct Visa Type
Based on your intended stay duration and travel frequency, select the appropriate visa category (10-day, 30-day, multiple entry, or express). Applying for the wrong type and needing to extend is more expensive and administratively burdensome than selecting correctly from the start.
Step 3: Prepare Your Document Set
Compile all required documents as listed in the requirements section. Ensure your passport photograph meets the ROP specifications and that all booking confirmations are in the applicant’s name, matching the passport details exactly.
Step 4: Submit Online via ROP Portal
Access the ROP e-services portal, create or log in to your account, and complete the visit visa application form. Upload all required documents and double-check that all entries match your passport and supporting documents before submission.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the applicable fee through the portal’s accepted payment channels, which include international credit and debit cards and select local banking options. Keep the payment confirmation receipt as proof of submission.
Step 6: Track Your Application
After submission, you receive a reference number. Use this to track your application status through the ROP portal. For step-by-step guidance on checking your application status, see our dedicated Oman Visa Status Check guide.
Step 7: Receive and Travel with Your Visa
Once approved, your eVisa is issued to your registered email. Print it or save it clearly on your device. Present it alongside your passport at the Oman immigration counter upon arrival.
Oman Express Visa Explained
What Is the Express Visa?
The Oman express visa is not a separate visa category. It is an accelerated processing option applied to a standard visit visa application. The eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and visa conditions are identical to those of the regular visit visa. The only difference is the processing speed and the additional fee.
Who Should Use It
The express visa is the right choice for travellers with urgent or last-minute travel plans who cannot wait for standard processing times. It is also useful for business travellers whose trip dates are confirmed at short notice, or for travellers who realise their application was submitted too close to the departure date.
Processing Time for Express Visa
Standard visit visa processing takes 3 to 7 working days. The express visa is typically processed within 24 to 48 hours of complete document submission. Processing times may vary during peak travel periods and public holidays.
Express Visa Cost
The express visa carries an additional surcharge on top of the standard visa fee. The total cost for an express visa is approximately OMR 20 to 40, depending on the visa type and nationality, compared to the standard fee range. Exact current fees are published on the ROP e-services portal.
When Not to Use It
If your travel date is more than 10 working days away, the standard application process is sufficient and more cost-effective. The express option should be reserved for genuine time-sensitive situations.
Oman Visit Visa Cost Breakdown 2026
The following fee ranges are based on standard government schedules as of early 2026. Fees are nationality-dependent and subject to periodic revision. Always confirm the exact fee applicable to your nationality on the ROP portal before payment.
| Visa Type | Government Fee (OMR) |
|---|---|
| 10-Day Tourist Visa | OMR 5 to 10 |
| 30-Day Single Entry Visit Visa | OMR 20 |
| Multiple Entry Visit Visa (1 year) | OMR 50 |
| Express Visa Surcharge | OMR 10 to 20 (additional) |
| Visit Visa Extension (per application) | OMR 10 to 20 |
| Overstay Fine | OMR 10 per day |
UAE residents and GCC country residents may qualify for specific fee rates depending on bilateral arrangements. Confirm the applicable rate on the ROP portal at the time of application.
Oman Visit Visa Processing Time
Standard Processing
For standard visit visa applications submitted with a complete document set, processing takes between 3 and 7 working days from the date of submission. During peak travel periods such as Eid holidays, the Islamic New Year, and Oman’s National Day period, processing times may extend beyond 7 working days.
Express Processing
Express applications submitted with complete documents are typically approved within 24 to 48 hours. Express processing does not guarantee same-day approval and is subject to the same document completeness requirement as standard applications.
Factors That Affect Processing Time
Applications submitted with missing, blurry, or mismatched documents are placed on hold and sent back for correction, resetting the processing clock. Applicants from nationalities subject to additional security screening may experience extended timelines regardless of document completeness. Applications submitted during government system maintenance periods or public holidays do not progress until the next working day.
Submitting your application at least 10 working days before travel (or 3 days before with the express option) is the safest planning approach.
Can You Convert a Visit Visa to Another Visa Type in Oman?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions among people who arrive in Oman on a tourist or visit visa and subsequently decide they want to work, invest, or reside long-term.
The direct answer is no. Oman does not permit in-country conversion of a visit or tourist visa to a work visa, employment visa, investor visa, or any other residency category under standard immigration regulations.
What This Means in Practice
A person present in Oman on a visit visa cannot walk into a ministry office or submit a portal application to change their visa status while remaining in the country. The legal requirement is to exit Oman and apply for the appropriate visa category from outside the country, re-entering only once the new visa has been issued.
Conversion to Work Visa
If you intend to take up employment in Oman, the correct sequence is for your employer to obtain a labour clearance and ROP entry permit in your name while you are outside Oman, and for you to re-enter Oman specifically on the work entry permit. You must not begin working while on a visit visa. Doing so is a violation of both immigration law and the Labour Law of Oman (Royal Decree No. 35/2003).
Conversion to Investor Visa
If you wish to register a company and obtain an investor visa, you may complete the commercial registration process through Invest Easy while present in Oman on a visit visa, as this involves legal and administrative steps rather than employment. However, you must exit Oman and re-enter on the investor entry permit before your visit visa expires. Remaining in Oman past the visit visa expiry while waiting for an investor visa processing is an overstay violation.
For the full process of cancelling a visit visa at the end of your stay, see our guide on Oman Visa Cancellation Rules.
Visit Visa Extension Rules in Oman
Can a Visit Visa Be Extended?
Yes, visit visas in Oman can be extended, but the extension is not guaranteed and must be applied for before the current authorised stay expires. Submitting an extension request after expiry is treated as an overstay violation, not an extension application.
Extension Process
Extension applications are submitted through the ROP e-services portal. A valid reason for extension, such as a delayed return flight, medical situation, or administrative delay, strengthens the application. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the ROP and are typically limited to one extension per visit.
Maximum Total Stay
The maximum total permitted stay on a visit visa, including any approved extension, is generally 60 days. Visitors requiring a longer stay should consider whether a different visa category is more appropriate for their situation.
Overstay Fines
Overstaying an Oman visit visa incurs a fine of OMR 10 per day from the date of expiry. These fines accumulate daily and must be paid in full before the visitor is permitted to exit the country. Significant overstays can also result in an entry ban on future visits to Oman. There is no grace period before the daily fine begins accruing.
Common Reasons for Oman Visit Visa Rejection
Understanding the most frequent rejection triggers helps you submit a stronger application from the first attempt.
- Passport validity below 6 months: This is the single most common and most preventable rejection reason. Renew your passport before applying if it expires within 6 months of your intended travel date.
- Ineligible profession (UAE residents): UAE residents whose profession on their residence visa falls outside the approved categories for the Oman visit visa pathway will have their application rejected, regardless of other document quality.
- Incomplete documentation: Missing the return flight booking, hotel confirmation, or bank statement is a straightforward fix, but it causes avoidable delays. A complete document set from the first submission is always faster.
- Prior immigration violations: Applicants with a recorded overstay or immigration violation in Oman from a previous visit will face heightened scrutiny and potential rejection. Outstanding fines must be settled before a new application will be processed.
- Blurry or non-compliant photograph: Photographs that do not meet the ROP size, background, or resolution requirements are rejected at the document review stage.
- Mismatched information: Any discrepancy between the name, date of birth, or passport number on the application form and the passport or supporting documents triggers a rejection or a revision request.
- Insufficient financial proof: Bank statements showing an inadequate balance or covering less than the required 3-month period are a common cause of rejection of supplementary documents.
Legal Restrictions: What You Cannot Do on an Oman Visit Visa
The Oman visit and tourist visa is issued for short-term personal, leisure, or informal commercial visit purposes only. The following activities are explicitly not permitted under this visa category.
- Employment: Performing any form of paid or unpaid work for an Omani or foreign employer while present in Oman on a visit visa is a violation of immigration and labour law. This includes freelance or remote work performed for any party while physically in Oman. Violations can result in deportation, fines, and an entry ban.
- Operating a business: Actively managing the day-to-day operations of an Omani company as an executive or operational manager is not permitted on a visit visa. Attending meetings, conducting research, and visiting prospective business partners are permitted, but formalised employment-style activities are not.
- Overstaying: Remaining in Oman beyond the authorised stay period is a violation. The fine of OMR 10 per day applies immediately from the date of expiry, and repeated overstays can result in a long-term or permanent entry ban.
- In-country visa conversion: As described in the conversion section, changing visa status while inside Oman is not a legally available option under standard regulations.
Oman Visit Visa for Different Nationalities: Key Notes
South Asian Nationalities
Nationals from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka generally require advance visa approval and do not qualify for a visa on arrival. UAE residents from these nationalities can apply through the UAE resident pathway described above. Direct applicants from their home countries apply through the ROP online portal with the full document set.
Western Nationalities
Nationals from the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union member states, Australia, Canada, and Japan are generally eligible for a visa on arrival or an eVisa with simplified documentation requirements. Processing is faster, and the document burden is lower compared to South and Southeast Asian nationalities.
Arab Nationalities
Arab nationals from countries with specific bilateral arrangements with Oman may benefit from reduced fees or simplified processing. GCC nationals do not require a visa at all.
For the most current nationality-specific rules, always verify directly on the ROP e-services portal before beginning your application, as these rules are subject to change based on diplomatic agreements.
FAQ: Oman Visit and Tourist Visa 2026
1. What is the difference between an Oman visit visa and a tourist visa?
A tourist visa is issued specifically for leisure and holiday purposes. A visit visa covers a broader range of short-term purposes, including family visits, informal commercial meetings, and personal travel. In Oman’s ROP system, both are processed through the same portal and carry the same entry conditions. Neither permits employment nor business operations.
2. How much does an Oman visit visa cost in 2026?
A 30-day single-entry visa costs approximately OMR 20. A 10-day tourist visa costs OMR 5 to 10. A multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year costs approximately OMR 50. The express visa carries an additional surcharge of OMR 10 to 20. Overstay fines are OMR 10 per day.
3. How long does it take to get an Oman visit visa?
Standard processing takes 3 to 7 working days from the date of complete document submission. The express visa option reduces this to 24 to 48 hours. Applications with missing or non-compliant documents take longer, regardless of which processing option is selected.
4. Can UAE residents apply for an Oman visit visa online?
Yes. UAE residents apply through the ROP e-services portal entirely online. No embassy or consulate visit is required for standard visit visa applications. The UAE residence visa and Emirates ID must be valid and submitted as supporting documents.
5. What professions qualify for the Oman visa for UAE residents?
Approved professions include engineers, doctors, accountants, teachers, lawyers, managers, and other formally qualified professional roles. Applicants in unskilled or semi-skilled occupational categories may face additional restrictions. Always verify current eligible profession categories on the ROP portal before applying.
6. Can I extend my Oman visit visa if I need to stay longer?
Yes. Extension applications must be submitted through the ROP portal before the current authorised stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at the ROP’s discretion. The maximum total stay, including extension, is generally 60 days. Applying after expiry is treated as an overstaying violation.
7. Can I convert my Oman visit visa to a work visa or investor visa?
No. In-country visa conversion is not permitted under standard Oman immigration regulations. To take up employment or investment residency, you must exit Oman, obtain the appropriate entry permit from outside the country, and re-enter on the correct visa category.
8. What is the Oman express visa, and when should I use it?
The Oman express visa is an accelerated processing option for a standard visit visa application. It processes within 24 to 48 hours compared to the standard 3 to 7 working days. It carries an additional surcharge and should be used when travel is within 3 working days of the application date.
9. What happens if I overstay my Oman visit visa?
Overstaying incurs a fine of OMR 10 per day from the date of expiry, with no grace period. Fines must be paid in full before exit is permitted. Significant or repeated overstays can result in an entry ban on future visits to Oman.
10. What documents do I need for an Oman visit visa?
Core documents include a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity, a passport-sized photograph (white background), a confirmed return flight booking, a hotel booking confirmation, a bank statement covering the last 3 months, and travel or health insurance. UAE residents additionally need copies of their UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
11. Can I enter Oman by land on a visit visa from the UAE?
Yes. An Oman visit visa approved through the ROP portal is valid for entry at Oman’s land border crossings with the UAE, including the Al Wajajah (Buraimi) and Hatta crossings. Carry a printed or clearly visible digital copy of the visa alongside your passport.
12. How do I check the status of my Oman visa application?
Application status is tracked through the ROP e-services portal using your reference number. For a step-by-step guide on checking your Oman visa status, including what each status code means, see our dedicated Oman Visa Status Check guide.
Final Checklist Before Applying for an Oman Visit Visa
Before submitting your application, confirm the following:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended entry date
- Correct visa type selected based on intended stay duration
- Passport photograph meets ROP specifications (white background, recent)
- Return flight or onward travel booking confirmed and in the applicant’s name
- Hotel booking or host confirmation letter prepared
- Bank statement covering the last 3 months prepared
- Travel or health insurance arranged
- UAE residence visa and Emirates ID ready (for UAE residents)
- Application submitted at least 10 working days before travel (3 days for express)
- All information on the application form matches the passport exactly
Planning Your Oman Trip or Next Visa Step?
For travellers needing assistance with Oman visit visa applications, express processing, UAE resident pathway support, or guidance on what happens if your visit leads to a longer-term decision about working or investing in Oman, MakeMyCompany provides visa support services from our office in Muttrah, Muscat. You can also review our full range of Visa Services in Oman for an overview of how we assist at each stage, from initial application through to visa cancellation and exit.
This guide reflects Oman’s visit and tourist visa procedures as understood at the time of publication in Feb 2026. Visa regulations and fee schedules are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Royal Oman Police Passports and Residence Directorate before submitting your application.
