The opening of Oman's borders: who is affected?

For several months now, many countries have kept their borders closed in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Such is the case of the Sultanate of Oman, which has not reopened its borders since March 11.

The Omani authorities have officially declared that the country will reopen on October 1, 2020, with the resumption of international flights from Muscat airport. This event is seen as a ray of hope for the international tourism sector, which has been hard hit by the pandemic.

This news can be disappointing when you read between the lines: according to France Diplomatiethe country has no intention of reopening its borders to attract tourists. Only foreign nationals with a valid Omani residence permit will be allowed to return to Oman..

As far as tourism is concerned, the procedure for obtaining conventional and electronic visas remains suspended until further notice. No date has yet been announced.

Tourism is an important sector for Oman's economy, although its importance is relatively lower than in some of its Gulf neighbors.

However, the Omani government is looking to develop the tourism sector to further contribute to the country's economic growth. Oman is a country rich in culture and historical sites, with a coastline stretching for hundreds of kilometers. Some of Oman's most popular tourist sites are forts and historic cities, such as the capital of Muscatthe old town of Nizwa and the mountainous region of Jabal Akhdar. Popular tourist activities in Oman include trekking, swimming, scuba diving and camping.

Compared to its neighbors such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, Oman has less developed tourism and fewer major resort projects. This allows Oman to focus more on tourists seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-track travel experience, and to maintain its own cultural identity.

The Omani government has also launched social and tourism initiatives and investments, including infrastructure development projects, promotion of the tourism industry and significant visa facilitation to attract foreign travelers. Oman's tourism sector is therefore set to continue growing, as the country pursues its strategy of economic diversification and promotion of the Oman brand.

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