Oman

Oman's entry policy distinguishes several categories of travellers. Before taking any steps, it is essential to determine which category you fall into.

Visa-exempt travellers (less than 14 days)

Since December 2020, 103 nationalities benefit from a visa exemption for stays of up to 14 days in Oman. This includes nationals of France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries. On arrival, these travellers receive an exemption certificate upon presentation of their passport, a return ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of health insurance covering the stay and, where applicable, proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.

Russia and Turkey now benefit from a separate bilateral regime allowing a 30-day visa-free stay (since 2025), beyond the general framework of the 14-day exemption.

Please note: among these 103 nationalities, 30 countries are subject to an additional condition: their nationals must hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by Australia, Canada, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom or a Schengen member state — or else hold residence in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country — to benefit from the exemption. These 30 countries include India, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mexico, Jordan, Vietnam and around twenty other nationalities. For these 30 nationalities, if your stay exceeds 14 days or if you do not meet the third-country visa condition, a specific e-Visa exists (codes 26M and 36M), on the same model as the 26B/36B, subject to presenting a valid visa or residence permit (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan or Schengen).

Travellers requiring an e-Visa

Two situations require obtaining an e-Visa:

• You are a national of a visa-exempt country, but your stay in Oman will exceed 14 days;
• Your nationality is not covered by the visa exemption and you wish to travel to Oman as a tourist.

Travellers requiring a consular visa

Nationalities not eligible for the e-Visa and not exempt from visa requirements must submit an application to the competent Omani Embassy in their country of residence.

Holders of diplomatic or service passports

Holders of a diplomatic or service passport enter Oman visa-free only if their country has signed a bilateral exemption agreement with Oman (around twenty countries are concerned, generally for a 90-day stay). Without such an agreement, they remain subject to the ordinary visa rules (e-Visa or consular visa depending on nationality).

Consular fees for the Oman e-Visa are set by the Omani authorities. The amount in euros depends on the OMR/EUR exchange rate at the time of application and may therefore vary slightly from one application to another.

As an indication, the fees currently observed are as follows:

• e-Visa 26B (single entry, 30 days): approximately €45 in consular fees per traveller;
• e-Visa 36B (multiple entries, 1 year): approximately €115 in consular fees per traveller.

These amounts correspond to official government fees. Service fees may be added depending on the channel used to submit the application.

The 26B e-Visa (single entry) is valid for 1 month from its date of issuance: you must therefore enter Oman within this period. Once entered, the stay period begins from your actual arrival date. For the 36B (multiple entries), the one-year period runs from the date of issuance, and each stay is limited to 30 consecutive days.

Stay extension: the 26A and 26B e-Visas can be extended once in Muscat, subject to conditions, at the ROP (Royal Oman Police) visa information office. This office is open Sunday to Thursday, from 7:30 to 14:00, at Muscat International Airport. The extension is subject to payment of 20 OMR. The 36B cannot be extended on the spot.

Located at the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman is one of the most distinctive destinations in the Middle East. Unlike its Gulf neighbours often associated with ultra-modern architecture, Oman captivates with its preserved authenticity, its magnificent landscapes and the richness of its historical heritage.

The country offers remarkable geographical diversity within a relatively compact territory: from the fjords of Musandam in the north, reminiscent of Norwegian coastlines, to the dunes of the Wahiba Desert (Sharqiyah Sands) to the east, through the Hajar Mountains rising to over 3,000 metres with Jebel Shams, and the pristine beaches of the Dhofar region in the south. This diversity makes Oman equally suited to adventure travel, cultural escapes or beach holidays.

Muscat, the capital, alternates between a historic medina, lively souks and restrained contemporary architecture. It is home to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece whose central chandelier is one of the largest in the world, and which opens to non-Muslims — at specific times — making it a must-see. The Nizwa Fort, former capital of the interior, and the forts of Bahla and Al Hazm, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, bear witness to the country's rich military and cultural history.

From a practical standpoint, Oman is served from Europe mainly through Muscat International Airport (MCT), with direct connections from Paris, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other major European cities. Oman Air operates the majority of long-haul flights, supplemented by other regional and international carriers.

The national currency is the Omani rial (OMR), one of the strongest currencies in the world against the euro. The cost of living is high compared to other Middle Eastern destinations, which is reflected in hotel and restaurant prices. Traffic drives on the right, and a well-maintained road network makes travelling by rental car straightforward — essential for exploring the interior of the country.

Beyond obtaining the e-Visa, a trip to Oman requires a few additional preparations. Here are the key points to check before departure, based on the official entry conditions and practices observed at the Omani border.