Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat

Muscat, Aug 5: Oman has introduced a new free 14-day tourist visa for eligible foreign nationals under revised immigration regulations aimed at making short-term travel easier. However, Indian passport holders will have to wait for official confirmation, as Omani authorities have not yet announced the list of eligible countries.

The new visa category was introduced through Decision No. 109/2026 issued by the Royal Oman Police and published in the country's Official Gazette. The revised regulations came into effect on August 3.

Under the amended Executive Regulations of Oman's Foreign Residence Law, eligible foreign nationals can obtain a 14-day tourist visa without paying any visa fee. The visa has been added to Oman's official list of entry visas with a fee fixed at zero Omani rials.

The Royal Oman Police said the measure is intended to simplify entry procedures for short-term visitors and boost the country's tourism sector.

A key feature of the new visa is that travellers may apply to convert it into another tourist visa category before it expires, provided they meet the required eligibility conditions and pay the applicable fees. This would allow eligible visitors to extend their stay without leaving the country.

However, the Omani authorities have not yet published the list of nationalities eligible for the free visa. The regulations state that the competent authority will determine eligibility.

For Indian travellers, there is no immediate change in visa rules. India has not been officially included among the eligible countries, and Indian passport holders must continue following the existing entry requirements.

Currently, Indian citizens generally require a visa before travelling to Oman. Those holding valid visas or residence permits from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan or Schengen member states may continue to benefit from existing conditional entry or visa-on-arrival provisions, subject to Oman's prevailing regulations.

Travellers who do not qualify under these provisions must continue applying for an Omani eVisa before departure.

The new visa scheme will benefit Indian citizens only if India is included in the list of eligible nationalities when it is announced.

The initiative forms part of Oman's broader strategy to attract more international tourists by reducing barriers for short leisure visits. By waiving visa fees for selected visitors and allowing them to switch to other tourist visa categories, the country aims to make travel more convenient and encourage longer stays and repeat visits.

Until further clarification is issued, travellers have been advised to verify whether their nationality is included in the eligible list, confirm the latest visa requirements before making travel plans, and ensure they meet all other entry conditions, including passport validity and any additional requirements prescribed by the Omani authorities.