Oman extends visa-free period for visitors from 103 countries

Oman previously allowed a 10-day visa-free period for visitors arriving from 103 countries. (AFP file photo)

• Oman previously suspended international flights to protect against the new COVID-19 strain

Oman is extending the visa-free period for visitors arriving from 103 countries to 14 days, the Royal Oman Police has announced.
The Gulf country in December had said that citizens from countries including Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, the United States, Armenia, Ecuador and Chile can stay in the country for up to 10 days without need for an entry visa, the Times of Oman reported.
“As part of the efforts to support the tourism sector in the Sultanate, it has been decided to extend the exemption period for the nationals of 103 countries exempted from the entry visa to 14 days as part specific regulations and conditions,” according to a statement from the law enforcement authority.
Visitors must however still satisfy requirements to be allowed entry into the country: a confirmed hotel reservation, health insurance, return ticket and continued PCR tests.
Oman previously suspended international flights and closed its borders due to the new COVID-19 strain reported in the UK late last year.