DUBAI, 3 August 2003 — Oman has eased its visa procedures to attract more tourists. Under the new procedures introduced on July 7, GCC residents on family visas can enter the country even if not accompanied by their sponsors.
For example, a woman who is on her husband’s sponsorship can get an entry visa even if she is not accompanied by her husband. GCC residents are granted visas at all air and land terminals after paying 3 Omani riyals.
The new procedures was introduced by combining the tourist visa, business visa and short visa into a single-entry visa. This visa is issued to non-GCC residents on arrival.
Explaining the new procedures, Mohsin ibn Khamis Al Balushi, Undersecretary of Tourism, said the new visit visa fee is 6 Omani riyals and is valid for one month. Those who are eligible for these new visas are divided into two categories.
The first includes most European, American and Far Eastern countries. The second group comprises India, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Lebanon, Tunisia, Jordan and Syria.
The second group will be issued visas only if they purchase a complete tourist package from specific tourist companies in their countries, approved by the Omani Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
