Latest News: Oman authorities add Egypt and Philippines to travel ban list starting 7 May (Argus Media, 05.05.2021) Oman will bar entry to arrivals from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan starting 24 April (Reuters, 21.04.2021).
International Restrictions:
*Entry rules in response to coronavirus: If you are unsure if you meet the requirements (or consider you have exceptional circumstances) to enter Oman please speak to your nearest Oman Embassy and/or your sponsor in Oman. From midday (Oman time) on 8 April 2021, only citizens with valid residency permits will be allowed to enter Oman.
*Travel by air: There are no direct flights between the UK and Oman. Travellers who have been in or transited through the United Kingdom in the previous 14 days cannot enter Oman, with the exception of Omani citizens.
Foreign nationals (excluding healthcare workers) who have visited Lebanon, Sudan, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Guinea, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and the Philippines in the last 14 days (including transit) will not be permitted to enter Oman.
You must have a valid visa before you travel. Visas cannot currently be issued on arrival. You should check with your airline what documentation they require you to present.
If you are over the age of 16, you must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to your arrival in Oman and complete an online pre-registration form.
You will also need to have downloaded the Tarassud+ and HMushrif track and trace applications (available on iOS and Android phones). While you can do this on arrival in Oman, you should aim to download it before you leave the UK.
You must have proof of hotel accommodation and travel/health insurance which covers at least 30 days of COVID-19 treatment. Hotels – for mandatory self-isolation – must be booked through the eHMushrif app. We understand bookings made direct with hotels will not be accepted. Exceptions are in place if you are 60 years of age or over or have a document from your health provider stating that for medical reasons you cannot self-isolate in a hotel. You are also exempt if you are under 18 years old and travelling unaccompanied.
In these circumstances you must self-isolate at home for 7 days.
*Travel by land: Land borders were closed on 18 January 2021 until further notice.
*Screening on arrival: All arrivals (over the age of 16) are required to have a PCR test at Muscat International Airport. There is a charge of 25 Omani Riyals for this test. You can pay for this through the Tarassud+ or eMushrif App before you arrive in Oman. You will receive a QR code that you can show at the screening point to confirm payment.
You will also be required (if you are over the age of 16) to wear a tracking bracelet for the period of your self-isolation. There is a charge (also payable through the Tarassud+ application) of 6 Omani Riyals for the bracelet. Bracelets must be returned once you have completed your self-isolation. Some health clinics have established drop off points for this purpose.
*Quarantine requirements: The results of the PCR test undertaken at the airport will be sent to your registered phone (usually within 24 hours). You should self-isolate until you receive the result. Arrivals to Oman must have booked their hotel – for mandatory self-isolation – through the HMushrif app. We understand bookings made direct with hotels will not be accepted.
It is no longer permitted to self-isolate at home unless you are under 18 (travelling unaccompanied), 60 years old or over or have a document from your health provider stating that for medical reasons you cannot self-isolate in a hotel. In these circumstances you must self-isolate at home for 7 days.
Regardless of the result of the PCR test taken at the airport, you must self-isolate for 7 days. On day 8 you must take another PCR test. These can be taken at some hospitals, private health clinics or at a drive through testing facility at Muscat International Airport. If the result is negative you can have your tracking bracelet removed and end your self-isolation. You may be charged a small additional fee to have the bracelet removed.
*Data collection: Prior to travelling, you should download the Tarassud+ track and trace application and the HMushrif application. Through those apps, or on arrival, you will need to pay 25 Omani Riyals for a PCR test (testing on arrival) and, if you are staying more than 7 days, an additional 6 Omani Riyals for a tracking bracelet.
*Testing on departure: On departure you will have your temperature checked. If you show symptoms of coronavirus, you may be prevented from travelling. You must also comply with whatever the entry and testing requirements are at the country you intend to travel to. Internal Restrictions:
*Travel in Oman: Restrictions on road travel within Oman, including police checkpoints, might be introduced at short notice. You should monitor local news sources or official social media accounts (including the Oman VS COVID19 twitter account) for the latest information. Always follow the instructions of the local authorities. Failure to follow these instructions could result in a fine and/or prosecution.
*Accommodation: Hotels are open (though hotel amenities are subject to COVID-19 restrictions). Contact your travel agent, or hotels direct, to find out what rules are in place during your stay.
*Public places and services: The Omani government has stated that no public gatherings should take place, and masks should be worn in public places. You should be aware that public places may have limited access or could be subject to temporary closure by the authorities at short notice, across Oman.