Oman Launches 10-Day Free Visa for Cruise Passengers & Crew
- Publish date: Monday، 09 September 2024
New visa categories aim to boost cruise tourism and simplify entry requirements.
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Oman's Inspector General of Police and Customs, Lt Gen Hassan bin Mohsen al Shuraiqi, has announced new visa options for cruise ship passengers and crew. The decision, effective from September 4, introduces two new visa types under the updated Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law.
Visa Details
The new regulations include:
- Ten-Day Visa: Allows for a stay of up to ten days. Passengers and crew must enter Oman within 30 days of receiving the visa. This visa is free of charge and can be requested through the cruise ship agent.
- One-Month Visa: Permits a stay of up to one month, with entry required within 30 days of issue. This visa is also available upon request from the cruise ship agent.
These changes are designed to make it easier for cruise visitors to explore Oman and are expected to support the growing cruise tourism sector.
Tourism Growth
Oman’s tourism sector is on the rise, with visitor numbers reaching 2.3 million by the end of July 2024, up 2.4% from last year. The UAE tops the list of visitors with 714,636, followed by India with 367,166, and Yemen with 139,354. Other notable contributors include Germany and Saudi Arabia with 79,439 and 63,678 visitors, respectively.