THE LATEST
VISA RUNS ARE CURRENTLY NOT POSSIBLE. UAE/OMAN BORDERS ARE STILL CLOSED OFF FOR TOURISTS
8 December 2020
Currently the UAE – Oman Border is inaccessible to tourists/visa run related activity due to the ongoing pandemic. We are grateful to both the UAE and Oman Authorities for safe guarding us and putting in place protocols that are in our best interests. We cannot assist any clients with bringing them to do a border run via road. However there are other procedures, extensions and visas available with which we can assist you or your family member/s with maintaining their visa status in the UAE. For a fast response please WhatsApp us directly at +971505558472 or give us a call and we’d be happy to provide you with the best possible options catering to your individual need and situation.
Only online applications accepted for visitor visas to Oman starting 21.03.2018
18 February 2018
The Directorate of Public Relations, Royal Oman Police has announced that starting March 21, 2018 visitor visa applications will only be accepted via the Oman eVisa portal. Walk-in and in person visas will be granted at the discretion of officials at the Oman border service desks on a case by case basis. Travelers are advised to seek visa approvals prior to heading to Oman for visa runs. You can obtain an entry permit to Oman by visiting: https://evisa.rop.gov.om
NEW RULE – Visitor Visas Single Entry Now. No more waiting for the grace period to renew.
20 January 2018
This is the latest development in the visa renewal news. From now on every time you exit and enter the country, regardless of when you do it, you will be granted a brand new visitor visa and the 30 day period will be reset. Essentially you get a single entry visit visa as opposed to the earlier multiple entry one and the need for renewing between day 31-39 has been scrapped. This system is much easier to follow and creates less confusion, the government should be commended for implementing this and making travelers’ lives easier. The 9 day grace period is still granted however as before it is not officially stated anywhere. We recommend that you renew your visa prior to the 30 days are up to avoid any fines.
Oman introduces online visa portal
17 July 2017
The Government of Oman has introduced an online portal for procuring your Oman entry prior to your visit. Now you can avoid the hassle of filling out the hard copy visa form and save time at the immigration desk. Simply create an account and fill out your information, make the payment and you will get your visa right away, a soft copy of which will be made available to you. It is advisable to keep a print out of it during the visa run or at least a digital snap of the actual confirmation/visa number.
Here’s the website: https://evisa.rop.gov.om
UPDATE: Many of our clients have experienced difficulty getting registered and making the website work as it should. I think it is still in its beta stage or it depends on the browser that you are using. We inquired with the border agents in Oman and they said that they are aware of the issue and work is being done to improve the website. If you do not get the website to work, do not worry, you can still do it the old fashioned way by filling out a form at the desk. We will have the forms and instructions ready for you on the day of the visa run. Just ask your driver.
Oman visa fees increased to 200 Dirhams
24 April 2017
Starting today the processing fee for the Oman tourist visa has been increased to 200 Dirhams (20 Omani Rials). The Government of Oman varies the cost from time to time and there was a time in the past few years where the fees were increased for a few months and then decreased back later on. However, this time it seems like it will be implemented for a longer period of time. We are monitoring the situation closely and will update this section if anything changes. So for now it’s set at 200 Dirhams for the Oman visa processing.
New Zealand citizens to receive visa free entry to Oman
4 February 2017
According to the latest news from the Oman authorities New Zealand citizens will continue to enjoy visa free entry to Oman indefinitely until further notice. In addition to Kiwis, citizens of South Korea and Brunei are also on the list of special countries whose citizens are allowed to enter Oman as a tourist for free.
Schengen citizens must stay out for 90 days
2 January 2016
As implemented on 19 November 2015, Schengen nationals will receive a 90 day entry within a 180 day period. This means that you are allowed to enter multiple times and stay a total of 90 days in the UAE within a 180 day window. Or you can stay at a stretch for 90 days without the need for a border run every 39 days. The main drawback of this rule is that once your 90 days are up you MUST stay out of UAE for a further 90 days before being able to step back in the country as a tourist. Basically it is a 90 days in/90 days out deal.
Before you freak out, remember this rule only applies to Schengen nationals wanting to stay as a tourist in the UAE. It isn’t applicable to Schengen citizens who switching to an employment visa from a tourist visa or vice versa.
