Oman is a beautiful country in the Middle East, an increasingly popular destination for expatriates seeking employment opportunities. Oman Travel Guide 2023 Everything you need to know In the past few years, Oman’s economy has grown and changed quickly, which has led to a higher demand for skilled workers in many fields.Oman has a rich and diverse history that spans over 5,000 years. The country has been home to numerous civilizations and empires, including the Sumerians, Persians, Parthians, and the Islamic Caliphate.One of the most significant periods in Oman’s history was the rule of the ancient civilization of Magan. Magan was a wealthy and influential civilization that existed between 3500 and 2000 BC. The civilization was renowned for its trading activities and was a major exporter of copper and other goods to neighboring civilizations. Oman was also part of the Persian Empire, which controlled the region from the 6th century BC until the arrival of Islam in the 7th century AD. During this time, Oman was an important center of trade and commerce and was known for its frankincense, which was highly valued in the ancient world. In the 7th century, Islam spread to Oman, and the country became an important center of Islamic learning and culture. Oman was ruled by a series of Islamic dynasties, including the Umayyads, Abbasids, and Fatimids. In the 16th century, the Portuguese arrived in Oman and established a series of forts and trading posts along the coast. The Portuguese were eventually expelled by the Omani dynasty of the Al Said, who went on to establish a powerful empire that controlled much of the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa. In the 19th century, Oman experienced a period of decline, which was exacerbated by the arrival of the British in the region. The British established a protectorate over Oman, which lasted until 1971, when the country gained independence. Today, Oman is a modern and prosperous country that is known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming people. The country has undergone significant economic and social development in recent years and is now considered one of the most prosperous and stable countries in the Middle East.
Types of Work Permits To work in Oman, you must obtain a work permit. The two primary types of work permits available are:
- Employment Visa: This is issued to individuals who have already secured a job in Oman. The employer must apply for this visa on behalf of the employee.
- Temporary Work Permit: This is issued to individuals seeking temporary employment in Oman for up to three months.
Immigration Process, The immigration process for Oman, is relatively straightforward, and it involves the following steps:
- Obtain a Job Offer: To obtain a work permit, and you must first secure a job offer from a company in Oman.
- Apply for Visa: Once you have secured a job offer, your employer must apply for your employment visa on your behalf. You must provide your employer with your passport and other relevant documents.
- Medical Examination: After your visa application has been approved, you must undergo a medical examination. The examination will test for infectious diseases and other medical conditions.
- Residence Permit: Once you arrive in Oman, you must obtain a residence permit. Your employer will apply for this on your behalf, and you must provide your passport and other relevant documents.
Work Permit Requirements To obtain a work permit in Oman, you must meet the following requirements:
- Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
- Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a company in Oman.
- Education and Experience: You must have the required education and experience for the job you have been offered.
- Medical Examination: You must pass a medical examination to ensure you are free from infectious diseases and other medical conditions.
Do I require a visa to enter Oman?
While some nations are exempt from the need for visas, most foreign nationals must get entrance visas before traveling to Oman. Before calling the approved diplomatic post, check online to see if you require an entry visa to enter Oman.
Types of Oman Visas
In general, Oman visas fall into the following categories:
- Transit visas
- Investor resident visas
- Student resident visas
- Relative/friend visit visas
- Family joining/resident visas
- Tourist visas
They are available as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visas with a 180-day validity term for stays up to 90 days. You can only enter the nation once if you have a single-entry pass. You can return to the country repeatedly if you have a double-entry or multiple-entry visa. While some inhabitants of certain countries are qualified to receive a key upon arrival, e-visa applications can be processed online.
Visa of Category C (Short-Term Stay)
A short-term visa is granted for periods that are at most a 90-day maximum. All keys are available via Oman’s diplomatic representations approved in the applicant’s home country.
Oman Travel Visa
Nationals of third countries who intend to visit Oman solely for tourism are granted visitor visas. It is given for a single admission and visits that don’t last longer than one month from the entry date. The six-month validity of the tourist visa allows for unlimited travel.
Oman Visa for Fair and Business Visits
Citizens of third countries who wish to go to Oman to conduct business, host meetings, or engage in related activities are granted a business visa. Upon the request of a local sponsor, professionals, and businesspeople who want to attend a regional convention can apply for an Expedited visa. The sponsor must supply a stamped invitation letter outlining the purpose of the trip.
Oman Visa for Visiting Family, Friends, and Relatives
Citizens of third countries who wish to visit family, friends, or relations in Oman must get a relative or friend’s visit visa. For your application to be successful, you must have a letter of invitation from the person you would be staying with. After the official admission date, the visa holder can remain in Oman for up to three months.
Oman Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Conference Participation
An Express visa, issued for a single entrance and at the request of a local sponsor, can be applied for by professionals, businesspeople, or attendees of nearby conventions and festivals. These visa holders are permitted to attend religious, sporting, or cultural activities for stays that do not exceed three weeks from the entry date. Alternatively, professionals who want to travel to Oman to put on shows can get a troupe/artist visa. It is requested that a sponsor be available who has authorization from specific authorities. The application may need more facts about the event, as demonstrated by the entry tickets, pertinent reservations, or an invitation letter.
Oman Visa for Short-Term Training and Education
Citizens of other countries who wish to participate in a short-term educational program or internship in Oman may be granted a short-term study visa. The list of essential materials for your application includes a letter of approval or training agreement from the prospective company or educational institution.
Visa Category D (Long-Term Stay)
A long-term visa permits its holder to enter Israel for up to 90 days. Foreign nationals who want to visit Oman only to enroll in a school are given “student visas.” The holder can enter the nation on various occasions one to two years after the official date of entry. The sponsor/employer must formally request an “Employment Visa” to obtain it for employment-related purposes. It allows numerous entries into Oman and is valid for the extension. The candidates for employment visas must, however, consider a few requirements. You can find more information online. Foreigners investing in Oman may also qualify for an “Investor Resident Visa.” The relevant authorities are required to verify the investments. After receiving clearance from the sources, an investor resident visa is issued with a two-year residence permit and a six-month validity period.
Obtaining a “Family Joining Visa” is possible if:
- to a foreigner living in Oman who has a spouse or children, and
- An Omani national’s foreign spouse or children upon his wish.
- The kids have to be under the age of 21. The Ministry of Interior must certify a marriage’s legal validity.
Transit Visa for Oman
The appropriate authorities issue Oman transit visas for airport transits in Oman’s international zone. It allows for a single entry into Oman during a 72-hour window. A traveler must have a passport or other travel document valid for at least six months after the travel dates, as well as travel tickets and, if necessary, a visa for the following destination.
General Criteria for Oman Visa Applications
Here are the Oman travel regulations for tourists. Please be advised that different documents may be needed depending on the length and reason for your visit and your visa category. Applications must be timely submitted to the diplomatic mission or designated visa application facilities, along with the required papers. The diplomatic mission maintains the right to request more paperwork.
Oman Visa Requests
- A passport or other travel document with two blank pages or more is valid for at least six months and 90 days after the trip—a copy of the first page with personal information and, if applicable, previous visas.
- Two recent biometric photos and a completed and signed visa application form are required.
- Evidence of travel with validated roundtrip tickets.
- Bank account information demonstrating the traveler’s financial capacity.
- The applicant must not threaten the national economy, public safety, morals, or public health. As a result, the applicant shouldn’t be charged with or found guilty of a crime.
- Proof of occupation in the form of official documents, such as a letter from the employer, a student’s transcript, a registration certificate, or evidence of pension funds.
- Details about accommodations might be found in an invitation letter or the documentation of your hotel reservation.
- Proof of travel health insurance is valid inside Oman’s borders and for the duration of the traveler’s stay.
- Depending on your employment situation, you may need to attach detailed documentation with your application.
Employed:
- employment agreement (original certificate of employment indicating the position in the company and the salary)
- a 6-month-old bank account statement
- employer’s letter of approval for time off
- Financial Statement (ITR)
- Self-employed:
- proof of business registration (company registration)
- Report of the company’s bank accounts for the last six months
- Financial Statement (ITR)
- Student:
- evidence of academic enrolment
- Certificate of approval from the school administration
- Retired:
- Pension statement for the most recent six months
- Unemployed:
- Nonetheless, you must provide evidence of your financial capability.
- Proof of a sponsor is required if the applicant cannot pay their fees.
What is Oman Visa Sponsorship
Students and others who are unemployed or retired and cannot afford to pay for their travel must show that they have a sponsor covering all expenditures. A formal letter stating that the sponsor will be in charge of the visitor for the duration of the trip is one of the requirements they may request. Additionally, as only first-grade relatives are eligible for this post, he or they must mention the visitor’s relationship. For all the pertinent information, please visit our website.
Regulations for Oman visas
Due to the boycott imposed by the Arab League countries, Israeli passport stamps may make it difficult to enter Oman. Nonetheless, an electronic gate pass has replaced passport stamps in Israel.At birth, children of an Omani father can become nationals of their country. Dual passport holders are advised to enter and exit Oman’s territory only using their Omani passports because Oman does not recognize dual nationality. Please note that entry criteria are subject to change based on decisions made by the authorities. Thus, it is highly recommended that you obtain reliable information from the regional embassies in your home country before you go.
Visa Requirements for Oman
General criteria include the following in addition to the application materials already mentioned Visa requirements for non-Europeans entering Oman Once they have met the requirements listed above for obtaining an entry visa appropriate for their visit, foreign nationals can plan their journeys to Oman. The guidelines for visa eligibility are available online.
- European nations require an Oman visa.
- Citizens of EU member states must apply for entrance visas to travel to Oman
- US, UK, and Canadian citizens must have tickets to enter Oman.
- UK, Canadian, and US citizens are urged to comply with Oman’s visa requirements before traveling there.
For travel to Oman, holders of US passports must get an entry visa. There are currency limits totaling more than 20.000 USD for entry and leave. Via the e-visa system, they can apply in advance for tourist visas. Arrival airports and border checkpoints also offer tourist visas. A valid UK passport with at least six months remaining beyond the return date is required to get an entry visa for Oman. To enter Oman, Canadian nationals must have a current entry visa. Individuals must apply for visas while holding valid passports for at least six months after their intended departure. They can also apply for an e-visa or a visa upon arrival at specific airports.
Visa fees for Oman
As indicated online, different visa fees depend on the required visa type. Israel visa fees cover processing costs and are not refundable. Therefore, they are only compensated if your application is allowed.
- Omani rials 20 for a tourist visa (approximately 51 USD)
- Visa for Employment/Work 50 Omani Riyal (about 129 USD)
- Visitation Permit for Family or Friends 20 Omani Riyal (about 51 USD)
- 30 Omani Riyals for Expedited Visa (about 77 USD)
- Omani Riyal 20 for a student visa (about 51 USD)
- 20 Omani Riyal for Family Joining and Family Residence Visa (about 51 USD)
ConclusionÂ
Oman is a beautiful country with many employment opportunities. If you are looking to relocate to Oman for work, obtaining a work permit is a crucial step in the process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be well on your way to getting a work permit and starting your new career in Oman.