Oman Introduces Free 14-Day Tourist Visa With New Option to Switch to Longer Stay

Oman has updated its immigration rules, introducing a free 14-day tourist visa for eligible foreign travellers and adding a new level of flexibility for visitors who decide to stay longer.

Under the revised Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law, eligible visitors can now convert this short-stay visa into another tourist visa category before it expires, provided they meet the required conditions and pay the applicable fees.

For travellers who often combine Oman with trips to the UAE or Qatar, the change removes one of the biggest hassles: having to leave the country simply because travel plans changed.

Who Can Get the Free 14-Day Tourist Visa?

The free visa applies to nationals of countries covered under Oman’s visa exemption rules. Indian passport holders are also eligible, but only if they meet additional conditions.

To qualify, Indian travellers must:

• Hold a passport valid for at least six months.
• Have a confirmed hotel booking.
• Carry a return or onward ticket.
• Have valid travel health insurance.
• Show sufficient funds for their stay.
• Hold either:
  • A valid visa or residence permit for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, or a Schengen country, or
  • Residency in a GCC country under eligible professions.

Travellers who do not meet these requirements must continue applying for the appropriate Oman eVisa before departure.

What Has Changed?

Previously, the free 14-day entry was a fixed short stay with very limited flexibility. Under the new regulations, visitors can now apply to switch to another tourist visa category before their free visa expires, rather than being forced to leave immediately. The conversion is subject to Oman’s immigration rules and the relevant visa fees.

This points to a wider trend across the Gulf, where governments are making tourism rules more flexible without removing immigration checks altogether.

Why It Matters for Indian Travellers

Oman has become an easy short-break destination for Indians, thanks to direct flights from cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Lucknow to Muscat and Salalah.

The new rules make it easier for eligible travellers to extend their holidays if they decide to spend more time exploring destinations such as Muscat, Jebel Akhdar, Nizwa, or the Dhofar region, without having to interrupt their trip by leaving the country.

Before You Fly

Even if you qualify for the free entry, make sure you travel with:

• Passport valid for at least six months.
• Confirmed return or onward ticket.
• Hotel reservation.
• Valid travel health insurance.
• Proof of sufficient financial means.

Omani immigration officers may ask for these documents on arrival.

Travelobiz Take

We think this is a practical update for eligible Indian travellers. More flexibility means fewer last-minute travel disruptions, but travellers should still check they meet Oman’s eligibility rules before booking flights.