Oman Transit Visa
Oman Transit Visa
Renowned for its magical desert landscapes, grand mountain ranges, pristine beaches, and mesmerising historic forts, Oman offers a unique experience to all its tourists. Whether one is visiting Oman for travel or simply as a transit hub, the country welcomes all its visitors warmly.
However, if Indian passport holders have a layover in Oman, they will have to procure an Oman transit visa for Indians.
A transit visa can be considered a temporary travel document that enables travellers to safely pass through another country while on their way to their final destination. In our current context, the Oman transit visa (also commonly referred to as the Muscat transit visa for Indian nationals) will allow travellers to transit via Oman for a short duration.
Let’s explore the formalities of the transit visa for Muscat for Indian nationals in detail.
Is There an Oman Transit Visa-On-Arrival for Indians?
Indian passport holders with a visa for Canada, USA, Australia, Japan, UK, or a Schengen Member State that is valid for the duration of the intended stay can get a visa-on-arrival from Oman.
However, this visa permits travellers to stay in the country for no longer than 14 days. Certain other documents, such as onward flight ticket, confirmation of hotel reservation, health insurance, etc., are essential to get a visa-on-arrival. This is also applicable to children younger than 18 years of age and the accompanying spouse.
For travellers who don’t possess the aforementioned documents, the transit visa requirements in Oman are applicable. If your layover is for longer than six hours and you intend to leave the transit area, you will have to apply for an Oman transit visa. However, if you have the necessary documents and you have no intention of leaving the international transit area, you can transit for 24 hours without a visa for Oman. If you want to make use of your layover and explore Oman for longer, you will have to apply for a different Oman visa for Indians.
Eligibility Criteria for Oman Transit Visa:
Travellers must make note of the eligibility criteria for the transit Visa for Muscat for Indian nationals before applying to avoid visa rejections.
Travellers must enter and depart from Oman by flight
Travellers must not possess another valid Oman visa when applying for the transit visa
Travellers must be a passenger of an airline that is transiting via Oman
Travellers must be sponsored by an airline operating in Oman
The layover in Oman is for longer than six hours
Types of Oman Transit Visa for Indians
As mentioned earlier, Indian nationals who have a layover in Oman for longer than six hours will have to apply and intend to leave the transit section will have to apply for an Oman transit visa.
Here are the details about transit visas for Muscat for Indian nationals:
Visa type | Duration of Stay | Entry | Renewability |
---|---|---|---|
Transit Visa | 72 hours (or 3 days) | Single-entry | Non-extendable |
Note: If travellers stay in Oman beyond the time permitted under their visa, they will be liable to pay a daily fine of OMR 10.
How to Apply for an Oman Transit Visa for Indians?
Indian travellers who fulfil the eligibility criteria for Oman visa-on-arrival can get their transit visa once they enter Oman.
Application process for Oman Visa-On-Arrival:
After you have disembarked from your flight, head to the information desk at the airport. Here, you will know exactly where you will need to go to procure your transit visa-on-arrival.
Ensure you have all the essential documents on your person before going to the relevant department for your transit visa
Submit your biometric information and all the relevant documents to the officer
Pay the applicable Muscat transit visa fee from your preferred mode of payment
Wait for your visa application to be processed
Note: Although the application process for Oman transit visa-on-arrival is straightforward, it is advised to apply for a visa before your arrival. This can be done by contacting your nearest Oman embassy and applying for the transit visa through them.
Application process for Oman Transit Visa Online:
Travellers can also apply for an Oman transit visa online through the official website of the Royal Oman Police. Here, travellers can apply for their eVisa. The Oman transit visa online application is a simple process:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Royal Oman Police.
Step 2: Select the visa type you are applying for (in this case, transit visa).
Step 3: Carefully fill out the application form and ensure all the information is accurate.
Step 4: Upload the relevant supporting documents as asked.
Step 5: Pay the applicable Muscat transit visa fee via your preferred mode of payment.
Once the application is duly completed, and the Oman transit visa fees for Indians are paid, the visa application and the payment receipt are shared with the applicant on their registered email address. If required, travellers can print this information.
It is advised to apply for your transit visa or eVisa at least four days in advance because the visa processing time may vary for each applicant based on their specific condition. However, before applying for an Oman transit visa online, it is important to keep all the essential documents ready.
Documents Required for an Oman Transit Visa for Indians
Here is a list of all the essential documents that will be needed during the application process:
A valid Indian passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of travel
A copy of your passport: A copy of your passport’s biometric or the passport ID page is required for the transit visa application for Oman
Photograph: Travellers will need to submit a recent photograph. Details include size: 6 cm in height and 4 cm in width, colour photograph in white background.
Travel itinerary: Travellers will also need to submit their complete travel itinerary that verifies their layover in Oman
Proof of funds: Travellers will need to provide proof of funds through bank statements that show they have enough funds to cover the stay for the duration of their trip
Onward flight ticket: To show that you will be departing from Oman, travellers need to show proof of their onward flight ticket from Oman to their next destination
Oman Transit Visa Fees for Indians
The transit visa for Oman from India costs OMR 5.000, which is roughly INR 1082.57. It is important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable (even if your visa is rejected).
Travellers can make the most out of their layover in Oman because the transit visa allows them to leave the airport. However, if you are going to leave the airport, you must return well in advance for your connecting flight. If you wish to stay longer in Oman, you will have to apply for a tourist visa instead.
Processing Time for Muscat Transit Visa for Indian Nationals
Typically, the standard transit visa processing time for Oman is three working days, with the exception of national holidays and Friday and Saturday. It is advised, however, to apply for your visa at least four days in advance to allow room for longer processing times.
It is also important to note that the processing time varies depending on how travellers choose to apply for the visa. For instance, if you are applying for visa-on-arrival, the processing time is not clear as it would depend on the number of applicants at the airport. Conversely, if you apply through the embassy of Oman, they will give you an estimate of the processing time from their end.
What To Do When You Reach Oman Airport?
If your onward flight is in less than 24 hours, you can head to the transit lounge and wait for your next flight. In this instance, you will not need to undergo the transit visa process. However, if you are leaving the transit lounge, you will have to have your transit visa ready. Here are the steps that would follow:
Upon disembarking from your flight, head to the immigration counter at the Oman airport
Present all your relevant documents, including your transit visa and your confirmed onward flight ticket
The immigration officer will then verify your documents
Once the process is complete, you may choose to leave the airport to rest at a hotel before your next flight. However, if you intend to leave the airport, ensure that you arrive well in time to catch your connecting flight from Oman. Failing to do so will make you liable to a fine.
Importance of a Travel Insurance Policy
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An overseas travel insurance policy takes care of a range of unforeseeable scenarios such as loss of passport, misplaced luggage, delayed flights, and even accidents so that travellers can have a worry-free trip. You can also customise your policy to accommodate your itinerary.
With Tata AIG’s international travel insurance, travellers get well-rounded protection for securing their journeys. It covers everything right from personal liabilities, delayed flights, trip curtailment, etc. under journey cover to medical emergencies under medical coverage and more. Your travel insurance acts as your reliable companion and offers financial assistance against unforeseeable situations.
Key Takeaways About the Oman Transit Visa for Indians
You don’t need a transit visa for Oman if your connecting flight is within 24 hours and you don’t intend to leave the transit lounge at the Oman airport
Indian nationals will need a transit visa for Oman if their layover is for longer than six hours and they intend to leave the transit lounge during this time
The transit visa for Oman from India is a single entry visa only. There is no provision for travellers to apply for a multiple-entry transit visa.
Oman transit visa cannot be extended for longer than three days (72 hours) so if you have to stay in Oman for longer than this time frame, you will have to apply for a different visa type
The processing time for an Oman transit visa depends on how the traveller has applied for the visa
Disclaimer
Information last updated Jan 24. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.