http://thumb1.image.altavista.com/image/24190215http://thumb2.image.altavista.com/image/289576416http://thumb1.image.altavista.com/image/128981286http://thumb1.image.altavista.com/image/50072135

It seems there is a small improvement when it comes to opening up the country and to my opinion still more needs to be done. Part of the below informations are quoted from Times of Oman.

It seems this Monday 07th July, Oman will come out with new visa facilities and procedures in favour of tourism :).


@ Regardless of age, sex, etc.., a one month visa (extendable for another month) will be issued upon arrival through air entry point. This visa will be combining the tourist visa, business visa and short exit visa, which will now cease to exist.

@ Regardless of age, sex and profession, Oman will also be introducing a multiple entry visa, valid for a year. This visa will not be extendable.

@ One of the biggest move in the new introductions is the common visa facility with the emirate of Dubai. They should have an entrance visa or stamp from Dubai and, therefore, would not require a separate visa for Oman. The entry stamp/visa for Dubai is recognised for entry to Oman.

My questions are:

1) What do you think of this new visas facilities?

2) Do you think there is still too much restrictions /or not in this new immigration law?

3) Do you think these changes will really encourage more tourists to visit Oman?

1) What do you think of this new visas facilities?
I think its beneficial for both the government and the travelers, the that government has made it easy for the both sides.

2) Do you think there is still too much restrictions /or not in this new immigration law?
As far as I can see, it is less restrictions for people to travel to Oman, especially from Asian & African countries.

3) Do you think these changes will really encourage more tourists to visit Oman?
It will encourage more tourists to visit Oman especially during the festivals.

The government has began to do something to boost the tourism sector. It is a good start.

1) What do you think of this new visas facilities?

Interesting. As long as getting the visa isnt too complicated in the first place. (I mean requires many procedures).


2) Do you think there is still too much restrictions /or not in this new immigration law?

From whats posted here, it seems alright. But need to know the details of it, to figure if its more or less restricted then how it was. Probably its the same and just new types of visas. Overall, I think its quite good.

3) Do you think these changes will really encourage more tourists to visit Oman?

It's a factor that can for sure incourage the tourists. But again to even get the tourist attention. It needs more then a Visa to obtain that.

1) What do you think of this new visas facilities?

as said above it is a good start.. as long as its not too much of a hassle to get it.

2) Do you think there is still too much restrictions /or not in this new immigration law?

i guess it is , but one should keep in mind that there are resons for all these restrictions..and that they didnt just come out of the blue. safety above all..and if this is the way..then so be it.

3) Do you think these changes will really encourage more tourists to visit Oman?[/color]

as DeDe said..we're going to need more than a visa to attract tourist , but then again...i guess it would help increase the number of visitors..even if slightly.

It is definately a good start. I think the Oman Govt should advertise Oman's tourist places in the International Market to attract more tourists.

it's about time!!!!!!!!!!

why do we have to do everything 10 years late????

I'm all for making it easier for people to visit Oman. We will not survive as a viable economy without relaxing the rules. But when I read the new rules I found myself conflicted.

Back when the whole world was pushing for free travel we blocked our doors and didn't want anyone to come into our beautiful country. Now that the world has taken a step back and made things tougher, here comes oman and opens up its doors. Now even America, the country that was built entirely by immigrants, requires a three month wait for a visa.

I wish it was an across the board relaxation of the rules here but instead it's a weird system. Have you tried to read the details:

Citizens of 68 countries are eligible to obtain the single entry visit visa on arrival at all land, sea and air terminals, whether individually or as part of a group, regardless of sex or age. The fee for this visa is RO 6, valid for one month and can be extended for one more month paying RO 6.

The single entry visit visa is also issued to nationals set out in list number two. However, this group can avail this facility only on arrival at air entry points, either individually or as part of a group. They should also have purchased a complete tourist package from specified companies in their countries which are approved by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Countries included in list number one are Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldavia, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Vatican, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States of America.

Chinese, Russian and Ukrainian nationals, however, can obtain the visit visa provided that they are part of tourist groups arriving in the Sultanate through a local tourist agent or hotel or as a family. In the case of groups, the number of females must not exceed the number of males.

Countries figuring in the list number two include India, Iran, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. They can avail of this new single entry visa have to buy a tour package from the authorised agents in their respective countries and will have to fill a voucher‚ to avail visa on arrival. Also, they will have to travel either by Oman Air or Gulf Air.

Nationals mentioned in both lists are eligible for multiple entry visa regardless of sex, age and profession. The validity of this visa is one year, allowing its holder to stay in Oman for three weeks in each visit during the validity period of the visa. A minimum of three weeks must elapse between each visit.

The fee for multiple entry visa is RO 10 and issued upon arrival at all land, sea and air entry points. Such visas can also be obtained through Oman diplomatic and commercial missions in addition to the Directorate-General of Passport and Residency and its sections in the ROP headquarters in the regions. This type of visa cannot be extended.

Nationals set out in list number one arriving from the Emirate of Dubai to the Sultanate are not required to obtain a separate visa for Oman. No fees are charged for entry into Oman. The bearer of the joint visa is allowed to stay for the period of the visa issued to him in Dubai or a maximum of three weeks for nationals who do not require entry visas to the Emirates. The visa cannot be extended.

Nationals set out in list number three may enter the Sultanate if they possess tourist visas issued by the relevant authorities in Qatar or reciprocally may enter Qatar if they obtain visit visas issued by the relevant authorities in Oman. This advantage shall not apply if the bearer of such a visa departs to a third country. Fees of this visa is RO 6 in Oman and QR 70 in Qatar, issued for a non-renewable period of one month.

Nationals of the following countries mentioned in list number three are eligible for joint tourist visas between Oman and Qatar.

The United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and South Korea.

So let's see.. If I want to go to the US I have to pay a non-refundable processing fee and wait 3 months for a Visa. I must undergo an interview. I must show my bank statement. I must show proof of salary, etc. But an American who wants to come to Oman only has to pay 6 rials and get a visa within 24 hours. Or he can arrive in Oman at any of our points of entry by air, sea or land and get a visa on arrival.

To get a visa to Australia I had to pay 50 rials. For the UK, the 6 month visa costs 23 rials, while the one year visa costs 39 rials. For most countries in Europe you need to submit a salary certificate and bank statements. Any citizens of those countries wanting to come to Oman? Welcome, just pay 6 rials at the door; 10 rials if you want to stay a year. Except you can't really stay a year. You have to leave after 3 weeks. Stay away for 3 weeks. And then come again for another 3 weeks.

People from countries I've never heard of before are allowed to get visa on arrival. French Guyana? Yeh, I think they'll be flooding our country with their tourists. But Egyptians, Jordanians or Lebanese? Nooooo.. they must buy a tour package and special voucher. Oh, and they must travel by Oman Air or Gulf Air.

Chinese, Russian and Ukranian women can only come to Oman in groups that have an equal number of women and men. This is obviously to combat prostitution. And yet women from other former soviet states and east europe such as Estonia, Albania, Bulgaria and Belarus don't have such restrictions.

Why can't we have a simple system based on reciprocation. Countries that allow us free visas are given free visas for their citizens. Country that charge us a lot get charged a lot. Countries that allow us to visit without a visa are allowed visa-free access to Oman, etc. And what's this crap about Oman Air and Gulf Air. Can't they compete fairly without bogus government incentives like these?

http://thumb2.image.altavista.com/image/275042766

Originally posted by mux
I'm all for making it easier for people to visit Oman. We will not survive as a viable economy without relaxing the rules.

You are right mux! The economy is right now going down the drain because the country has closed for much too long its doors to the outside world. I am for preserving the heritage and the culture, but something has to be done to achieve that, while being like any other prosperous muslim countries.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------@

Originally posted by mux
...it's a weird system. Have you tried to read the details:

....10 rials if you want to stay a year. Except you can't really stay a year. You have to leave after 3 weeks. Stay away for 3 weeks. And then come again for another 3 weeks.

I thought that the one year visa allowed to stay one year and if the visa holder wanted to exit the country before that period, he/she should stay at least 3 weeks out before returning under the same visa :confused:. Having a 3 weeks stay in Oman doesn't make sense, especially when a normal business or visit visa allows you to stay longer than that.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------@

Originally posted by mux
But Egyptians, Jordanians or Lebanese? Nooooo.. they must buy a tour package and special voucher. Oh, and they must travel by Oman Air or Gulf Air.

I have to admit that when I read this in the papers, I found this really silly (with all my respect)! To have to book a special package + ticket + accommodation etc..and for worst not in any travel agency, but in those only recognized and approved by the Omani government!! :eek:

So much hassle!!! This is again to make things really difficult and to put people off from visiting Oman.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------@

Originally posted by mux
Chinese, Russian and Ukranian women can only come to Oman in groups that have an equal number of women and men. This is obviously to combat prostitution. And yet women from other former soviet states and east europe such as Estonia, Albania, Bulgaria and Belarus don't have such restrictions.

True that the above restrictions don't make sense....well I suppose the girls from Bulgaria are better looking than the current chineses found in Oman :D

prostitution is one of outputs of this thing ! it makes it easier for those interested in bringing Russian , Morocan , ...and other nationalities for purpose of this sh1t !!

Navigator, opening up Oman like it is done in the majority of the world countries is not for the purpose to bring prostitutes...even though it will give some men a chance not to play with cola bottles ;)

Opening up Oman, means making other people know about the existance of this beautiful natural place; and secondly to have an economical and financial movement inside the country which is right now going down!

Originally posted by X-press
Navigator, opening up Oman like it is done in the majority of the world countries is not for the purpose to bring prostitutes...even though it will give some men a chance not to play with cola bottles ;)!

You Know what Mamah Sabla you are so weird sometimes what playing with cola bottles has to do with Tourisim Visas :D .

I too have observation with this Tourisim Visas.. I feel most of our Hotels are empty and Bussiness Man's has pushed for this to happend so that they can fill up their empty Hotel Rooms..

But there is a price and consequence to pay. our Boys they wont need to go to Dubai anymore Because they will easily get those called prostitute Tourist in here.. as it happens in Dubai, and Once our Boys are Involved with theseTourist Prosititute then they wont have time to get married because they will prefer to keep changing shapes. And the Big Blow will be for our Single Women here in Oman as No Single Oman Man will think marrying them because our Boys will be Involving themself with Tourist Prosititute and they dont want any responsibillity... So they wont be a Win Win situation.. its all loss loss situation:weep: :weep:

Originally posted by Navigator
prostitution is one of outputs of this thing ! it makes it easier for those interested in bringing Russian , Morocan , ...and other nationalities for purpose of this sh1t !!

I agree with Navi, and this means there should be some kind of controls after they enter the country to avoide -ve impacts on the society.