Oman adds free 14-day tourist visa to its entry framework

Eligible nationalities have not yet been named, but holders will be able to convert to a paid tourist visa before the 14 days expire

Oman has added a free 14-day tourist visa to its entry system, creating a new no-cost pathway for short visits by nationals of countries that Oman's authorities will designate at a later date. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) formalized the new category through Decision No. 109/2026, signed by Lt Gen Hassan bin Mohsin Al Shraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs. The decision was published in Official Gazette No. 1659 on August 2, 2026, and the amended rules took effect the following day, according to the Oman Observer.

Before this addition, travelers who did not qualify for Oman's existing visa-free entry (available to nationals of more than 100 countries for up to 14 days) had to apply through the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal and pay for one of three tourist visa tiers: a 10-day single entry at 5 OMR (approximately $13), a 30-day single entry at 20 OMR (approximately $52), or a one-year multiple-entry visa at 50 OMR (approximately $130). The new zero-fee category opens a middle path for nationalities that have not yet received visa-free status but that Oman wants to welcome for short stays without a financial barrier.

On the legal side, the decision writes a new paragraph into Article 10 of the executive regulations governing the Foreigners' Residence Law and slots the new visa into the fee schedule at Article 29 with a stated cost of zero Omani rials. Where the new provisions conflict with earlier versions of the regulations, the updated text takes precedence.

Which countries are eligible for this visa?

The specific list of qualifying countries has not been released yet. The regulation refers to nationals of countries "designated by the competent authority" but does not identify those countries. The Royal Oman Police has indicated that the qualifying nationalities will be announced separately, so travelers should monitor ROP announcements for updates.

Can I extend my stay beyond 14 days?

Holders who want to stay longer can switch to a different tourist visa category before the 14-day window closes. The amended regulations allow conversion to any of the paid tourist visa options available under Omani law, provided the traveler satisfies the conditions for the new visa type and covers whatever charges apply. The free visa itself cannot be stretched past its 14-day duration, and it cannot be converted into a residency visa, only into another tourist category.

Stays beyond the standard tourist visa durations require a separate application process entirely.

How does this visa differ from Oman's existing visa-free entry?

Travelers who already qualify for visa-free entry to Oman are unaffected by this new category. Oman currently grants 14-day visa-free access to nationals of more than 100 countries, a separate arrangement that predates this amendment and operates under different legal provisions. The two programs share the same 14-day duration but are legally distinct, and travelers who already enjoy visa-free access do not need to apply for the new free visa.

The new category appears aimed at a different group: nationalities that do not yet have visa-free access but that Oman wants to bring into its tourism pipeline at zero entry cost. The measure forms part of a broader pattern of amendments to Oman's Foreigners' Residence Law designed to lower barriers for international visitors. visa categories as well.