Oman, the neighboring country to the east and northeast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the must-visit countries in the Middle East. Offering beautiful scenery, rich history and warm Arabian hospitality, the country has a thriving tourism sector. In 2023, it welcomed nearly 4 million visitors, and its tourism market could grow 7.4 percent annually from 2023 to 2027.
If you’re a UAE resident planning to visit Oman, here’s all the visa-related information you need to know.
Do UAE residents need an Oman visa?
First off, it’s important to note that UAE nationals don’t need a visa to visit Oman. It’s one of the advantages they enjoy by being part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Apart from the UAE and Oman, the GCC region also includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Now, if you are a UAE resident — whether you obtained it by getting a golden, green, digital nomad visa, or employment visa — you will need to apply for an Oman visa before visiting the country.
The visa you must apply for is the GCC Resident Tourist Visa (Type 29A), which will be valid for 28 days. You can apply for a one-week extension.
Read: How to get a permanent residency visa in UAE in 2024
Requirements and essential things to know
When applying for an Oman visa, you must do it outside the country (i.e., while you’re still in the UAE). Additionally, you must meet the following requirements:
- You’re a UAE resident with at least six months of residency remaining upon your entry to Oman
- You must have a passport valid for six months upon your date of entry
- You must be on the list of approved professions. Below is a reference.
| Accountant | Commercial delegate | Flight engineer | Marketing specialist | Project manager |
| Actor | Computer engineer | Film cameraman | Mechanical engineer | Project author |
| Agriculture engineer | Computer manager | First counselor | Media specialist | Prosecutor |
| Agriculture supervisor | Coordinator | Geologist | Military officer | Referee |
| Architect | Co-pilot | Geologist engineer | Musician | Sales and marketing representative |
| Archaeologist | Counselor | General manager | Navigator | Sales representative |
| Athletic organizer | Dental surgeon | Generator operator | Network engineer | School guidance officer |
| Artist | Dental technician | Head of section | Nurse | Scientist |
| Author | Deputy director | Health observer | Nurse assistant | Section supervisor |
| Athlete | Designer | Host | Officer | Social specialist |
| Banker | Dietician | Interior designer | Pharmacist | Software analyst |
| Broker | Director | Investor | Physicist | Specialist |
| Businessman | Director/deputy | Jeweler | Pilot | Sport coach |
| Business woman | Doctor | Journalist | Poet | Store inspector |
| Camera man | Electrician | Laboratory technician | Preacher | Supervisor |
| Captain | Electronics engineer | Land surveyor | Printer | Teacher |
| Chemist | Engineer | Lawyer | Producer | Technical support engineer |
| Civil engineer | Employee | Lecturer | Production assistant | Technologist |
| Commercial artist | Flight engineer | Marketing agent | Production executive | Trading partner |
| Commercial designer | Film cameraman | Marketing director | Programmer | |
| Advisor | Expert | Marketing manager | Project engineer |
How can a UAE resident apply for an Oman visa?
If you want to explore Oman, you must first obtain a visa by following these steps.
Step 1: Visit the Royal Oman Police website
Begin your application process by visiting the Royal Oman Police (ROP) website. The agency offers various online services, including applying for a visa. On the homepage, click on the “Apply Online” tab under “Electronic Visa Services.” On the e-visa services page, select “On-Arrival Tourist Visa, Express Visa and Entry Visa for Foreign Residents in GCC States,” and then “Apply for Tourist Visa.”
Step 2: Create and verify your account
Once you’re on the e-visa application portal, create an account. Simply provide your email address and phone number. You will receive an email to verify your account.
Step 3: Choose the right visa type
After setting up your account, visit the visa application section and select GCC Resident Tourist Visa (Type 29A).
Step 4: Provide your information and submit all requirements
Next, fill out the required fields in the visa application form. It includes travel document details, your full name, birth date, and previous visa details (if any). You must also attach the requirements, which include a scanned copy of your passport, a copy of your UAE residence permit and a recent passport-size photo with a white background.
Step 5: Pay the visa fees
Ensure that all information is correct before submitting your application. Upon submission, you must pay visa fees worth OMR5. If your application is granted, you will get your visa via email. You must print it out before you travel.
Final thoughts
From Oman’s dunes and beaches to its bustling economy, there are several reasons why the country is emerging as a top destination in the Middle East. If you’re a UAE resident, applying for an Oman visa is a fairly simple process.
Tracking your application is also easy. Just revisit the ROP website and input your web application number and passport number on the application tracking page. Note that the processing time for Oman visas usually lasts between 3 to 4 days. Ensure to monitor your application status within this timeframe to confirm the approval of your visa before your planned travel.
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