Getting an oman visa for indian passport holders is a straightforward, online process managed through the Royal Oman Police (ROP) portal. The Sultanate of Oman has phased out standard physical visa-on-arrival counters for general tourists at Muscat International Airport, requiring most travellers from India to secure an approved electronic visa (eVisa) prior to boarding their flight.
Whether you are planning a winter weekend break in Muscat, driving through the misty waterfalls of Salalah during the summer Khareef season, or transiting through the Gulf, understanding the correct visa subclass, application process, and entry conditions ensures a smooth journey. This guide details every official visa category, fee structure, document requirement, and entry rule applicable to Indian citizens in 2026.
Oman Visa Options for Indian Passport Holders: Subclasses, Fees, and Validity
Oman offers several tourist and transit eVisa categories tailored to different trip lengths and travel frequencies. Official visa fees are levied in Omani Rials (OMR). For budgeting purposes, 1 OMR converts to approximately ₹215 to ₹220 INR, depending on current foreign exchange rates.
| Visa Category & Subclass | Stay Duration | Entry Validity | Official Fee (OMR) | Approx. Fee (INR) | Extension Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Day Tourist eVisa (Subclass 26A) | Up to 10 Days | 30 Days from issue | OMR 5.000 | ₹1,100 – ₹1,150 | Non-extendable |
| 30-Day Tourist eVisa (Subclass 26B) | Up to 30 Days | 30 to 90 Days from issue | OMR 20.000 | ₹4,400 – ₹4,500 | Extendable once for 30 days (OMR 20 fee) |
| 1-Year Multiple-Entry eVisa (Subclass 36M / 26M) | Up to 30 Days per visit | 1 Year from issue | OMR 50.000 | ₹11,000 – ₹11,200 | Non-extendable per visit |
| GCC Resident Tourist eVisa (Subclass 29A / 29B) | 28 to 30 Days | 30 Days from issue | OMR 5.000 | ₹1,100 – ₹1,150 | Non-extendable |
| Transit eVisa (Short Layover) | Up to 72 Hours (3 Days) | 30 Days from issue | OMR 5.000 | ₹1,100 – ₹1,150 | Non-extendable |
Detailed Breakdown of Key Tourist Visa Categories
- 10-Day Single-Entry Tourist Visa (Subclass 26A): Ideal for long-weekend city breaks in Muscat, coastal desert drives, or quick mountain trips to Jebel Akhdar. Once issued, you must enter Oman within 30 days. This visa strictly cannot be extended inside the country.
- 30-Day Single-Entry Tourist Visa (Subclass 26B): The standard choice for family holidays, road trips, and exploring the Dhofar region during Khareef. If you wish to stay longer while in Oman, you can apply for a one-time 30-day online extension through the ROP portal for an additional fee of OMR 20.
- 1-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (Subclass 36M / 26M): Designed for frequent business travellers, regional consultants, or tourists taking multiple trips across the Middle East. You can enter Oman multiple times within 12 months, staying up to 30 days on each individual visit.
- GCC Resident Tourist Visa (Subclass 29A / 29B): Indian passport holders who hold a valid residence permit in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nation—United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, or Bahrain—can obtain an Oman tourist visa for OMR 5. To qualify, your GCC residence card must be valid for at least three months, and your listed profession must fall under the approved skilled categories (such as engineer, manager, doctor, executive, or accountant).
- Express Visit Visa Option: For last-minute business or emergency travel, the ROP portal offers an Express Visit Visa for OMR 30.000 (approx. ₹6,600 INR), which is processed within 24 hours.
The 14-Day Conditional Visa Exemption for Indian Passport Holders
Oman categorises India under its Group 2 (Conditional Exemption Countries) list. This means an Indian passport on its own does not entitle a traveller to visa-free entry. However, a specific conditional exemption allows eligible Indian citizens to enter Oman without applying for a standard eVisa in advance, or to obtain a conditional Visa on Arrival (VOA) for stays up to 14 days.
Eligibility Criteria for the 14-Day Conditional Exemption
To qualify for the 14-day conditional visa exemption, an Indian passport holder must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
- Hold a valid entry visa or residence permit from one of six qualifying nations:
- United States of America (USA)
- United Kingdom (UK)
- Schengen Member States (Europe)
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- OR hold a valid GCC Residence Permit with an approved professional occupation.
If you qualify under these rules, you can review our dedicated guide on visa-free entry with a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa to understand how supporting documents are verified by international airlines during check-in.
Mandatory Entry Requirements Under the 14-Day Exemption
Even if you hold a valid visa from the US, UK, Schengen, or a GCC residence permit, Omani immigration officers at the port of entry will verify the following mandatory conditions before granting entry:
- Passport Validity: Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
- Validity of Supporting Visa/Residency: Your US, UK, Schengen, or GCC visa/residence card must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in Oman.
- Confirmed Onward Travel: A confirmed return flight ticket back to India or an onward flight ticket to a third destination.
- Accommodation Details: A confirmed hotel booking voucher or verified proof of local accommodation.
- Travel Insurance: Valid international travel health insurance covering your complete stay.
- Financial Sufficiency: Proof of adequate funds (cash or credit cards) to cover daily expenses.
- Family Coverage: An accompanying spouse and children under 18 years of age can enter under the primary applicant’s qualifying foreign visa or GCC residence status.
STRICT RULE: The 14-day conditional exemption cannot be extended beyond 14 days under any circumstances. It also cannot be converted into any other visa type or work permit while inside Oman. Staying beyond 14 days incurs an overstay fine of OMR 10 per day.
Regulatory Clarification: ROP Decision No. 109/2026
In August 2026, the Royal Oman Police issued Decision No. 109/2026, updating rules regarding zero-fee short-stay tourist entries for select foreign nationalities. Omani authorities have not added bare Indian passport holders to this zero-fee list. Indian passport holders who do not hold a valid US, UK, Schengen, Canadian, Australian, Japanese visa, or GCC residence card must apply for a paid eVisa before traveling.
How to Apply for an Oman eVisa: Documents and Step-by-Step Portal Process
Applying for an oman visa for indian passport holders through the official government portal takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes when you have all documents ready.
Required Documents Checklist
- Passport Bio-Data Pages: Clear, coloured digital scan of the front (photo) and back (address and parent details) pages of your Indian passport. Format: JPEG or PNG.
- Digital Photograph:
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 4.5 cm or 4.0 x 6.0 cm (minimum 350×350 pixels).
- File Size: Under 512 KB (keep under 200 KB if prompted by system limits).
- Background: Plain white or light-coloured background.
- Pose: Neutral facial expression, looking directly at the camera, eyes open and visible, face occupying 70% to 80% of the frame. Religious headwear is permitted provided the facial structure from chin to forehead remains fully visible.
- Flight Itinerary: Confirmed return air ticket back to India or an onward international flight ticket.
- Proof of Stay: Confirmed hotel reservation voucher or an official written host invitation with local contact details in Oman.
- Financial Proof: Recent bank account statement showing sufficient liquid balance for your travel expenses.
- GCC ID Copy (If Applicable): Clear scans of both the front and back of your valid GCC Resident ID card showing at least 3 months of remaining validity.
Step-by-Step Portal Application Process
- Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the official Royal Oman Police eVisa portal at
evisa.rop.gov.om. Do not use third-party intermediary websites that charge inflated service fees. - Create an Account: Click “Register New User”. Enter a valid email address, set a password, and provide an Indian mobile number with the
+91country code. Confirm registration using the link sent to your email. - Start Application: Log in, select “Apply for eVisa”, click on “Unsponsored Visa”, choose “India” as your nationality, and state whether you reside in India or a GCC nation.
- Select Visa Category: Select your required subclass—such as Subclass 26A (10 Days), Subclass 26B (30 Days), Subclass 36M (1-Year Multiple Entry), or Subclass 29A (GCC Resident).
- Fill Personal Details: Input your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport: full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, issue/expiry dates, mother’s full name (printed on the back page of Indian passports), travel dates, and your initial accommodation address in Oman.
- Upload Supporting Files: Upload your passport scans, digital photo, hotel voucher, and flight tickets. Ensure all files meet format and size restrictions.
- Review Application Details: Double-check every field. Verify that your passport number is error-free and that your given name and surname match your passport layout.
- Pay Visa Fee Online: Pay the non-refundable official visa fee using an international credit card, debit card, or Visa/Mastercard on the secure payment portal.
- Track Approval & Print PDF: Save your Reference Application Number (RAN). Standard processing takes 1 to 3 business days. Once approved, you will receive an email notification. Download the official PDF eVisa document and print 2 to 3 physical copies to carry with your travel documents.
Muscat Airport Transit Visa Rules for Indian Citizens
Many Indian travellers pass through Muscat International Airport (MCT) when flying on long-haul routes across the Middle East, Europe, or Africa. Your transit visa requirements depend on layover duration and whether you intend to leave the airport terminal.
- Layovers Under 6 Hours (No Airport Exit): If your total layover at Muscat International Airport or Salalah Airport is under 6 hours, you are booked on a single through-ticket, and you remain inside the international transit area, you do not require a transit visa. Your luggage will be checked through to your final destination.
- Layovers 6 to 72 Hours (Airport Exit Allowed): If you wish to exit the airport to explore Muscat during a long layover, or if your connection is between 6 and 72 hours, you must apply for an Oman Transit eVisa.
The Transit eVisa costs OMR 5.000 (approx. ₹1,100 INR), allows a stay of up to 72 hours, and requires a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country, a valid entry visa for your final destination (if required), and a passport valid for at least 6 months. For broader travel planning across global hubs, review our complete airport transit visa rules for Indians.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Oman eVisa Rejection and Fines
Most Oman eVisa rejections for Indian applicants stem from simple administrative errors during application submission. Avoiding these common mistakes will save time and money:
- Typographical Errors in Name or Passport Number: Entering a zero (
0) instead of the letter (O), or transposing digits in your passport number, creates a mismatch between your eVisa and passport. Airline staff at Indian airports will deny boarding if the visa details do not match your passport page. - Application Submission Close to Travel Dates: The Omani government working week runs from Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday are official weekend days in Oman, during which standard visa processing is paused. Submitting an application on a Thursday afternoon before a weekend flight can result in missed flights. Submit your application at least 5 to 7 days before departure.
- Inadequate Passport Validity: Applying with less than 6 months of validity remaining on your passport from your planned entry date will lead to immediate rejection by the automated portal or border officials.
- Incorrect Passport Photograph Specs: Uploading low-resolution selfies, photos with busy backgrounds, or photos where the face is shadowed or cropped leads to system flags and manual rejection.
- Assuming Bare Passport Free Entry: Travelling to Oman expecting a free Visa on Arrival without holding a valid US, UK, Schengen, Canadian, Australian, Japanese visa, or GCC residence card will lead to denied boarding at the departure airport in India.
- Overstaying Granted Visa Duration: Overstaying your visa incurs a strict fine of OMR 10 per day (approx. ₹2,150 to ₹2,200 INR per day). Overstay fines must be paid at airport immigration before departure, and violations are logged in regional GCC immigration databases, potentially affecting future entry to neighboring nations.
Oman Travel Guide for Indian Travellers: Flights, Best Time, and Culture
Planning an Omani trip involves selecting the right travel window, choosing direct air connections, and adhering to local cultural etiquette.
Direct Flight Connections from India
Oman is easily accessible from India, with flight durations ranging from 3 to 3.5 hours from western and southern Indian ports. Non-stop direct flights connect major Indian cities—including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and Ahmedabad—to Muscat International Airport (MCT) and Salalah Airport (SLL).
Major carriers operating these routes include Oman Air, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SalamAir. If your itinerary involves visiting adjacent Gulf nations, you can combine your travel plans with regional guides like our Dubai visa on arrival rules or Qatar visa guidelines for Indian citizens.
Best Time to Visit Oman
- Muscat, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar, and Wahiba Sands (October to April): This is the prime winter travel window. Temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C, providing ideal weather for outdoor sightseeing, desert camping, mountain trekking, and coastal dolphin-watching cruises.
- Salalah & Dhofar Region (July to September): During the summer months, the southern region of Salalah experiences the unique Khareef (monsoon) season. While the rest of the Arabian Peninsula sees high summer temperatures, Salalah drops to 22°C–27°C with misty rains, transforming desert landscapes into lush green hills and waterfalls.
Currency, Payments, and Forex Tips
The local currency is the Omani Rial (OMR), subdivided into 1,000 baisa. International Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, modern shopping malls, restaurants, and petrol stations throughout major cities. However, carry OMR or USD cash when visiting traditional souks (such as Mutrah Souk in Muscat), buying dates and spices in rural markets, or hiring local taxis.
Cultural Etiquette & Local Laws for Tourists
- Dress Code: Oman is a traditional Islamic country that values modest attire. In public spaces, men and women should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Swimwear should be restricted to private hotel beaches or swimming pools.
- Visiting Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: Strict dress codes apply at this major landmark. Women must cover their hair, arms, and legs down to the ankles. Men must wear full-length trousers and shirts covering the shoulders.
- Alcohol Regulations: Consuming alcohol in public, non-licensed areas is strictly prohibited. Alcohol is available only inside licensed international hotels, resorts, and specialized restaurants.
- Ramadan Etiquette: If visiting during the Holy Month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public spaces during daylight hours is forbidden by law.
- Vehicle Standards in Muscat: Driving a noticeably dirty or mud-covered vehicle through central Muscat can result in local municipal fines. Keep rental cars washed during road trips.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Oman Visa for Indian Passport Holders
1. Is Oman visa-free for Indian passport holders?
No. Ordinary Indian passport holders require an entry visa for Oman. However, Indians who hold a valid visa or residence permit from the USA, UK, Schengen countries, Canada, Australia, or Japan—or who hold a valid GCC residence permit in a qualifying profession—can enter visa-free for up to 14 days under conditional exemption rules.
2. Can I get an Oman visa on arrival at Muscat airport?
General physical Visa on Arrival counters for standard tourists have been replaced by the official online eVisa portal. Visa on Arrival is permitted only for Indian passport holders who qualify under the 14-day conditional exemption (holding a valid US, UK, Schengen, or GCC visa). All other Indian citizens must obtain an approved eVisa online before flying.
3. How much is the Oman eVisa fee for Indian citizens in Indian Rupees?
Official fees depend on the visa subclass. The 10-day tourist visa (Subclass 26A) costs OMR 5 (approx. ₹1,100 – ₹1,150 INR), the 30-day tourist visa (Subclass 26B) costs OMR 20 (approx. ₹4,400 – ₹4,500 INR), and the 1-year multiple-entry visa (Subclass 36M) costs OMR 50 (approx. ₹11,000 – ₹11,200 INR).
4. Can I extend my 30-day tourist visa while inside Oman?
Yes. The 30-day single-entry tourist visa (Subclass 26B) can be extended online once for an additional 30 days via the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal for a fee of OMR 20. The 10-day tourist visa (Subclass 26A) and transit visas cannot be extended.
5. Can I travel to Dubai or the UAE using an Omani tourist visa?
No. An Omani tourist visa is valid exclusively for entry into the Sultanate of Oman. Traveling into the United Arab Emirates requires a separate UAE visa, unless you hold a passport or residency status that independently qualifies you for a UAE Visa on Arrival.
