ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visas are required by SA passport holders.

VISA INFORMATION

  • Validity: A valid visa is required for stays exceeding 14 days.
  • Important: Travelers must ensure their visa is valid and matches their passport information to avoid being denied boarding.
  • Passport: Must be valid for at least 2 months.
  • Documents Required:
    • Return ticket
    • Confirmed hotel reservation
    • Health insurance
    • Sufficient funds for the stay
  • Eligibility for Visa-Free Entry:
    • Citizens from a designated list of countries must:
      • Be residents or hold a valid entry visa for the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, Schengen Agreement countries, or Japan.
      • Be residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries or hold resident visas.
  • Duration of Stay: 14 days (non-extendable and non-transferable to a residence visa).
  • Family Benefits: The visa-free entry applies to spouses and children regardless of nationality.
  • Single Entry Visa: Valid for 30 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days.
  • Multiple Entry Visa: Valid for one year; allows multiple visits, with each stay limited to 30 days.
  • Transit Visa: For connecting flights; allows a short stay if the next flight is within 6 hours.
  • Work Visa: Issued for employment; the employer must apply on behalf of the applicant.
  • Study Visa: Valid for the duration of the course at an academic institution in Oman.
  • Digital Photograph: Recent photo of the applicant.
  • Passport Copy: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date.
  • Card: Debit or credit card for visa fees and service charges.
  • Email: Active email address for receiving the eVisa.
  • Location: Applicant must be outside Oman at the time of application.
  • Cultural Respect: Oman is a conservative country; visitors should adhere to local customs and Islamic principles.
  • Legal Compliance: Always carry your passport and Oman visa; the Royal Omani Police enforces overstay regulations and conducts checks.

General: Applications are usually processed swiftly. It is recommended to apply at least 4 days in advance due to variable processing times.

  • Tourist Visa: Valid for 28-30 days.
  • Business Visa: Valid for 3 months.
  • Fee: OMR 20.00

Oman eVisa Application

  • Address: 11 Anderson St, Brooklyn
  • Phone: +27 12 362 3114
  • Email: Omanemb.pretoria@fm.gov.om

WEATHER

  • General Climate: Oman, like much of the Arabian Peninsula, has a tropical desert climate. Summers are intensely hot, while winters are pleasantly warm and dry.
  • Regional Variations:
    • Coastal Areas: More humid
    • Desert Interior: Arid
    • Mountain Regions: Cooler with a more Mediterranean climate
  • Seasonal Considerations:
    • Sunny Days: Oman’s weather features an abundance of warm, sunny days and mild seas, making it an attractive year-round destination.
    • Summer Heat: Despite the intense heat in summer, there are options for cooler escapes:
      • Mountain Regions: Retreat to the cooler mountainous areas.
      • Southern Regions: Experience the refreshing microclimate created by the monsoon, which turns the landscape into a lush, green oasis.
  • Note: Minimum 9-10 hrs of sunshine per day throughout the year in Muscat.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Sultanate of Oman
Capital City: Muscat
International Airports: Muscat International Airport
Area: 309,500 sq km (119,499 sq miles)
Population: 2.7 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +4 hours
Religion: Islam (dominant)
Language: Arabic (official),
English (widely spoken and understood)
Currency: Rial (OMR),
Divided into 1000 baisa
Exchange Rate: USD 1.00 = OMR 0.39 (approx.)
Euro 1.00 = OMR 0.45 (approx.)
Credit Card Payment Availability: Yes
ATM Accessibility: Yes
Dialling Code: +968

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: Uses normal three-pin 134 amp British-style plugs,
Operating on 220/240 volts
Water: Tap water is safe, however, generally people use bottled water for drinking.
Business Hours: – Traditional working week: Saturday to Wednesday
– Some businesses open on Thursday morning
– Friday is the Islamic holy day
– Usual business hours: 08:00–17:00; government offices: 08:00–14:00
Banking Hours: Open 08:00–15:00 Saturday to Wednesday
Open 08:00–11:00 on Thursday
Photography Restrictions: Seek permission before photographing people or property.
Observe ‘No Photography’ signs.
Tipping: Not obligatory; usually around 10%.
Hotel porters and helpers at superstores/malls: OMR 5
Vaccination Requirements: Yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Dress Code Restrictions: Women and teenage girls: Avoid strappy sundresses, miniskirts, shorts, or low-necked dresses in public. Suitable attire includes covered shoulders and below-the-knee skirts with a long top.
Men: Short or long-sleeved shirts and long trousers. Shorts or beachwear are appropriate only at the beach or pool area.
Peculiar Customs to Observe: – Address and Greeting:
Formal Address: Use ‘Sayed’ for men and ‘Sayeeda’ for women.
Language: Locals appreciate visitors who try to speak a little Arabic, as it shows respect for their culture.

– Punctuality:
Business Meetings: Omanis value punctuality; ensure you are on time for meetings.

– Conversation Etiquette:
Initial Conversation: Start with polite inquiries about family, health, etc., before discussing business. Avoid overly personal questions about women in the household.
Sensitive Topics: Do not make sarcastic comments about religion or the Sultan. Criticism of the Sultan or government is considered very serious and can be seen as treasonous.

– Gender Interaction:
Social Segregation: Social interactions are often gender segregated.
Greetings: Handshakes are the most appropriate form of greeting, particularly in business settings. Always greet the most senior person in a meeting first.

FESTIVALS

  • Oman National Day
  • Renaissance Day
  • Eid al-Fitr
  • Eid al-Adha
  • Muscat Festival

MAP

“Oman’s tales of maritime history and the aroma of frankincense in the air invite travellers to embark on a sensory voyage through the pages of antiquity.”

– Unknown