Oman entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Oman — no need to apply in advance. This has been the case for 2026, and the process is straightforward at all international airports.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | British passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at all Oman airports and land borders. Hand over your passport at the immigration counter — no pre-application needed. You can extend once for another 30 days at the Royal Oman Police office (costs 20 OMR).Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Oman. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines flying into Muscat sometimes check at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial proof | Have access to at least 500 OMR (about $1,300 USD) in cash or a credit card. Immigration almost never asks, but it's a formal requirement on the books. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The whole process at Muscat airport takes about 10–15 minutes. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready at the visa counter.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you won't be allowed to fly. Renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Oman airport
After landing at Muscat International Airport (MCT) or Salalah Airport (SLL), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' before the immigration counters. There's a dedicated queue.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the visa counter, pay the fee (around 20 OMR for a 30-day single-entry visa). Cash (Omani Rial) or credit card is accepted. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will issue a visa sticker placed in your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
4
Proceed to immigration
Join the immigration queue with your passport (now with visa sticker), boarding pass, and any supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking). The officer may ask a few questions — answer clearly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Oman Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity1 month from issue
CostOMR 20 (~$52 USD)
Apply online or on arrival; non-extendable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
CostOMR 50 (~$130 USD)
Allows multiple entries; ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visit visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostOMR 500 (~$1,300 USD)
Requires sponsor; for extended stays.
retirement visa
Oman Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
OMR 500 (~$1,300 USD) plus fees
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
work visa
Oman Work Visa
2 years, renewable
Varies by employer
Sponsored by an Omani employer. Requires job offer and labour ministry approval. Includes residency permit.
investor visa
Oman Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
OMR 1,000 (~$2,600 USD) plus investment
For investors with a minimum investment of OMR 250,000 in an Omani business. Includes residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Valid for 30 days stay, issued at airport upon arrival. | OMR 20 (~$52 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 30 days stay, multiple entries allowed. | OMR 50 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying. | OMR 10 (~$26 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Oman
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through Oman airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsMuscat International Airport (MCT) · Salalah Airport (SLL)
Health & vaccines for Oman
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most areas, but present in some rural regions; prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Muscat
Royal Oman Police - Immigration Department
Al Khuwair, Muscat
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Salalah
Royal Oman Police - Immigration Office
Salalah, Dhofar Governorate
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa services for visitors in the south.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalMuscat
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyOmani Rial (OMR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.38 OMR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h
vs Los Angeles+12h
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,GType C (Europlug) and Type G (British 3-pin) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The standard 30-day single-entry visa on arrival costs 20 OMR (about £40). You can pay in cash (Omani Rial) or by credit card at the airport counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
A digital copy (screenshot or email) on your phone is usually fine. But having a printed copy as backup never hurts — airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at Oman immigration. Renew your passport before booking your flight.
Yes — Muscat International Airport (MCT) and Salalah Airport (SLL) both have visa-on-arrival counters. Land borders may have different rules.
Just the first night's accommodation is typically sufficient. Immigration wants to see you have a place to go on arrival. A booking confirmation with the hotel address is enough.
Yes, UK passport holders can get a visa on arrival at the Hatta border crossing (Al Wajajah) and other land borders. The process and fee are the same as at airports.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.