Oman entry requirements for United States passport holders

Verified May 14, 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

US passport holders get a free 14-day visa on arrival in Oman — no advance application needed. Just show up at any airport or land border with a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. This policy is current as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Oman airports, but the faster option is to apply for an eVisa at the Oman Royal Police eVisa portal. The eVisa costs around 20 OMR (~$52 USD) and is valid for 30 days. Apply at least a few days before your flight to avoid the queue at immigration.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
6 months validity required
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Oman. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Muscat will turn you away if it's shorter. No exceptions.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration at Muscat International Airport will ask for proof of onward travel. Have your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Budget airlines like SalamAir and Air Arabia enforce this strictly at check-in.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking recommended
While not always checked, having a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Oman speeds things up at immigration. If you're staying with friends, get them to send you a scanned copy of their ID and a letter.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or card recommended
Officers rarely ask, but carrying at least 200 OMR (~$520 USD) in cash or having a credit card with available limit covers you. ATMs at Muscat Airport dispense OMR with no fee on most international cards.Recommended
Free 14-day visa — no application needed
US citizens get a free 14-day visa on arrival at all airports and land borders. No advance application, no fee. Just show up with a valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
Visa on arrival is non-extendable
If you plan to stay longer than 14 days, apply for a 30-day tourist eVisa before you travel. The visa on arrival cannot be extended.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Immigration
At Muscat International Airport (MCT), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before the main immigration queue. At land borders, proceed to the immigration booth.
2
Present Documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will process your free 14-day visa.
3
Receive Entry Stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. No payment is required. You're then free to enter Oman.
Download Oman Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity2 months from issue
CostOMR 20 (~$52 USD)

Apply online or on arrival; extension possible at immigration offices.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostOMR 50 (~$130 USD)

Allows multiple entries; extension possible for each stay.

Long-Stay Visit Visa
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
CostOMR 100 (~$260 USD)

Requires sponsor in Oman; suitable for longer visits.

retirement visa
Oman Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
OMR 500 (~$1,300 USD) per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without work.
investor visa
Oman Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
OMR 1,000 (~$2,600 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing in Oman's economy (e.g., real estate, business). Minimum investment varies. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Oman Work Visa
2 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored, fees vary
For those with a job offer in Oman. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Oman Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
OMR 100 (~$260 USD) per year
For students enrolled in Omani educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 30 days, issued at airport or land borders.OMR 20 (~$52 USD)
Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 30 days, multiple entries.OMR 50 (~$130 USD)
Stay extension (per month)Can be extended up to 30 days at Royal Oman Police offices.OMR 20 (~$52 USD)
Overstay fine (per day)No official cap, but fines can accumulate quickly.OMR 10 (~$26 USD)

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

US passport holders can transit through Oman without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa may be required.

Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours if leaving the airport.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk

Risk is low but present in some areas; use insect repellent.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common due to street food; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Heat-related illnessHigh risk

Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.

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 - Salalah Immigration Office
Salalah, Dhofar Governorate
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Handles extensions for visitors in southern Oman.

Practical information for US 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
updated May 13
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
Police9999
Medical9999
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival is valid for 14 days. It's free and non-extendable. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a tourist eVisa (up to 30 days) before travel.
No, the visa on arrival cannot be extended. For longer stays, apply for a 30-day tourist eVisa online before you depart.
Yes, as of 2026, US citizens receive a 14-day visa on arrival at no cost. No payment is required at the immigration counter.
The same free 14-day visa on arrival is available at all land border crossings, including the Hatta border from the UAE. The process is identical — just present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
A digital copy on your phone is usually fine. But if you want to be safe, print a copy — some land border officers prefer paper.
No, the visa on arrival is single-entry. If you leave Oman, you'll need a new visa on your next arrival.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling to Oman.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.