Oman entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Oman. This is a straightforward process at any international airport in the country. As of 2026, you do not need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival at all Oman airports and land borders. The visa costs 20 OMR (about $52 USD) and is valid for 10 days. Have cash in OMR or USD ready — the counter does not accept cards.Apply online | 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 will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Muscat International Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your next flight booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Oman. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least 500 OMR (about $1,300 USD) in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but it is better to be prepared. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival only at airports
This visa is only available when you fly into Oman. If you plan to enter by land (e.g., from the UAE) or by sea, you need to check the specific requirements — you may need an e-visa or a visa obtained in advance.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Oman. If it expires sooner, you will be denied entry at the airport. Renew your passport well before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Land at any Omani international airport
You will arrive at Muscat International Airport (MCT), Salalah Airport (SLL), or another entry point. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa on arrival counter
Look for the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee (if any).
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs around 20 OMR (about 50 USD). Pay in cash (Omani Rials) or by credit card. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp or affix a visa sticker in your passport. Check that the validity dates are correct before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the visa sticker to the immigration officer. They may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you are staying). Answer clearly.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. You are now free to enter Oman.
Download Oman Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity2 months from issue
CostOMR 20 (~$52 USD)
Apply online via Royal Oman Police eVisa portal before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, total 90 days within validity
Validity1 year
CostOMR 50 (~$130 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply online.
Visit Visa (sponsored by resident/family)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity2 months
CostOMR 20 (~$52 USD) plus sponsor fees
Requires a sponsor in Oman (e.g., family member or employer).
retirement visa
Oman Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
OMR 500 (~$1,300 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with a monthly pension of at least OMR 1,500 (~$3,900 USD). Requires health insurance and proof of income.
work visa
Oman Work Visa (Employment)
2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored, typically OMR 200–500)
Requires a job offer from an Omani employer and a labor contract. Employer handles most of the process.
investor visa
Oman Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
OMR 1,000 (~$2,600 USD) plus investment
For investors who establish a business or invest at least OMR 250,000 (~$650,000 USD) in Oman. Requires a local partner.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport immigration counters in cash (OMR or major currencies). | OMR 20 (~$52 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; fines accumulate daily. Avoid overstaying. | OMR 10 (~$26 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
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
South African passport holders can transit airside without a visa for up to 6 hours. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 6h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Japan visas may transit without visa for up to 72 hours (must stay airside).
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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)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 or untreated water; 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
Malaria risk is very low in Oman, mainly in remote rural areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Muscat
Directorate General of Passports and Residence (DGP&R)
Al Khuwair, near Ministry of Interior, Muscat
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Salalah
Salalah Immigration Office
Salalah, Dhofar Governorate
Sun–Thu 07:30–14:30
Handles extensions for visitors in southern Oman.
Practical information for ZA 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 visa on arrival costs about 20 OMR (around 50 USD). You can pay in cash (Omani Rials) or by credit card. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly.
No. South Africans can get a visa on arrival at any Omani international airport. There is no need to apply in advance.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Oman.
The visa on arrival is only available at airports. If you are arriving by land (e.g., from UAE) or by sea, you need to check the specific requirements — you may need an e-visa or a visa obtained in advance.
Have your passport (with 6+ months validity), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and your first night's hotel booking confirmation. Immigration may ask for these.
No, it is not mandatory for entry. However, it is strongly recommended because medical costs in Oman can be very high. Insurance covers unexpected emergencies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.