Now you can enter Oman with a proof of vaccination

The Sultanate of Oman is now open for tourism for fully vaccinated individuals as of September 2021. Travelers from all over the world who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccines can now travel to Oman for touristic ventures. Oman is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the Gulf area due to its beautiful wadis, majestic mountains, charming deserts, exquisite caves, and breathtaking seascapes. Travelers will be able to enjoy a variety of land, air, and sea activities year-round on a memorable trip to this Gulf Arab nation.

Pakistani travelers will need to make sure they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 using a vaccine that has been approved by the Supreme Committee for dealing with COVID-19 in Oman. For vaccines that require two doses, the second dose must have been taken at least 14 days before traveling to Oman. Travelers from Pakistan must also check with the airlines about any additional entry requirements that are in place upon booking a flight to one of the Omani destinations.

Travelers from Pakistan will also need to take a PCR test at least 72 hours before traveling to Oman and receive a negative result. Direct air travel from Pakistan to Oman is under 8 hours so the test must be taken 72 hours before arriving in the country. For Pakistani citizens traveling to Oman from elsewhere where the total flight duration will be 8 hours or more, the PCR test has been taken 96 hours before arrival in the country. The PCR test is mandatory for all travelers who are 18 years of age or above.

Pakistani travelers will need to make sure they have a vaccine certificate with a QR code verifying that they have taken an approved COVID-19 vaccine as well as a negative PCR result also with a QR code before boarding a flight for Oman. For Pakistani travelers that do not have a vaccine certificate or a negative PCR test result that has a QR code, Pakistani authorities will need to certify the vaccine certificate or negative PCR test result as valid to allow the Pakistani national to travel to Oman.

Pakistani citizens will be required to download the Tarassud+ app and upload their vaccine certificate + negative PCR test result. They can also use the app to pay for their on-arrival PCR test which costs 25 OMR, however, the test must be paid for before departure for Oman. They must also have a negative PCR test result upon arrival to avoid the mandatory 10-day quarantine for those who receive a positive PCR test result.

Additionally, Pakistani travelers who are not residents of Oman will also need to have an international health insurance policy that covers the cost of COVID-19 treatment for a full month to be eligible to travel to the country.

The Supreme Committee for dealing with COVID-19 measures in the Sultanate of Oman has also published a list of approved COVID-19 vaccines that can be used to enter the Sultanate of Oman. The arrival and departure procedures from Oman airports have also been adapted to enhance COVID-19 prevention and control measures for the safety of travelers as well as Omani citizens. 

While Oman does not require travelers with a negative PCR test result before boarding and upon arrival to quarantine, those with a positive PCR test result will be required to quarantine at an Omani government-approved facility for at least 7 days and receive a negative PCR test result when tested again on the 8th day. Pakistani travelers who have been to Iran or Iraq in the 14 days before traveling to Oman must quarantine upon arrival in Oman. They will also need to have hotel reservations for the quarantine period.

It should also be noted that while quarantine is not required for travelers who have a negative PCR test result, other measures to tackle COVID-19, such as, masking, social distancing, gathering limits, etc. remain in place. Entrance into Omani government and private sector facilities, including restaurants, theatres, malls, sporting, and cultural venues is restricted to only fully vaccinated individuals and workers/visitors to these establishments will need proof of full vaccinations to gain entry.

The Omani authorities have also instituted a fine of 2500 OMR for people who fail to follow the mask mandate in public. It is important to keep track of the latest updates on COVID-19 measures from the Omani authorities as they may change on short notice.