Oman: Authorities announce April 16 plans to lift entry restrictions on visa holders /update 46

Event

Authorities in Oman announced April 16 plans to lift entry restrictions for foreigners with visas into the country. Officials had prohibited foreigners from entering the country April 8 to combat a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Domestically, a 21:00-04:00 nightly curfew will be in force during the month of Ramadan. All nonessential travel is prohibited during curfew hours. Moreover, authorities extended an existing nationwide directive requiring commercial premises to remain closed during curfew hours from April 8 until the end of Ramadan. The measure does not apply to pharmacies, health facilities, or other services deemed essential. All public gatherings, including congregational prayers, are prohibited during Ramadan. Additionally, authorities have announced plans to impose an 18:00-05:00 nightly curfew in Dhofar Governorate from April 17 until further notice; all commercial activities will shut down during the curfew hours.

All travelers to Oman must undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before their arrival. Moreover, all incoming travelers must download the "Tarassud+" mobile application before entering the country. Authorities will conduct an additional PCR test upon arrival, with those remaining in Oman taking another such test on the eighth day of their stay. All incoming travelers must also quarantine for a minimum of seven days at a government-approved hotel or isolation center. Authorities have suspended the option to isolate at a private residence until further notice. Travelers must book their quarantine accommodations via the Sahala platform. Release from quarantine is contingent upon a negative COVID-19 test result. All foreigners, except Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, must have international health insurance covering COVID-19 expenses for the duration of their stay.

The sultanate's land borders are also closed until further notice. The closure does not apply to commercial truck traffic. Nevertheless, Oman's air and sea borders remain open.

A travel ban from at least 11 countries remains in place until further notice; the purpose of the measure is to prevent the spread of novel variants of COVID-19 present in the locations in question. The countries affected by the directive are Lebanon, Sudan, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea, the UK, and Ethiopia. The measure also applies to travelers who had transited any of these countries in the 14 days before their trip to Oman. Diplomats, health workers, Omani citizens, and family members of such persons are exempt from the ban.

Other restrictions, including mandates requiring the use of protective face coverings and compliance with social distancing guidelines, remain in force. Authorities could introduce new preventive measures or amend existing restrictions depending on disease activity in the coming days and weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Confirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Information
Sahala platform
Tarassud+ App