Oman: Authorities to ban flights to and from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan from April 26; other restrictions in place. /update 47

Event

Authorities in Oman will ban travel to and from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan starting 18:00 April 26 until further notice. As of April 21, a travel ban remains in place for Lebanon, Sudan, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea, the UK, and Ethiopia. Diplomats, health workers, Omani citizens, and family members of such persons traveling from these countries are exempt from the ban. The measure also applies to travelers who had transited any of these countries in the 14 days before their trip to Oman.

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.

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.

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.

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