Oman: Authorities to ban flights from Egypt and the Philippines from May 7; other restrictions in place. /update 49

Event

Omani authorities will ban flights from Egypt and the Philippines effective 09:00 May 7. Authorities also extended a travel ban for several countries, including Lebanon, Sudan, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea, the UK, Ethiopia, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan until further notice. Travelers who have transited any of these countries in the 14 days prior to their trip to Oman will also be denied entry. Diplomats, health workers, Omani citizens, and family members of such persons traveling from these countries are exempt from the ban.

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.

Effective May 8 through at least May 15, a nightly 19:00-04:00 curfew will be in force due to a recent spike in disease activity. Authorities will also ban commercial activity all day during the same period, except for food stores, petrol stations, health institutions, and pharmacies. Delivery services for all goods will also be exempt. Until May 8, the existing 21:00-04:00 nightly curfew will remain in place. Additionally, an 18:00-05:00 nightly curfew in Dhofar Governorate remains in place until further notice.

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 limiting public gatherings, 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