Oman: Authorities to ban travelers from South Africa and six other African countries starting 08:00 Nov. 28 to combat the new COVID-19 strain /update 62

Event

Authorities in Oman have announced that, effective at 08:00 Nov. 28, all travelers from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini will be prohibited from entering the sultanate until further notice. The measure is in response to the emergence of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant and also applies to any travelers who have visited any of these countries in the last 14 days.

International Travel Restrictions
Aside from the new mandate related to the Omicron strain, international travel restrictions associated with the pandemic largely remain unchanged. All travelers are required to present a certificate with a QR code confirming they are fully vaccinated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Oman. The last dose must have been administered no less than 14 days before arrival in the country. The vaccination requirement is in addition to a PCR test taken before or on arrival in Oman.

All travelers arriving in Oman with a negative PCR test will be exempt from quarantine. In order to qualify for this exemption, passengers arriving on flights shorter than eight hours must have taken the test no more than 72 hours before arrival; those traveling on flights longer than eight hours must have taken the test no more than 96 hours before arrival.

Travelers with positive PCR test results must quarantine for a minimum of seven days and take another PCR test on the eighth day of their stay. Travelers subject to quarantine will be required to stay at a government-approved facility at their own cost.

Persons who arrive without a test result must take a PCR test on arrival and undergo mandatory quarantine with a tracking bracelet until a negative result is received. Those who test positive must quarantine for 10 days at a government facility. Release from quarantine is contingent upon a negative COVID-19 test result.

Domestic Restrictions
Mandates limiting public gatherings, the use of protective facemasks, downloading track and trace mobile applications, 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