Oman: Authorities to lift COVID-19-related ban on travelers entering from seven African countries through at least Jan. 31 /update 63

Event

Effective Dec. 26, the government of Oman has lifted its existing ban on entry by foreign nationals traveling from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini; the new rule will remain in force through at least Jan. 31. Authorities originally prohibited entry to all travelers from the seven African nations beginning Nov. 28 due to concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Oman could reimplement the ban if case numbers rise.

Domestic Measures
Mandates on public gathering size limits, the use of protective facemasks, downloading track and trace mobile applications, and compliance with social distancing guidelines remain in force.

International Travel Restrictions
All travelers over the age of 18 must have received two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine before entering Oman via land, air, or sea. 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. Approved vaccines in Oman include Oxford-AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca-Covsheild, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and Sputnik V. All travelers must also pre-register via the eMushrif platform and upload their vaccine and PCR certificates containing QR codes. Diplomats are exempt from pre-registering and providing PCR test results. To access the eMushrif platform, click here.

Travelers can take the required COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival but they must pay the fees via the eMushrif platform. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 but test positive upon arrival can skip quarantine so long as they can show proof that they underwent isolation in the country where they contracted the disease. Additionally, all travelers must have international health insurance that covers the cost of COVID-19 treatment for at least one month.

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.

Except as stipulated otherwise, travelers with positive PCR test results must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days. Persons subject to quarantine must stay at a government-approved facility at their own expense. Release from quarantine is contingent upon a negative COVID-19 test result. Prior to traveling, all individuals are required to download the Tarassud+ track and trace application. To access the app, click here.

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
Tarassud+ App
eMushrif Platform