Oman: Authorities tighten domestic COVID-19 restrictions through at least Feb. 6 /update 64

Event

Effective Jan. 23, authorities have tightened domestic restrictions amid increasing COVID-19 infections. The tightened regulations, which relate to in-office work and gatherings, will be in place through at least Feb. 6. International restrictions remain unchanged.

Domestic Measures
Effective Jan. 23-Feb. 6, all government offices may operate at 50-percent capacity, all conferences, exhibitions, and large gatherings are suspended. In addition, Friday prayers at mosques are suspended; mosques may still hold the five daily prayers, but only at 50-percent capacity. while daily prayers

Separately, 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.

Effective Dec. 26, authorities have lifted an ban on entry by foreign nationals traveling from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini. The lifting of the ban will remain in force through at least Jan. 31, but is subject to change dependent on COVID-19 case numbers.

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