Oman: Authorities to ban direct flights from the UK from March 19 until further notice /update 43

Event

Authorities will ban all direct flights from the UK until further notice beginning 12:00 March 19 to stem the spread of COVID-19 and its new variants. The measure does not include cargo flights. With the exception of Omani nationals, travelers will not be permitted entry into the sultanate if they have come from or transited through the UK during the previous 14 days. Authorities have also extended the nationwide 20:00-05:00 closure of commercial premises until April 3. The measure will impact shops, cafes, restaurants, and malls; pharmacies, health institutions, and petrol stations are exempt from the restriction.

A travel ban from 10 countries remains in place until further notice. The countries affected by the directive are Lebanon, Sudan, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ethiopia. The measure also applies to all travelers who have transited through any of these countries in the 14 days before travel to Oman. Diplomats, health workers, Omani citizens, and family members of such persons are exempt from the ban.

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. All arriving travelers must produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Those traveling by air must also take a second PCR test when they arrive in Oman and a third test after seven days of quarantine. All travelers arriving in the country must submit to a mandatory institutional quarantine for at least seven days. Travelers may reserve their quarantine accommodation at any hotel in the country; alternatively, they may select one of the hotels in Muscat, including the Swiss-Belinn Muscat, Ibis, Secure Inn, Sheraton, Tulip Inn, and Somerset Panorama Muscat, that authorities have designated for this purpose. Release from quarantine is contingent upon a negative COVID-19 test result. Moreover, all incoming travelers must download the "Tarassud+" mobile application before entering Oman. All foreigners, except Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, must have international health insurance covering COVID-19 expenses for the duration of their stay.

Nationwide, companies are allowed to operate with 50 percent of their workforce onsite, provided they can comply with social distancing and other safety guidelines. Domestic public transportation is operating. The use of protective facemasks in public spaces and on public transportation remains mandatory. The number of customers permitted entry at public and private businesses nationwide remains at 50 percent until further notice. Social gatherings are prohibited.

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. Reconfirm 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
SalamAir
Tarassud+ App