Oman: Authorities to tighten certain COVID-19 restrictions starting March 28; nightly curfew to go into effect /update 44

Event

Authorities in Oman have issued orders tightening certain restrictions as part of the nation's effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. Effective March 28 through at least April 8, a nightly 20:00-05:00 curfew will be in force due to a recent spike in disease activity. All nonessential travel will be prohibited during curfew hours. Moreover, an existing nationwide directive requiring commercial premises to remain closed between the hours of 20:00-05:00 has been extended until at least April 8. The measure does not apply to pharmacies, health institutions, and other services deemed essential. Other restrictions, including mandates requiring the use of protective face coverings and compliance with social distancing guidelines, remain in force.

With regard to international travel, starting at 14:00 March 29, all incoming travelers will be required to quarantine for a minimum of seven days at a government-approved hotel or isolation center. Until further notice, the option to isolate at a private residence has been suspended. Travelers must book their quarantine accommodations via the Sahala platform. Release from quarantine is contingent upon a negative COVID-19 test result.

All travelers to Oman are required to undergo a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before their arrival. An additional PCR test will be conducted upon arrival with those remaining in Oman taking another such test on the eighth day of their stay. 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.

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.

A travel ban from at least 11 countries remains in place until further notice; the purpose of the measure is to prevent the spread of novel variants of COVID-19 present in the locations in question. The countries affected by the directive are Lebanon, Sudan, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea, the UK, 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.

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
Sahala platform
Tarassud+ App