Great News for Travelers: Oman Just Launched a Free 14-Day Tourist Visa

Oman Launches Free 14-Day Tourist Visa for 100+ Countries

✍️ Restaurantsoman.com  📅 August 4, 2026  🕒 Last verified: August 4, 2026

Muscat — If you've been putting off that trip to Oman, now is the time to book it. The Royal Oman Police has introduced a brand-new visa category that removes the biggest barrier for short-stay visitors: cost.

What Changed

Issued under Royal Oman Police Decision No. 109/2026, signed by Lt. Gen. Hassan bin Mohsin Al Shraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, the new rule was published in the Official Gazette on August 2, 2026, and took effect the following day.

The decision adds a new tourist visa category: a free 14-day entry visa, available to citizens of designated countries upon application.

Who Qualifies

Citizens of more than 100 countries and territories are covered, split into two eligibility groups with slightly different conditions.

For most eligible travelers, the standard requirements are:

• A passport valid for at least six months
• A confirmed return ticket
• A hotel reservation
• Valid health insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay

A second group of nationalities has one additional condition — travelers must also hold a valid visa or residency permit for the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, a Schengen country, or Japan, or be a resident of a GCC country meeting eligibility rules.

Limits to Know

• The free visa cannot be extended beyond 14 days.
• It cannot be converted into Omani residency.
• Travelers who want to stay longer can apply for a different eligible tourist visa before the free entry expires, subject to normal fees and requirements.

Why the Timing Matters

The change lands in the middle of the 2026 Khareef season (June 21 – September 21), which brings cooler temperatures, waterfalls, and green hillsides to Salalah, alongside more than 125 cultural, artistic, sporting, and entertainment events across the region. For travelers who've been curious about Oman's monsoon season but never made the trip, this is the moment.

What It Means for Dining in Oman

More visitors means more people looking for great places to eat — and Oman's food scene has plenty to offer, from traditional Omani hospitality to beachfront cafes and international menus.

A few tips as you plan your visit:

• Book ahead during Khareef season — popular Salalah restaurants with sea views or family sections fill up fast.
• Look for halal-certified, family-friendly restaurants if traveling with children or in a group.
• Mix traditional and international dining — Muscat and Salalah both offer strong Omani, Arabic, and fusion options.
• Check recent reviews or ask locally, since hours and offerings can shift seasonally.

Bottom Line

With the visa barrier removed for a large share of international travelers, there's no better time to put Oman on the calendar — whether you're coming for the Khareef season, Muscat's forts and skyline, or simply the food. As with any visa policy, requirements can change, so confirm current conditions with official Omani authorities or your nearest embassy before booking.

Sources: Royal Oman Police Decision No. 109/2026; Official Gazette No. 1659; reporting by Oman Observer, Khaleej Times, and Gulf News.