Oman’s Supreme Committee on 8 September announced that the country will reopen for international flights from 1 October. The Sultanate closed its borders to visitors in March, in order to curb the spread of Covid-19. No further details have been disclosed yet about the reopening. However, it is expected that the Sultanate will categorise destinations in the country based on the severity of the outbreak. Oman airports also confirmed the news on Twitter.
The tweet read: “We will continue to work closely with authorities and experts to ensure your safety and well-being at every stage of your journey.”
Flights Have Remained Open For Citizens And Residents
Oman grounded flights and closed borders in March when the pandemic broke open. However, the country permit the return of citizens and residents on special flights. In addition, Oman also offered limited repatriation flights to help those who got stuck in the country. Residents and citizens entering the country must quarantine for 14 days at home or in a hotel. Foreign nationals arriving in the country must have a valid health insurance.
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Rules For Passengers Arriving In Oman
Oman has put in place stringent rules to welcome tourists back to the country. New signages and sanitizer dispensers indicating health and safety measures are placed through the arrival and departure areas. In addition, barriers are placed at ticket counters, passport and immigration zone, and visa cancellation area. Baggage claim is made a one-way traffic, to reduce crowd and interaction. Meanwhile, check out how UAE Is Detecting COVID-19 Cases.
All passengers entering the airport must wear a facemask as well as undergo thermal checks. Citizens and residents arriving into the country must undergo a mandatory quarantine for 14 days. Besides, all travellers must confirm their accomodation details prior to travelling back to Oman. All arrivals must download and complete registration procedures on the Tarassud* App, and purchase and wear a wrist band at the airport for 5 RO (AED 47.77).
All travellers entering the country must have a valid health insurance for their duration of the stay in the country. Non-Omanis will be permitted entry only after approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A request can be made through the embassies of visitors, their sponsor, national carriers.
Flights To Oman
Emirates will resume flights to Muscat from October 1 while Etihad is likely to begin services to Muscat from 16 September. However, a confirmation is awaited on this.
Oman airports welcomed 3.5 million passengers between January and May. As of September 7, Oman has reported a total of 87,328 Covid-19 cases, of which 82,805 individuals have recovered. The country recorded 734 fatalities and has 3,789 active cases currently.