Travelling To Oman From UAE: All The Rules You Need To Know

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Travelling To Oman From UAE: All The Rules You Need To Know

After a lot of back and forth, the Sultanate of Oman is finally set to reopen for vaccinated travellers. Fully vaccinated individuals were permitted to enter Oman, from 1 September onwards. Earlier, Oman had suspended passengers from 12 countries including Lebanon, the UK, the Philippines and Egypt, but this list will no longer be valid. Travellers from any country can enter Oman as long as they meet the necessary requirements. So, if you’re planning a trip from Dubai to Oman, here’s what you need to know.

Who Can Travel To Oman?

Vaccinated people who have received both doses of the covid-19 vaccine will be permitted to enter Oman. Tourists must have completed the second dose at least 14 days before travelling to the sultanate. In addition, travellers must also take a PCR test pre-departure. Travellers must also have a valid health insurance. However, citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are exempt from this requirement.

What Documents Do I Need To Travel To Oman?

Firstly, apply for the Oman e-visa beforehand. GCC residents have a separate visa category and prices vary, so check before you book. The visa will be delivered online itself and the whole process will take about about 10-15 minutes. All travellers must take a PCR test before departure. The test must be taken within 72 hours of the scheduled arrival time in Oman.

Besides, all passengers must have a valid health insurance. However, the rule is not applicable to citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Travellers must also make sure that vaccination certificates have a QR code. Once you’re ready with all this, upload your vaccination certificate and PCR test result on the e-Mushrif registration form. You will also have to make a payment of Omani rial 2.5 ($6.8).

Any passengers who do not take a PCR test before departure must take one upon arrival in Muscat. They must also quarantine until they receive the results. An electronic wrist tracker must be worn during the isolation period.

Which Airlines Are Flying From Dubai To Oman?

There are a whole lot of airlines servicing Dubai-Oman route. Emirates and flydubai are operating from Dubai while Etihad and Wizz Air operate from Abu Dhabi. You can also opt to fly with Oman Air, the sultanate’s national airline, or low-cost airline Salam Air.

What Vaccines Is Oman Recognising?

Currently, Oman recognizes eight vaccines. This includes Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca / Covishield, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Moderna, Sputnik V and Sinopharm. All visitors must have received the second dose at least 14 days prior to travelling to Oman. Travelelrs must also show a medical certificate, along with a QR Code in order to prove the vaccination.

Lastly, all passengers must download and register on the Tarassud+ platform before departure. You must also upload your vaccine certificates and required Covid-19 PCR certificates on the Tarassud+ platform.

Do You Need A PCR Test Before Departure?

All passengers flying to Oman MUST take a PCR test before departure. UAE passengers must take their PCR test no later than 72 hours. Those who fail to submit a PCR test upon arrival must quarantine until they receive the results. Besides, an electronic wrist tracker must be worn during their isolation period.

Who Is Exempt From The PCR Test?

Children under 18 years are exempted from the test. However, some airlines including Etihad require kids to be tested as well. So, it’s best to check with the airline prior to departure.

Do I Need To Quarantine Upon Arrival In Oman?

From 1 September, travellers arriving in Oman need not quarantine. However, those who fail to submit a PCR test upon arrival must quarantine until they receive the results.

Can I Drive To Oman From The UAE?

Oman is set to reopen land and sea borders with the UAE. This also means that road trips will be possible. Those with a negative PCR test will be allowed to enter Oman via road. From Dubai it takes about a four-hours to reach Muscat while its a five-hour drive from Abu Dhabi to Muscat.

FRW6X7 Camel crossing the road near Salalah, Oman. Jurate Buiviene / Alamy Stock Photo