eVisa programs are now becoming very popular around the world because of how efficient it makes traveling to foreign countries faster. They are also more secure than old visas since more information is within them. The latest country to introduce this system is Oman.

Oman’s eVisa Program

On Sunday, the Royal Oman Police announced that visitors traveling to Oman must now get their eVisas prior to their arrival in the Sultanate. Previously, travelers can avail the visa on arrival to get in Oman.

In their social media post, the police said that the visa on arrival option will only be granted in certain situations. The eVisa should be “used wherever possible.”

It is very easy to apply for the eVisa. Tourists can simply apply online and upload their passport, a passport-style photo of themselves and pay the fee of OMR5.

Processing takes around 4 days and once it is available, they can stay in Oman up to 10 days.

Currently, the eVisa program is open to 71 countries, including the European Union, the United States and Australia. The other countries not included in the list will need to apply for their visas normally through their respective Omani embassy in their home country. Requirements vary which is why it is important to inquire first before applying.

Those from the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait do not need a visa to enter Oman.

This latest announcement regarding Oman’s visa policy comes after the recent announcement of visa-free travel for Omani nationals to Saint Petersburg, Russia. In the announcement, Oman is one of the 53 countries qualified for the visa-free program. They are ok to visit Saint Petersburg with the new visa, but not visit other areas like Moscow since the visa does not cover it.

For those interested to apply for Oman’s eVisa and to see if you qualify, you can visit https://evisa.rop.gov.om/.

Oman Travel Tips

The Sultanate of Oman is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the Middle East. Tourism has contribute greatly to Oman’s GDP and many tourists entering the country are from nearby countries.

Oman offers a very diverse range of travel destinations for tourists. Many tourists come to try out Oman’s cultural tours, which showcase the country’s World Heritage Sites. Aside from these cultural tours, there are also nature based activities available. Sporting and cultural events are also in the country’s calendar for visitors to enjoy.

To find out more about Oman, check out the official website of Oman Tourism.

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Saudi Arabia has a very strict policy when it comes to those who can visit the country. Foreigners have to get a work, business and pilgrimage visa to get into the country. However, things are changing as Saudi is now opening its doors to more foreigners with the help of its Saudi eVisa scheme.

Saudi eVisa for US, UK and Schengen Visa Holders

On Monday, the Saudi government announced that tourists with US, British and Schengen visa will be able to apply for an eVisa to the country. This expands the number of countries who can apply for an eVisa, which was originally 49 countries.

Last month, the government launched its new visa regime to allow citizens from Europe, North America and Asia to apply for a tourist eVisa. This aims to help Saudi to boost its foreign tourism and diversify its economy and not rely on oil. The government also aims to open more jobs for Saudi Arabian citizens.

The new regulations were published online this past weekend. It says that people from other countries who either have a tourist or commercial visa from the United States, Britain or the European Union can get an eVisa. They will not be required to apply at their nearest Saudi embassy to get a different visa.

The new visa will be valid for one year and cost about $120. It will include a health insurance fee and tourists can get multiple entry-visas and long stays up to three months.

Aside from the new visa, the government also listed down a new public decency code. It includes barring immodest dress and public displays of affections. However, they will now allow foreign men and women to rent hotel rooms together without needing to prove they are related. The ban on alcohol remains.

Since the new eVisa program began, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry reported that 24,000 people flew to the country since then.

Saudi Travel Tips

For those interested to travel to Saudi Arabia, there are a lot of guides available to help.

You can visit the official tourism website of the Kingdom through this link. The site also has details about how international tourists can get visa to visit the country. You may also check with your local Saudi Embassy for more details about traveling to the country.

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