Located at the center of an ancient trade route, Muscat, the capital of Oman, has a long and storied history that has included the Persian, Arab, and Ottoman empires, making it a popular tourist destination. However, foreign citizens planning to visit the city should first check if a Muscat visa is required.
On this page, travelers can find out if they need to apply for a visa to Muscat, and how to get a Muscat visa online. They can also discover essential advice for visiting Muscat as a tourist, and the main attractions they should consider including on their travel itinerary.
Do I Need a Visa for Muscat?
Before visiting Muscat, foreign citizens should check Oman’s visa requirements to see whether or not they require a visa to travel to the country.
Only a few nationalities do not require a visa to visit Oman, citizens of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
Some foreign citizens are required to apply for a visa from an Omani embassy or consulate in advance. However, many nationalities can now apply for an Oman online visa to travel to Muscat through a simple electronic application.
Types of Visa to Muscat
The type of visa to Muscat a foreign citizen requires depends on the purpose of their visit and the period of time they intend to stay in the city and Oman in general.
Although a Muscat visa on arrival was previously available for select nationalities arriving at Muscat International Airport, this has now been phased out in favor of the eVisa to Muscat and is no longer available.
Those planning to visit for short-term tourism can easily obtain their Muscat tourist visa through the online eVisa platform.
The online tourist visa to Muscat is available as either :
- Single-entry visa that permits a stay of up to 30 days (can also be extended for additional 30 days)
- Multiple-entry visa that allows multiple stays of up to 30 days during a 1-year validity period
- Single-entry visa that allows a stay of 28 days and can be extended for additional 7 days (holders of a GCC resident card only)
An approved Oman eVisa also functions as a Muscat transit visa for foreigners who are simply passing through the city en route to an onward destination.
Tourists who are not eligible for the eVisa must apply for a Muscat visit visa from an Omani embassy or consulate in their home country.
Additionally, all foreign citizens who wish to obtain a visa for purposes other than tourism, such as a Muscat business visa, must submit an Oman embassy visa application
Visa for Muscat Requirements
Muscat visa requirements depend on the type of Oman visa the traveler requires.
The requirements for the online tourist visa to Muscat are simple to meet and are as follows:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival
- Recent photograph of the applicant, passport-style
- Credit or debit card to pay the online Muscat visa price
In some cases, additional documents may be requested depending on the traveler's situation.
Apply for an eVisa for Muscat
Eligible applicants can complete the Oman eVisa application in a matter of minutes.
They simply need to complete the online form with basic personal, passport, and travel details. They can then review the application to ensure it is error-free, and pay the Muscat visa price to submit their request.
Once approved, applicants receive the visa to Muscat sent via email. Travelers can then present a copy of the approved eVisa at Oman border control to gain access to the country and the capital city.
Traveling to Muscat with an Online Visa
Travelers who visit Oman with an approved Muscat visa will be able to take in the many architectural marvels in the capital city. Some of the most impressive include:
Grand Mosque
Commissioned by Sultan Qaboos in 1992 and completed in May 2001, the Grand Mosque was built using 300,000 tonnes of sandstone and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. The most striking features are the 50-meter high central dome and 90-meter tall main minaret.
Al Alam Palace
One of 6 royal residences of ruling monarch Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam palace dates back over 200 years and is renowned for its elegant blue-and-gold facade. Although the public is not permitted inside the grounds, the front gates are a popular spot for visitors to take a striking photo souvenir.
Al Jalali Fort
This historic fort was built on Arab foundations during the Portuguese occupation in the 1580s. Located at the top of a flight of steep steps, the fort now hosts a private museum of Omani culture and occasional military parades complete with spectacular fireworks.
Before visiting Muscat with their eVisa, travelers should first familiarize themselves with the Oman dress code for foreigners. The dress code for both men and women is quite strict within Oman, and there are some basic dress code rules that tourists should follow while in Muscat.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Muscat?
It is important to investigate the best time to visit Muscat to avoid the high temperatures and humidity that can affect the city in the summer months.
As the heat can continue to be stifling during late spring and autumn, tourism to Muscat is most popular during the winter, when temperatures are the most pleasant.
Traveling to Muscat FAQ
Is Muscat open for tourists? Toggle faqs
Yes, Muscat is open to tourists. The majority of foreign citizens need to have an approved visa to Muscat for tourism to travel to Oman and visit the city.
Many nationalities are now able to obtain a Muscat visa exclusively online, removing the need to apply at an embassy or consulate in person.
Who can go to Muscat visa free? Toggle faqs
Only a select few nationalities can visit Muscat visa free, citizens of other GCC countries.
These are:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- The United Arab Emirates
All other nationalities need a Muscat visa to enter Oman and visit the capital, no matter the length of the intended stay or motive for travel.
Can foreigners get a visa on arrival in Muscat? Toggle faqs
No, foreign citizens can no longer get a Muscat visa on arrival. This type of visa was previously available on arrival at Muscat International Airport, but has now been phased out.
All travelers who need a Muscat visit visa must now apply for and obtain a visa prior to departure. The most efficient way for eligible nationalities to get a travel permit is to apply for the Muscat visa online.
Is it safe to travel to Muscat? Toggle faqs
Foreign travel advice for Oman states that Muscat is very safe for tourists to visit in general. The crime rate in Oman is low compared to many western countries, and most visits to Muscat are trouble-free.
Nevertheless, travelers to Muscat are advised to avoid any large demonstrations if they arise and leave expensive valuables at home or in a secure place when exploring in the rare case of pickpockets. Tourists should also avoid walking in sparsely populated and poorly-lit areas at night and only use officially licensed taxis.