By Joshua Duvauchelle
Oman Visa Requirements for an Official Passport
The Sultanate of Oman is a small southwest Asian country adjacent to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over three million people currently live in Oman, making it the 134th most populous country in the world. Omanis are eligible to apply for an official Omani passport if they meet certain requirements as set forth by the Royal Oman Police. When holding such an official passport, Omanis receive special visa requirements and considerations when traveling in various regions of the world.
Requirements to Obtain an Official Passport
Omanis must satisfy the guidelines set forth by the Royal Oman Police of the Sultanate of Oman. Applicants must submit three identical copies of a color photograph measuring 4-inches by 6-inches. In this photograph, the applicant should be wearing traditional Omani dress and positioned against a light blue background. The applicant should also possess the passports of his parents, an original birth certificate and a photocopy of the certificate. If the applicant is female and married, she must also submit a copy of her husband's passport and a letter of permission from her husband.
Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG)
Oman is a CCASG member country. Thus, citizens of Oman who hold an official passport may travel visa-free throughout its sister member states in the CCASG. These include Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Likewise, passport-holders of the aforementioned countries do not need a visa when entering Oman thanks to the membership agreements within the CCASG.
Arab League
Oman is also a member of the Arab League. Due to various league partnerships, those who possess an official Oman passport typically do not need visas when traveling to other members of the league. This includes notable countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Sudan and Lebanon. Likewise, citizens of most league members may travel to Oman without requiring a visa.
The Americas
Most countries in the Americas require a visa of those who have an Oman passport. However, there are exceptions. Examples include Haiti, Dominica and Saint Kitts. These countries waive the visa requirements for Omanis depending on the length of their stay, ranging in length from three weeks to three months.
Europe
All European countries require visas from Omanis. In addition, some Omanis may experience difficulty entering the country due to Oman's fluctuating status in regards to international security. Individuals passing through customs must document their purposes for entering the country, and may need to provide proof of accommodations and travel out of the European country (e.g. a return plane ticket).
Resources
About the Author:
Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
Photo Credits:
Alexander Loyko
