The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Maldivian citizens travelling to Oman are required to meet specific conditions to obtain on-arrival visas.
This declaration comes in response to concerns raised by a Maldivian traveller on social media who was denied entry into Oman with an on-arrival visa.
In March, the foreign ministry revealed that Maldivians travelling to Oman would benefit from visa exemptions, enabling those with valid passports to enter and stay in Oman for up to 14 days from their date of entry.
The ministry had outlined certain prerequisites for this exemption, which included a minimum six-month passport validity, a prior and confirmed hotel reservation, health insurance, and a return ticket.
However, in a recent press release, the foreign ministry clarified that it had been officially informed by relevant Omani authorities of their decision at that time. Nevertheless, the ministry has since learned that on-arrival visas for a 14-day stay in Oman are conditional.
These visas are available to travellers holding valid visas from or citizenship of the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), Canada, Australia, Japan, or Schengen countries, provided they have confirmed hotel bookings, return tickets, and health insurance.
The foreign ministry advised Maldivians who do not meet these conditions to obtain their visas before travelling to Oman. It was also mentioned that discussions are ongoing with the relevant Omani authorities to explore the possibility of unconditional on-arrival visas for Maldivian travellers.
