While the Sultanate of Oman had seemingly committed to issuing Maldivians a 14-day on-arrival visa, the country has yet to implement this entry provision for all Maldivian travellers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Tuesday.
On 30 March 2023, the current administration announced that all Maldivians would receive on-arrival 14-day visas when travelling to Oman.
However, a Maldivian traveller recently shared on social media that he was denied entry to Oman for not possessing a valid visa.
In a Dhivehi language press statement, MFA said it announced the issuance of on-arrival visas to Maldivians on 30 March 2023, after being informed by Omani authorities.
“However, the Ministry has since received information that Maldivians travelling to Oman are issued a 14-day on-arrival visa only if the following conditions are met,” the ministry said.
The two conditions being; having an unexpired visa or citizenship of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Schengen countries, Canada, Australia or Japan; and having a valid hotel booking, return ticket, and health insurance.
Therefore, those travelling to Oman are advised to obtain a visa if they do not meet the prerequisites, the ministry said.
MFA also clarified that it was in discussions with the relevant authorities of Oman to arrange for unconditional on-arrival visas for Maldivians travelling to the country.