India is one of the largest sources of travelers to Oman, with strong business ties, a large Indian diaspora community, and growing tourism connections. However, the visa process for Indian citizens has specific requirements that differ from many other nationalities. This guide covers everything Indian passport holders need to know about obtaining an Oman eVisa.
Eligibility for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens are eligible for the Oman eVisa, but with an important condition: you must hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of the following countries:
- United States of America
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- Schengen Area countries (any of the 27 member states)
The valid visa from one of these countries must be stamped in your passport or be a residence permit. If you do not hold a valid visa from any of these countries, you will need a sponsor in Oman to apply on your behalf.
Visa Types Available to Indian Citizens
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (OMR) | Fee (INR approx.) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26A Tourist (10-day) | 10 days | 5 | ₹1,100 | Valid US/UK/CA/AU/JP/Schengen visa |
| 26B Tourist (30-day) | 30 days | 20 | ₹4,400 | Valid US/UK/CA/AU/JP/Schengen visa |
| 36A Multiple-Entry | 1 year | 50 | ₹11,000 | Valid US/UK/CA/AU/JP/Schengen visa |
| Transit | 72 hours | 5 | ₹1,100 | Valid onward ticket |
Documents Required for Indian Applicants
In addition to the standard eVisa requirements, Indian citizens need:
- Indian passport — Valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, with at least two blank pages
- Passport photo — Recent, white background, 4.3 cm x 5.5 cm
- Valid visa from qualifying country — US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, or Schengen visa stamped in your passport. Must be valid (not expired) at the time of entry to Oman.
- Hotel booking — Confirmed reservation showing your name and travel dates
- Return flight ticket — Confirmed booking back to India or onward destination
- Bank statements — Last three months recommended to show financial capability
Step-by-Step Application for Indian Citizens
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm that you hold a valid visa from one of the qualifying countries. The qualifying visa must be:
- Currently valid (not expired)
- Stamped in your passport or a valid residence permit
- A tourist, business, or residence visa (transit visas from qualifying countries may not be accepted)
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Prepare clear scans of:
- Passport bio page
- Qualifying country visa page
- Passport photo
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Return flight booking
Step 3: Apply on the ROP Portal
- Visit evisa.rop.gov.om and create an account
- Select the appropriate visa type (26A or 26B for tourist)
- Fill in your personal and travel details
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the fee online using an international credit or debit card
- Submit and note your application reference number
Step 4: Track and Download
- Check your application status after 24-48 hours
- Download the approved eVisa PDF
- Print at least two copies for your travel
Special Considerations for Indian Citizens
Sponsored Visas
If you do not hold a valid visa from a qualifying country, you can still visit Oman through a sponsored visa. An Omani citizen, resident, or registered company can sponsor your application. The sponsor submits the application through the ROP portal on your behalf.
Indian Diaspora in Oman
Oman is home to a significant Indian community of over 700,000 people. If you are visiting family or friends who are Oman residents, they can assist with the sponsorship process or provide accommodation details for your application.
Business Travel
Indian business travelers attending meetings, conferences, or trade events in Oman should apply for the Express/Business Visa. An invitation letter from the Omani host company is required in addition to the standard documents.
Employment
The eVisa does not authorize employment. Indian nationals seeking work in Oman must obtain an Employment Visa through their Omani employer. This is a separate process handled by the employer through the Ministry of Manpower.
Popular Routes from India to Oman
- Mumbai to Muscat — Direct flights, approximately 2.5 hours
- Delhi to Muscat — Direct flights, approximately 3 hours
- Kochi to Muscat — Direct flights, approximately 3.5 hours
- Hyderabad to Muscat — Direct flights, approximately 3 hours
- Chennai to Muscat — Direct flights, approximately 3.5 hours
Multiple airlines operate direct flights including Air India, IndiGo, Oman Air, and SalamAir.
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| No qualifying visa | Apply for a US/UK/Schengen visa first, or use Omani sponsor |
| Visa from qualifying country expired | Renew or obtain a new visa before applying for Oman eVisa |
| Application rejected | Check documents are clear and all details match passport exactly |
| Card payment fails | Use an international credit card enabled for overseas transactions |
| Name mismatch | Ensure name matches passport exactly — including middle names |
Travel Tips for Indian Citizens Visiting Oman
- Currency: Omani Rial (OMR). 1 OMR is approximately 220 INR. Carry some cash for small purchases.
- Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and business settings.
- Climate: Best time to visit is October to March when temperatures are pleasant (20-30°C). Summers can exceed 45°C.
- Indian food: Widely available in Muscat and other major cities due to the large Indian community.
- Time zone: GMT+4 (1.5 hours ahead of IST)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Indians get an Oman visa online?
Yes, Indian citizens can apply for an Oman eVisa online through the ROP portal. However, they must hold a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, or a Schengen country to be eligible.
Can Indians travel to Oman with a US visa?
Yes. A valid US visa (stamped in your passport) qualifies you for the Oman eVisa. The US visa must be current and not expired at the time of your Oman application and entry.
Do Indians need a visa for Oman? What is the cost?
Yes, Indian citizens need a visa for Oman. The eVisa costs OMR 5 ($13) for a 10-day stay or OMR 20 ($52) for a 30-day stay. A valid visa from a qualifying country (US, UK, etc.) is required.
Can Indians go visa-free to Oman?
No, Indian citizens cannot enter Oman visa-free. They must obtain either an eVisa (if they hold a qualifying country visa) or a sponsored visa through an Omani sponsor or employer.
For a complete overview of all visa types, visit our types and fees page. To understand the full application process, see our step-by-step guide. For document details, check the requirements page.
