In recent years, the government of Oman has made visa procedures easier in order to attract more tourists and strengthen its economy. With this in mind, the Oman e-visa is now available to nationals of many countries around the world, including the Maghreb countries. That said, it is essential for travellers from the Maghreb to know whether or not an Oman e-visa is required to visit this beautiful Middle Eastern country.
What is the Oman e-visa?
The Oman e-visa is an electronic visa issued by the Omani government that allows foreign nationals to enter the country for tourism, business or family purposes. It is valid for a maximum of 30 days for a single entry, or for several stays of 30 days for 1 year, and can be obtained online without visiting the embassy or consulate. Once approved, the e-visa is linked directly to the applicant's passport, allowing easy entry into Oman.
Advantages of the Oman e-visa
There are a number of advantages to using the Oman e-visa compared with the traditional visa application:
- Time saving : The online application procedure is quick and easy, requiring no physical visit to the embassy or consulate.
- Safety : Applicants' information passes through secure channels, minimising the risk of information leakage or identity theft.
- Flexibility : E-visas can be used for several types of trip, whether for tourism, work or family visits.
E-visa Oman for Maghreb nationals: conditions and procedures
To determine whether nationals of Maghreb countries need an Omani e-visa or not, it is important to refer to the latest updates provided by the Omani government.
Since December 2020, nationals of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia have been exempt from visa requirements for stays of less than 14 days in Oman. They therefore do not need to apply for an e-visa for short stays.
However, in order to stay in the country for more than 14 days, nationals of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia may apply for electronic visas if they are married to an eligible national or if they are the children of an eligible national. This eligible person must also be travelling with them. The family record book proving parentage will be requested.
If you are staying for more than 30 days, or if your nationality or situation means that you are not eligible for an e-visa, you should contact the Omani embassy.
There are therefore certain general conditions that must be met for applicants from Maghreb countries to be eligible for the Oman e-visa.