Spain has officially brought into force a long-negotiated agreement with the Sultanate of Oman that abolishes short-stay visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports from both countries.
Published in Muscat’s Official Gazette on 4 January and confirmed by Spain’s foreign ministry on 5 January, Royal Decree 3/2026 means accredited officials can now enter either country for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without first applying for a Schengen or Omani visa. The deal was initialled in Madrid on 5 November 2025 as part of Spain’s strategy to deepen economic and defence ties with Gulf partners beyond energy trade.
![Spain & Oman Activate Visa-Free Travel for Diplomats and Service Passport Holders]()
Practically, the waiver removes one of the last administrative hurdles for high-level visits linked to a growing bilateral agenda that includes Spanish shipbuilder Navantia’s bid to modernise the Royal Omani Navy, joint hydrogen-corridor projects, and cooperation in logistics and port services. Spanish companies operating in Muscat say the change will cut lead-times on government tenders by several weeks and reduce compliance costs for rotating project teams.
Madrid will shortly publish a ministerial order instructing consulates to annotate existing multiple-entry Schengen visas as “exempt” and stop issuing new visas in the affected categories. Oman’s Royal Police are updating their e-Visa platform and have issued a NOTAM to airlines clarifying boarding rules.
Although the waiver is limited to official passports, diplomats on both sides predict it could pave the way for wider mobility talks under the EU-GCC dialogue. For now, companies should remind travelling executives that ordinary passports are not covered and the usual Schengen 90/180-day limit still applies.
Published in Muscat’s Official Gazette on 4 January and confirmed by Spain’s foreign ministry on 5 January, Royal Decree 3/2026 means accredited officials can now enter either country for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without first applying for a Schengen or Omani visa. The deal was initialled in Madrid on 5 November 2025 as part of Spain’s strategy to deepen economic and defence ties with Gulf partners beyond energy trade.
Practically, the waiver removes one of the last administrative hurdles for high-level visits linked to a growing bilateral agenda that includes Spanish shipbuilder Navantia’s bid to modernise the Royal Omani Navy, joint hydrogen-corridor projects, and cooperation in logistics and port services. Spanish companies operating in Muscat say the change will cut lead-times on government tenders by several weeks and reduce compliance costs for rotating project teams.
Madrid will shortly publish a ministerial order instructing consulates to annotate existing multiple-entry Schengen visas as “exempt” and stop issuing new visas in the affected categories. Oman’s Royal Police are updating their e-Visa platform and have issued a NOTAM to airlines clarifying boarding rules.
Although the waiver is limited to official passports, diplomats on both sides predict it could pave the way for wider mobility talks under the EU-GCC dialogue. For now, companies should remind travelling executives that ordinary passports are not covered and the usual Schengen 90/180-day limit still applies.
Source: VisaHQ Global Mobility News
