The Royal Oman Police has amended the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law to create a new, fee-free 14-day tourist visa for nationals of countries "designated by the competent authority". Decision 109/2026 took effect immediately after its publication in the Official Gazette on 2 August. Although Muscat has not yet published the eligibility list, Gulf travel consultants told Gulf News they expect most GCC residents—including UAE expatriates who routinely drive across the Hatta border post—to benefit once systems are updated. The new visa can be converted in-country to longer tourist categories, giving visitors a low-friction way to trial Oman before committing to extended stays. For UAE-based tour operators the announcement is timely. Road-trip packages to Jebel Akhdar and Salalah’s khareef season have surged as families search for cooler escapes amid record Gulf temperatures. A zero-fee entry removes roughly Dh 50–100 per person in costs and eliminates paperwork at the border, making weekend trips more attractive. Corporate mobility teams see an upside as well. Many professionals stationed in Dubai or Abu Dhabi spend weekdays in the Emirates and weekend in Muscat; an automatic 14-day visa reduces administrative overhead and allows spontaneous client visits. Companies that rotate staff between the two countries should review per-diem policies, as the shorter visa may affect allowable stay calendars. Oman’s move mirrors the UAE’s own long-stay visa reforms and underlines a regional trend toward liberalising short-term entry to stimulate tourism dollars. Travel managers should monitor forthcoming guidance on eligible nationalities and any insurance or accommodation proof that border officers may still require.
Source: Gulf News
