Oman Visa for GCC Residents 2026: eVisa Steps & Fees

Quick answer

GCC residents holding a valid residence permit in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, or Oman typically apply online through the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal based on passport nationality — residency doesn't substitute a visa. Have a passport valid for over 6 months, clear residency card scans, a suitable photo, an address in Oman, and be prepared to pay. Processing usually takes a few business days (check current timelines on the portal). For trips like Dubai → Muscat → Doha, consult our GCC Grand Tours visa order guide once each visa is cleared.

📌 Last checked: May 2026 — evisa.rop.gov.om

Compare Dubai (DXB) → Muscat (MCT) fares before finalizing non-refundable tickets:

What is the Oman visa route for GCC residents?

Oman doesn’t offer a single “Gulf visa.” For GCC residents, the route to take is a tourist eVisa via the Royal Oman Police (ROP) portal. Eligibility depends on both your passport nationality and residency. For instance, an Indian or Egyptian passport holder living in Dubai has different requirements compared to a British passport holder. However, valid GCC residency often means a quicker application than doing it from your home country.

The importance: Muscat is just about an hour away from Dubai by air. Many residents make the trip to explore Wadi Shab, Nizwa, or Salalah over a long weekend or a full week. Without an approved eVisa, you might be denied boarding or entry, even with a confirmed ticket.

Who qualifies?

Requirement	Details
Residency	Unexpired residence permit in a GCC state
Passport	Valid 6 months beyond expected entry
Purpose	Short tourism (10 or 30 days depending on option)
Exception	Some nationalities must use an embassy — check the official list

Poor fit: If your residency is expired or “renewal pending” without proof; planning to work or stay long-term (different category); crossing the border by land without checking the rules for your nationality.

Field experience: application to Muscat airport

During our 2026 checks, the easiest way for UAE residents was to apply overnight at the official portal. Upload a complete passport scan of all stamped pages, both sides of the Emirates ID/residence card, and a white-background photo. After payment, you get a reference number; track your application's status online. Approval typically arrives in 2–4 business days during quiet seasons, but can take longer before Eid or the busy summer holidays.

At Muscat (MCT), make sure to have the PDF on your phone and a printout — some desks prefer hard copies. ICAO e-passports might allow some nationals to use e-Gates; otherwise, queue at Immigration with your eVisa and original residency document. Don't expect to get a visa on arrival unless your nationality is explicitly mentioned as eligible — most Asian and African passport holders in the Gulf need a pre-approved eVisa.

2026 fees (approximate)

Service	Approx. price	Note
10-day tourist eVisa	~5–8 OMR (~13–21 USD)	Shown at payment by nationality
30-day tourist eVisa	~20–26 OMR	Week-long Muscat + Salalah
Unofficial agent markup	+50–150 USD	Avoid — use ROP only
Extension (if offered)	Portal price	Before stay expires
DXB–MCT return flight	~350–900 AED	Season and holidays

Fees are shown at checkout — ignore outdated screenshots from chat groups.

Application timeline

Step	Time	Action
1	30 min	Create an account at evisa.rop.gov.om
2	15 min	Select visa type (Unsponsored / GCC resident if shown)
3	20 min	Upload passport, residency, photo, travel details
4	Instant	Pay portal fee (international card)
5	several business days (check the official portal)	Track status — download PDF when “Approved”
6	Before flight	Print eVisa, return ticket, and insurance if required

Getting there: Gulf flights to Muscat

From Dubai (DXB): daily non-stops (~1h 10m) on Flydubai, Emirates, Oman Air. From Abu Dhabi (AUH): fewer flights, often worth comparing with DXB. From Doha (DOH): flights are around ~1h 20m — handy if your Qatar visa follows. By road: cross from UAE via Al Ain/Mezyad — an eVisa is essential before reaching the border, and land entry can be nationality-restricted.

Arrange return or onward travel from Muscat — airlines at DXB often check for proof of departure.

Best time to apply and travel

Apply: Start the process 10–14 days before your first flight — allow more time in December–January (Muscat Festival) and July–August (peak Gulf holidays). Weather: From October to March, it's ideal for exploring Wadi Shab; Salalah is breathtaking during the khareef (monsoon season). Avoid: making applications on your departure day — delays or photo rejections could make you miss your flight.

Practical tips

• Use the same passport for your application and travel — don't switch between old and new documents.
• Ensure your residency scan is clear and glare-free — blurry images often lead to automatic rejections.
• Save your application number in your own email — avoid relying on third-party “visa services.”
• If you’re heading to Qatar afterward, use the same passport as your Oman application.
• For a three-country tour, reference our GCC Grand Tours visa order guide before booking non-refundable hotels.

Common mistakes

1. Applying with an expired residency or without proof of renewal — often results in instant rejection.
2. Cropped or overexposed passport scans — causing an automatic system decline.
3. One-way tickets without a planned exit route — issues at DXB check-in.
4. Paying a copycat agent site instead of ROP — risk of fraud and double charges.
5. Thinking that UAE residency alone waives the Oman eVisa — incorrect for most nationalities.
6. Trying to go to Qatar after Oman without a separate Qatar visa.
7. Not having travel insurance when the portal marks it mandatory for your passport.

Budget comparison (eVisa vs VoA)

Tier	Visa	DXB–MCT flight	Rough total
Budget	10-day eVisa	Low-cost + bags	~800–1,200 AED
Mid	30-day eVisa	Regular fare + 3★ hotel	~2,500–4,000 AED
Comfort	30-day + possible extension	Flexible fare + 4★	~5,000+ AED

Visa on arrival applies only to eligible nationalities — confirm on ROP; a pre-approved eVisa is safer for most Gulf residents not holding GCC passports.

Related articles

• Qatar visa for UAE residents 2026
• GCC Grand Tours: visa order

Conclusion

Oman 2026 is a breeze for GCC residents using evisa.rop.gov.om with valid residency, a passport that lasts another 6+ months, and clear scans. From our insights, the main trip-killers include last-minute applications and unofficial agents.

Planning to travel Dubai → Muscat → Doha? Get your Oman and Qatar visas sorted before booking hotels. To review the complete sequence, see our GCC Grand Tours guide. Once your visas are ready, compare DXB–MCT fares on Vocafly — one search shows you timing and prices before booking.