The Sultanate of Oman grants South Africans 14 day visa free entry into the country; those who wish to stay for much longer must apply for an Oman visa for South African citizens. Oman is one of the Gulf Cooperation Countries and has recently become a top business and tourist destination. The influx of visitors stopped temporarily during the pandemic of 2020, but restrictions have recently dropped, so visitors can visit Oman now as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. Please keep reading to learn more about the types of visas South Africans qualify for and how long they can stay in the country.
Do South Africans Require A Visa To Enter Oman?
South African passport holders can visit Oman for two weeks visa free, but if they wish to spend more time in the country, they will need to apply for an Omani visa. Oman is a relatively small country, less than a thousand square miles, with a small indigenous population. The authorities maintain strict control over the inflow of visitors so their system and social facilities will not be overwhelmed.
Oman Visa For South African Citizens
The Oman visa is also called an electronic visa or eVisa. This visa is a shirt stay visa for tourists and business persons coming to the country for work or pleasure. The applicant does not have to visit the offices of the Omani embassy to submit physical copies of the visa. They only have to complete the Oman visa application form online and upload soft copies of their travel document. This visa is not suited for work or study l, only tourism and business related activities. If you wish to visit Oman for any other purpose, apply for a visa instead.
Types Of eVisa
There are different types of eVisa, namely
Single Entry Visa: The single entry eVisa is valid for 30 days, and South Africans can only stay for 30 days. This is the shortest visa validity issued to visitors.
Single Entry For GCC Residence: This one is for South Africans residing in other GCC countries.
It is valid for 28 days and allows the holder to reside in Oman for 28 days.
Multiple Entry Visa: The third option is the Multiple entry visa, valid for one year. Holders can stay for only 30 days but visit Oman as often as they wish as long as the visa is valid.
How To Apply For Oman E Visa
The application process is very easy. Simply
Log onto VisaHQ
Choose Oman as your destination
Choose South Africa as your citizenship
Select E Visa
Complete the application form
Upload copies of all relevant documents
Pay the visa fee with your credit or debit card
Submit for approval
Other Visas For South Africans
Apart from the e visa, there are other visas for South Africans, such as the
Transit Visa: Transit visa is for South Africans traveling to other countries but taking a connecting flight in Oman. This visa allows them to stay a few days before restarting their trip. You don’t need transit visa if your next flight leaves Oman in six hours or less.
Work Visa: Oman issues work visas to visitors who have secured employment with an organization or company in the country. Applicants must show evidence that they have been employed, and their employer must apply for the visa on their behalf.
Study Visa: Those who wish to study in academic institutions in Oman can do so on a study visa. The visa is valid for the full length of the course.
Oman E Visa Requirements
What are the e visa requirements to obtain an Omani visa as a South African passport holder?
South African Passport: You need South African passport to cover the length of your trip. This means the passport must be valid for a minute of 6 months from the day you arrive in the country. Passports that expire in less than 6 months will not be accepted.
Card: A debit or credit card is required for the visa fee. Ensure your card has sufficient balance for the fee and service charge.
Email: You will need an email address to receive the e visa once it is approved. Only provide an email to which you have access.
Aside from these requirements, South Africans are advised to abide by the rules and social customs of the country. Oman is a conservative country founded on strict Islamic principles, and they must be respected by all and sundry. The Royal Omani Police also has exclusive authority to decide who stays in the country and for how long. Visitors are advised to carry their passports and Oman visa for South Africans when they go out in case they are stopped for checks.