However, visiting this holiday destination in 2020 has become trickier because of current Oman entry restrictions against coronavirus.

As of November 16, 2020, the Sultanate of Oman had reported around 120,718 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and although around 1,350 of those infected had died, approximately 111,446 people had made a full recovery.

Nevertheless, the government of the country is understandably continuing to be cautious about which foreign travelers it allows to cross its borders. Therefore, anyone planning to visit should be aware of the current Oman entry restrictions before making any concrete travel arrangements.

International flights to Oman have now resumed

Oman closed its borders in response to the spread of COVID-19 in March 2020 and did not reopen airports to international flights to the Sultanate until October 1st.

Movement restrictions between all governorates in Oman were also lifted on this date, and there are not currently any bans on intercity or interstate travel within the country in place.

Oman entry requirements for US citizens were also largely lifted at the beginning of October, but only for those who already have documents granting residency in the country.

But some Oman entry restrictions for COVID-19 are still in place

At the moment, only nationals and residents of Oman, including US citizens with an Omani residence permit, are currently permitted to fly into the country without prior approval.

The Sultanate stopped issuing Oman tourist visas to international visitors on March 15th, and, as of writing, this service remains suspended until further notice to minimize the spread of COVID-19 infections in the country.

Nevertheless, if you're a resident of Oman with an expired permit, you can still renew your visa on the Royal Oman Police online portal. This applies to both residents currently in Oman and those who remain outside of the country due to current travel restrictions.However, although US citizens with a valid residency permit are now permitted to take a flight to the country, you should be aware that you will still be required to present some additional mandatory documents in order to bypass the Oman entry restrictions for COVID-19.

You'll need some mandatory documentation if planning to visit Oman

At the moment, all passengers who are permitted to travel to Oman are required to have a medical certificate showing a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken within 96 hours before their arrival in the country. This may be requested when the traveler is boarding their aircraft as well as at immigration control on arrival.

Additionally, all residents of Oman are required to present proof of a valid health insurance policy that will cover their stay when arriving in the country.

In addition to taking the COVID-19 test before departure, it is also obligatory to take a PCR test when arriving in Oman, and testing facilities are now available at Duqm Airport, Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport, and Suhar Airport.

This test must be pre-booked before arrival in the Sultanate, using the 'Tarassud+' secure mobile application. The mandatory testing fee of 25 OMR can also be paid using the app.

The test findings will be communicated through the app within 24 hours, but you will also be required to take a second COVID-19 PCR test 8 days later.

And quarantine for at least 7 days

After taking the first PCR test, all arrivals in Oman are required to quarantine for at least 7 days, regardless of the test result. This may be at either a hotel (at your own expense) or at your residence in Oman.

If you're planning to self-isolate at your own residence, you may be required to show proof of your lease to ensure the space meets the necessary home quarantine requirements.

It may also be necessary for you to wear a tracking bracelet during the quarantine period, provided by the Government of Oman on arrival. These bracelets cost 5 OMR.

You'll need to follow coronavirus safety measures while in Oman

Once you have complied with the quarantine measures and taken a second PCR test, you'll still need to follow the safety measures the Omani government has implemented to limit the spread of coronavirus in the country.

At the moment, it's obligatory to wear a mask in all public spaces in Oman. If you don't, you could be slapped with a fine between 100 up to 3,500 OMR.

Additionally, all residents who have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or people with a severe acute respiratory infection, are required to contact the Ministry of Health in Oman as soon as possible to receive quarantine guidance.