Oman Visa for Maltese Citizens

Maltese citizens visiting Oman for tourism and leisure purposes can travel without a visa for stays of up to 14 days.

Longer trips related to employment, business, or education require having a valid Oman visa – a document necessary to enter and stay in the Sultanate legally.

NOTE: To travel visa-free to Oman, Maltese nationals need a hotel booking, valid health insurance, enough money to cover the trip, and a return ticket.

When applying for an Oman visa, travelers from Malta can choose one of the two main methods – using the online platform or visiting the embassy in person.

There are two primary categories of all Omani visas:

Unsponsored Visas are common for tourists and can be applied for independently by registering with an email.
Sponsored Visas are typically arranged by a resident or organization in Oman and require a PKI number or an ID card.

For most Maltese visitors, the Tourist Visit Visa (Unsponsored category) is the ideal option, allowing stays of up to 30 days.

Documents Needed to Enter Oman

There are specific requirements all travelers from Malta need to meet before entering Oman for trouble-free entry.

The most important document is a passport valid for no less than 6 months from the date of the trip. Moreover, it cannot be damaged or tampered with (it would make the document invalid).

Maltese citizens traveling for less than 14 days must have the following to be eligible for visa-free entry:

Proof of enough funds to support themselves during the trip.
Booked accommodation or an invitation from a host in Oman.
Travel tickets for a return or onward journey.
Valid health insurance covering the entire visit to the Sultanate.

Maltese citizens visiting Oman for longer and those who don’t meet the above requirements need a visa.

Failure to obey the rules of Oman visa policy can result in being denied entry, so it’s crucial to double-check the documents beforehand.

NOTE: A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be essential for Maltese nationals who have recently been to or transferred through a region where the disease is endemic.

Understanding Oman Visa Types

Oman offers different types of visas to Maltese citizens depending on the purpose and duration of the visit. Understanding various visa options is essential to ensure a smooth entry process.

Whether you’re traveling for tourism, work, study, or transit, selecting the correct visa type is the first step in planning your trip to the Sultanate.

Sponsored Visas need a local sponsor (e.g., an Omani resident or organization) to initiate the process and vouch for the traveler. This type of visa is commonly used for work or residency and requires more coordination.

Unsponsored Visas are the easier choice for tourists. You can register and apply independently. This allows travelers more flexibility and control over their process.

Methods of Getting an Oman Visa

There are two main ways to obtain an Oman visa as a Maltese citizen, and travelers should choose the option that best suits their needs.

The online application via the Royal Oman Police website is the most commonly selected method, offering a quick and convenient registration process. To get an Oman eVisa, follow these steps:

Create an account and log in to the platform at https://evisa.rop.gov.om/.
Complete the online form with personal and travel details.
Upload digital copies of a valid passport and face photo.
Cover the processing fee and wait for the approval notice.

Once the permit is approved, Maltese citizens should log in to their account on the platform and download the document in PDF format. An Oman eVisa must be printed out before the trip.

For nationals of Malta preferring face-to-face interactions or needing a specific visa type with complex documentation, applying through the nearest Omani Embassy is a good idea:

Contact the diplomatic mission to schedule the date and the time of a visit.
Complete the required documentation and make sure it’s valid.
Answer questions about your travel plans if asked by the officer.
Pay the mandatory fee and wait for the visa processing.

One of the benefits of applying for a visa in person is the opportunity to receive personalized assistance. Maltese citizens can directly clarify any doubts and make sure their documents are in proper order.

NOTE: Regardless of the selected method of Oman visa application, everyone must have a valid passport and a recent face photograph copy.

Oman Visa Processing Times and Delays

The processing time for an Oman visa, according to immigration authorities, is usually 4 days.

However, it is advisable to apply well in advance of the intended travel date to avoid last-minute complications.

Delays can rarely occur but can happen due to incomplete documentation, an increased volume of applications during peak travel seasons, or additional verification procedures.

Maltese visitors are encouraged to regularly check the status of their application (it can be done via the official visa website) and make sure that all required information is submitted accurately.

Visa Validity and Stay Period

Oman visas come with varying validity periods depending on the type provided during the application procedure.

A single-entry travel document can be issued for one month, while a multiple-entry permit is usually valid for an entire year.

It’s important to remember that each Oman visa permitting numerous visits must be activated (the traveler must cross the Omani border) during the first 30 days of approval, or it will become invalid.

The permitted stay in the Sultanate can vary based on the visa type but won’t be longer than 30 days.

NOTE: Visa extensions are possible online or by visiting the immigration offices, but always apply before your Oman visa expires to avoid penalties.

Embassy Contact Details and Support

Unfortunately, there is no Omani diplomatic mission in Malta, but all Maltese citizens are welcome to visit the Oman Embassy in Italy.

The embassy can assist with a variety of services, including processing visa applications, providing information on Oman’s travel regulations, and offering guidance in case of emergencies while in Oman.

Additionally, the embassy can help Maltese citizens with legal matters, document authentications, and other consular services for smoother travel.

Address: Via della Camilluccia, 625, 00135 Roma RM
Phone: (+39) 636 300 517
Email: rome@fm.gov.om

NOTE: Maltese citizens can also contact the ROP information center directly via email: info-omanevisa@rop.gov.om.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do Maltese citizens need a visa for Oman?
An Oman visa is essential for Maltese citizens for trips over 14 days, but they can apply online through the official Royal Oman Police system to simplify the process.

What documents do I need to apply for Oman visas?
To apply for an Oman visa, you will typically need a valid passport, a recent face photograph, and a completed visa form.

How long does it take for an Oman visa to be approved?
The approval for an Oman visa typically takes up to 4 business days, depending on the completeness of the application submitted.

Can I extend my visa once I’m in Oman?
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension online or visit immigration offices in Oman.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Oman?
Overstaying can lead to penalties or legal consequences (also with future travel plans), so always respect the visa’s duration.

Do GCC residents need a visa for Oman?
Maltese citizens who are GCC residents also need an Oman visa but can apply for a variety of permit types.

Summary

Maltese citizens traveling to Oman should make sure they have the correct visa type and obey its duration to avoid penalties or legal issues.

The visa exemption is granted to visitors from Malta who don’t stay in Oman longer than 14 days.

Visa extensions are possible online or at immigration offices. However, permission for a longer visit is granted at the discretion of the Omani authorities.