Oman has introduced a new tourist visa that could make short holidays in the Gulf nation considerably cheaper, at least for travellers whose nationalities are approved under the new rules.

The newly created visa permits eligible visitors to enter Oman and stay for up to 14 days without paying a visa fee. The fee for the new category has been set at zero Omani rials, making it a potentially attractive option for people planning short breaks in the country.

But there is an important catch: Oman has not yet announced which nationalities qualify for the free visa. Here is what travellers need to know about the new rules and what they mean for Indian tourists.

Oman introduces free 14-day tourist visa

The new visa category was introduced through Royal Oman Police Decision No. 109/2026, issued by Lt Gen Hassan bin Mohsin Al Shraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs.

The decision was published in Oman's Official Gazette on August 2, 2026, and became effective on August 3. The amendments were made following approval from the Ministry of Finance, according to Times of Oman.

Under the new provision, Oman's competent authority can grant a 14-day tourist visa free of charge to nationals of countries that it designates.

The visa has now been added to the country's official entry-visa framework, with the applicable fee listed as zero Omani rials.

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Who is eligible for Oman's free visa?

This is where the new announcement leaves travellers waiting for more information.

Oman has said the free 14-day visa will be available to citizens of countries selected by the competent authority. However, an official list of eligible nationalities has not yet been released.

That means travellers cannot yet assume that their nationality qualifies simply because the new visa category has been announced.

Once Oman publishes the list, visitors from the designated countries will be able to determine whether they can use the new visa for a short stay.

How long can you stay in Oman?

The new visa allows eligible tourists to remain in Oman for up to 14 days.

The short duration makes the category particularly suited to travellers planning a brief holiday, stopover or getaway rather than a long stay.

Visitors who decide they want to remain in Oman beyond the permitted 14 days will need to move to another applicable tourist visa category. They must satisfy the requirements of that visa and pay the relevant fees.

In other words, the zero-cost visa does not provide an unlimited stay. The 14-day period remains the limit unless the traveller obtains another valid visa.

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What does the new visa mean for Indian travellers?

For Indian passport holders, there is no confirmation yet that India is included in the new free-visa scheme.

Generally, Indian citizens travelling to Oman require a visa. However, there are existing provisions for some Indian travellers who hold valid visas or residence permits from certain countries.

Indian passport holders with a valid visa or residence permit issued by the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan or a Schengen country can obtain a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 14 days, subject to Oman's applicable conditions.

Those who do not meet these criteria generally need to apply for an Omani eVisa before travelling.

Tourists may also be required to provide documents such as proof of accommodation, confirmed return or onward travel, financial evidence and a passport meeting the required validity conditions.

Business travellers have separate requirements and may need documents including an invitation from an Omani company, a letter from their Indian employer and supporting financial and business records.

Why Oman is making tourist entry easier

The introduction of the free visa comes as Oman seeks to strengthen its appeal as an international tourism destination.

The country offers a mix of historic sites, mountains, deserts, beaches and marine attractions, giving visitors plenty of options beyond the conventional Gulf-city holiday.

For travellers looking for a short break, the new visa could make Oman more accessible if their country is eventually included in the eligible-nationality list.

Places to visit in Oman

A trip to Oman can begin in Muscat, where visitors can explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, wander through Muttrah Souq and visit the historic forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani.

Further inland, Nizwa offers a glimpse into Oman's history, with its famous fort and traditional markets. Travellers can also head towards Jebel Akhdar, known for its mountain scenery, terraced settlements and rose-growing areas.

For a desert experience, the Sharqiya Sands, also known as Wahiba Sands, offer opportunities for dune drives, camel rides, overnight desert camps and stargazing.

Nature and adventure enthusiasts can explore Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid, swim in their clear pools and visit the Bimmah Sinkhole. The waters around the Daymaniyat Islands are also popular for snorkelling, diving and dolphin-watching.

At Ras Al Jinz, visitors can experience one of Oman's best-known wildlife attractions, with opportunities to observe nesting sea turtles under controlled conditions.

In southern Oman, Salalah is particularly distinctive during the khareef, or monsoon season, when the landscape turns green. The area is also known for its frankincense heritage and the dramatic coastline around Mughsail Beach.

Meanwhile, the Musandam Peninsula in northern Oman is famed for rugged mountains plunging into the sea and is often described as the "Norway of Arabia". Boat trips, snorkelling and dolphin-watching are among the popular activities there.