This September, the Omani government reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers. The decision came after much deliberation and consideration about their travel policies during the Covid-19 pandemic times. However, now foreign visitors are allowed again!
Before going for a trip to Oman, all travelers should get familiar with some helpful tips on how to stay safe when traveling during the pandemic.
Tip No. 1: Get a full COVID-19 shot before you travel
Oman has recognized eight COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers. Travelers must have received the full dose at least 2 weeks before the planned trip to Oman.
The list of approved vaccination manufacturers include:
- Sinopharm
- Moderna
- Sputnik V
- Sinovac
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- AstraZeneca/Covishield
- Oxford-AstraZeneca
- Johnson & Johnson
Travelers are required to provide a certificate with a QR code confirming their vaccination status.
Tip No. 2: Get your Oman eVisa online and avoid unnecessary visits to Embassy
Travelers planning to visit Oman can now apply for their visa online with the help of the electronic system that makes getting an eVisa very easy.
Oman eVisa is issued to travelers who wish to visit Oman for all kinds of tourism-related activities. They can choose from single-entry or multiple-entry visas.
The online application process is quick, simple, and secure. Anyone who wants to visit Oman should check out all the details about how to get their own Omani visa right here: oman-evisa.com!
It is a great way to save time and money, as well as avoid standing in long lines at the airport or consulate.
Tip No.3: Register on the Tarassud+ platform
All arriving passengers must download the Tarassud+ platform before a trip to ensure a safe and seamless journey. It does also apply to Omani citizens entering the country.
Tarassud+ was recognized as the official application by the Sultanate of Oman dedicated to all the people arriving in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic. The app includes digital vaccination confirmation, RT PCR test results, quarantine tracing, and coronavirus-related statistics.
Tip No.4: Take a PCR test before traveling to Oman
Arrivals from any destination, including transiting travelers, are obliged to submit a negative PCR test result to be exempted from quarantine requirements.
Tests are valid for 96 hours for those passengers whose flights are longer than 8 hours. In turn, travelers flying less than 8 hours need to take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to their planned arrival time in the Omani territory.
If a traveler arriving in Oman does not possess a valid pre-travel PCR test, they will be required to take one upon arrival. Moreover, those travelers must self-isolate themselves until receiving the negative test results. They also must wear a digital wrist tracker during the quarantine.
Tip No.5: Get a travel insurance
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Oman authorities introduced the travel insurance requirement for all travelers arriving in Oman. The insurance needs to cover all the coronavirus-related treatment expenses. Its duration must cover the entire stay of a traveler in Oman.
Choose the best option from those available on the market and do not worry about potential hospitalization costs. Better safe than sorry!
Tip No.6: Avoid close contact with people who are sick or showing symptoms of coronavirus
When you’re traveling, it’s essential to be aware of the signs people might have when they’re potentially contagious so that you can avoid close contact with them.
Those who are sick or showing symptoms of coronavirus should not travel by plane, train, bus, or ship. It is to avoid close contact with travelers and to prevent more people from getting infected.
If you think you may have been exposed to the virus, please speak with your doctor immediately about what prevention steps can be taken before traveling. Try to protect yourself and others around you!
Tip No.7: Stay away from large crowds and public places
Sometimes it may be impossible, especially if it is the holiday season that comes with large crowds of people. Unfortunately, this can lead to a heightened risk of contracting an illness from someone who may be sick.
Try to avoid crowded and public places if possible, e.g., by choosing a date for your trip during the off-season. If not, try to follow all precautionary measures to minimize the risk of contracting the virus.
Tip No.8: Wash your hands often
It’s essential to wash your hands often. It is especially true for travelers, who may be exposed to many germs and bacteria during their journey.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend washing your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before you eat or drink anything, after using the restroom, handling animals, touching garbage, coughing/sneezing into your hands – basically anytime they come in contact with something outside of themselves.
They also recommend carrying disinfectant wipes that can be used on surfaces like shopping carts or elevator buttons that might contain germs from other people’s hands.
Tip No.9: Carry hand sanitizer with you everywhere you go
One of the simplest ways to stay healthy while on vacation is by carrying hand sanitizer with you everywhere you go.
Hand sanitizer kills 99% of all germs and bacteria without any harmful chemicals or toxic ingredients. It’s a simple step every traveler can make for better health while away from home!
Traveling can be exciting and fun, but it’s important to stay safe while exploring the world. Oman is an extraordinary country that should not be missed on any travel bucket list.
Follow all the precaution measures to stay safe when traveling to Oman. Do not forget to handle all the formalities before your trip, including getting an Oman eVisa and registering on the Tarassud+ platform!
