All arriving passengers in Oman will have to book accommodation in hotels and institutional isolation centres through ‘Sahala’ platform, starting from 2pm on March 29, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The authority stated that all confirmed hotel reservations made before the date specified in the circular can be listed on the Sahala platform. 

Based on the decisions made by the Supreme Committee and the circulars issued by the Civil Aviation Authority on February 11 and 15, the CAA has issued the following guidelines to the travellers and all airlines operating in the sultanate:

All arrivals into the sultanate starting from 2pm on March 29 will have to book accommodation in hotels and institutional isolation via Sahala on https://covid19.emushrif.om/

Airlines are responsible for ensuring that the passenger is holding a confirmed booking via the Sahala platform. All other requirements as stipulated in previous circulars remain valid.

CAA added that the exemptions to categories mentioned in the two previous circulars are still applicable. The following passenger categories are exempted from presenting pre-confirmed hotel reservations before they are checked in at the airport of departure: 

Diplomats working at foreign diplomatic missions accredited to the sultanate, their families, and diplomats visiting the sultanate

Arrivals of those aged 18 or below if travelling alone, and those aged 60 and above

Aircrew subject to adhering to the precautionary measures issued by the Ministry of Health

Sick passengers whose health conditions require special attention. The exception includes two companions with female or under 18 years old patients and only one companion with male patients above 18

Holders of permits for private institutional isolation centres that are pre-approved by the Relief & Shelter Sector

For sea crews moored in the territorial waters of the sultanate, airlines are obliged to ensure that there is a hotel reservation covering the duration of their stay in Oman based on the letter of the shipping agent

The Ministry of Social Development and eMushrif company signed an agreement to launch Sahala platform recently. 

The platform aims to achieve the highest level of safety to limit infection, verify information to prevent fraud and inform arrival passengers in the sultanate of quarantine procedures. The platform also provides passengers with instructions issued by the Ministry of Health. The CAA added that whoever wants more details can contact eMushrif on 968-92187644 or email [email protected]