Muscat – Omani citizens can now travel to Turkiye without an entry visa, according to the Turkish Embassy in Muscat.

A statement issued by the Turkish Embassy said, ‘By Presidential Decree No 7976, dated December 23, 2023, it has been decided that Omani citizens holding ordinary passports will be exempt from visa requirements for their travels for tourism purposes to Turkiye up to 90 days in any 180 day period.’

According to the decision published in the Turkish Official Gazette, ordinary passport holders of the United States of America, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Canada and Saudi Arabia will also granted visa exemption for 90 days. The embassy stated that the decision was taken in accordance with Article 18 of the Foreigners and International Protection Law No 6458.

The decision was welcomed by Omani citizens, including Kaab al Maktoumi, Director of Holidays House for Travel and Tourism, who described it as “very important” for the travel and tourism sector, considering it will reduce costs for Omani families who travel to Turkiye, especially in the summer months.

“This decision will also benefit many Omani patients who travel to Turkiye for treatment,” Maktoumi added.

Mohammed Alawi, head of Muscat Hiking Team, was delighted with the announcement. “We organise two trips for Omanis to Turkiye every year. Following this decision, we can organise more than four trips because it will reduce travel fees.”

He described Turkiye as a “picturesque country, which helps us conduct a wide variety of activities, including hiking”.