Muscat – To give the country’s cruise tourism sector a fillip, the government has introduced a new visa category for cruise ship passengers and crew. The decision, issued on September 3, includes ten-day and one-month visit visas, designed to streamline the process for visitors arriving by cruise ships.

The decision comes at a time when Oman’s tourism sector is experiencing steady growth. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, the number of visitors in 2024 reached 2.3mn by the end of July, a 2.4% increase compared to the same period last year.

Commenting on the new decision, Sreedhu Nair, Director of Sales and Marketing at Travel Diaries, said, “Oman’s move to offer a free ten-day visa for cruise passengers is a strategic initiative designed to attract more tourists and enhance its position in the competitive cruise market.”

Nair added that as Oman continues to strengthen its position as a key destination for cruise tourism, the new visa regulation will not only attract more visitors but also provide a boost to local businesses.

Jen Meyer, a tourist at Muttrah, said, “I am revisiting Oman after the COVID-19 pandemic; it has been a long time indeed. Oman has so much to offer, from stunning landscapes to its rich history. With the new visa, I can now spend more time visiting places I hadn’t planned on, like Sur and Nizwa. I’m really happy to have more flexibility with my trip.”

The new visa regulation has been hailed by businesses, especially those operating on Muttrah corniche close to which cruise ships dock. Muttrah souq, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings, sees a surge in tourists from cruise ships during the winter season.

Shopkeepers at the souq are excited in anticipation of more tourists and sales.

Sadiq Khan, who runs an antique shop in the souq, said, “We always look forward to cruise ship tourists and this new visa means more opportunities for business. When tourists stay longer, they often come back to the souq to buy souvenirs, especially antiques.”

Echoing Khan’s excitement, shawarma shop owner Nurul Alam, said, “More tourists means more footfall. A lot of them come back for a second or third shawarma during their stay. This new visa is a win-win for both visitors and us.”