Muscat – The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced that Oman has officially removed the requirement for Filipino travellers to present a negative HIV medical certificate when entering the country under its 14-day visa-free entry programme.

The policy revision follows representations made by the Philippine government to Omani authorities, requesting a review of the requirement to facilitate easier travel arrangements for Filipino nationals visiting the sultanate.

The Omani Embassy in Manila had previously clarified that the HIV testing requirement applied only to Filipino citizens availing the 14-day visa-free entry scheme and did not affect overseas Filipino workers or holders of employment visas.

The DFA welcomed the development, describing it as a positive outcome of constructive engagement between the two countries and a reflection of the strong and longstanding ties between the Philippines and Oman.

The move is expected to ease travel procedures for Filipino tourists and short-term visitors, while further strengthening people-to-people exchange between the two friendly nations.

Authorities advised travellers to continue checking and complying with all other existing immigration and entry regulations imposed by Omani authorities before travelling to the sultanate.

Oman and the Philippines maintain close bilateral relations, underpinned by growing economic cooperation and a sizeable Filipino community that contributes significantly to the sultanate’s development across various sectors.