Muscat – Omani citizens travelling to Thailand have been urged to familiarise themselves with new airport security procedures that will allow authorities to open and physically inspect checked baggage without passengers being present.

The revised measures, attributed to Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT), are scheduled to take effect on Friday, October 16, 2026. They aim to strengthen aviation security and ensure compliance with international standards.

The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Bangkok has issued an advisory urging Omani nationals to check their luggage carefully and familiarise themselves with the new requirements before travelling.

Under the revised procedures, checked baggage will undergo security screening, with suspicious items and potentially hazardous materials subject to further physical inspection by authorised personnel.

According to the guidelines, inspections should be recorded on CCTV, and a written notification must be placed inside the suitcase to inform the passenger that it has been opened and searched.

Authorities may also break or cut baggage locks if necessary to complete an inspection, potentially damaging locks that cannot be opened using authorised security tools.

Travellers are advised to check restrictions on prohibited goods and hazardous materials before packing. Items that violate aviation security regulations may be confiscated in accordance with applicable rules.

Particular attention should be paid to flammable substances and other dangerous materials. Passengers should also check the applicable restrictions on liquids and other items carried in cabin baggage.

Omani travellers are advised to use suitable baggage locks, including TSA-approved locks, where appropriate, to facilitate authorised inspections and reduce the risk of damage.

Cash, jewellery, important documents, essential medicines and valuable electronic devices should be carried in cabin baggage, subject to applicable hand-luggage restrictions.

E-Visa in Philippines

The Foreign Ministry has informed citizens that the Republic of the Philippines implemented an e-visa system starting from October 5, 2026, accessible via its official portal. 

Approved e-visa holders can present their visa upon arrival in either digital or printed format, as physical visa stickers will no longer be placed on passports. 

The e-visa is valid alongside Machine Readable Visa (MRV) stickers for individual temporary visitor category 9a visas and other applicable Philippine visa classes. 

The ministry clarified that this visa cannot be converted to other visa types, and the granted length of stay cannot be extended. Citizens planning to travel to the Philippines must ensure their passport remains valid for at least six months from the date of entry and must hold valid health insurance covering their entire stay.