Muscat – Royal Oman Police started processing visa applications for World Cup fans wishing to visit Oman on Thursday.

Fans holding Hayya Card – the personalised fan ID required to attend any FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match – can avail various incentives and advantages, in line with Oman’s programme accompanying FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

A statement issued by ROP said, ‘Within the efforts to celebrate the hosting of the World Cup, support Qatar’s efforts to make it a success, and promote Muscat as a city capable of receiving World Cup fans and providing them with an exceptional experience, Oman offers a free multiple-entry visa to those having the Hayya Card. It is valid for 60 days and can be extended twice. It can also be changed to another category while in Oman as per applicable rules.’

Hayya Card holders can also be accompanied by first-degree relatives for stay in Oman.
According to the ROP statement, Hayya Card holders can obtain a visa by submitting an application through the e-visa website (evisa.rop.gov.om) and attaching flight ticket, photograph, passport copy and confirmation of hotel reservation in Oman.

Besides the football fan visa, there will be fast lanes at Muscat International Airport, a 9,000sqm World Cup festival village at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre and a host of other activities held across Oman.

The Football Fan Festival at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre will host a variety of activities and events during the World Cup in cooperation with international companies, according to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

The festival will run from November 20 to December 18. To ensure that the maximum number of people can join the festivities, the entry fee has been kept at RO2 per person.

All World Cup matches will be broadcast live throughout the festival, with visitors being able to enjoy a wide range of interactive games, innovative technologies, football competitions, live performances, and food and drink outlets offering both local favourites and international cuisine.