Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Oman eVisa
Choose the right visa type for your travel plans to Oman
Understanding Your eVisa Options
When applying for an Oman eVisa, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing between a single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa. This choice depends entirely on your travel plans, the duration of your stay, and whether you intend to visit Oman more than once within a specific period.
Both visa types offer the convenience of online application through the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal, but they differ significantly in terms of validity period, cost, and usage. Understanding these differences will help you select the most suitable and cost-effective option for your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll compare the single-entry (26M) and multiple-entry (36M) Oman eVisa options, exploring their features, benefits, costs, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry
Key differences at a glance
Single-Entry eVisa
- Entry Type: One-time entry only
- Duration Options: 10 days or 30 days
- Validity: Valid for 30 days from issue date
- Cost: 5-20 OMR (~$13-$52 USD)
- Best For: Single trip to Oman
- Re-entry: Not permitted once you exit
Multiple-Entry eVisa
- Entry Type: Unlimited entries
- Duration per Visit: Up to 30 days
- Validity: One year from issue date
- Cost: 50 OMR (~$130 USD)
- Best For: Multiple visits within a year
- Re-entry: Allowed multiple times
Single-Entry eVisa Explained
The single-entry Oman eVisa is designed for travelers planning a one-time visit to the Sultanate of Oman. Once you enter Oman with this visa, you cannot leave and re-enter using the same visa - it becomes invalid after your first exit from the country.
Available Single-Entry Options:
- 10-Day Single Entry Tourist Visa
Cost: 5 Omani Rials (approximately $13 USD)
Maximum stay: 10 consecutive days
Ideal for: Short business trips or brief tourism visits - 30-Day Single Entry Tourist Visa
Cost: 20 Omani Rials (approximately $52 USD)
Maximum stay: 30 consecutive days
Ideal for: Extended tourism, family visits, or longer business stays
Key Features:
- Valid for entry within 30 days of issuance
- Cannot be extended beyond the allowed stay period
- More affordable option for single trips
- Quick processing time (typically 3-5 business days)
Multiple-Entry eVisa Explained
The multiple-entry Oman eVisa is perfect for frequent travelers who need to visit Oman several times within a year. This visa type offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to enter and exit Oman as many times as needed during its one-year validity period.
Multiple-Entry Specifications:
- Cost: 50 Omani Rials (approximately $130 USD)
- Validity Period: One full year from the date of issuance
- Stay Duration: Up to 30 days per visit
- Number of Entries: Unlimited within validity period
- Total Annual Stay: Maximum 90 days cumulative within one year
Important Conditions:
- Each individual visit cannot exceed 30 consecutive days
- Must exit Oman before re-entering on the same visa
- The combined total of all stays cannot exceed 90 days per year
- Visa must be activated within 30 days of issuance by making your first entry
Ideal For:
- Business travelers with regular trips to Oman
- Tourists planning multiple short visits
- People visiting family or friends frequently
- Regional travelers exploring the Gulf region
Cost Analysis: Which Option Saves You Money?
Understanding the cost-effectiveness of each visa type is crucial for budget-conscious travelers. Let's break down the costs and determine when each option makes financial sense.
Single-Entry Visa Costs
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost (OMR) | Cost (USD) | Cost per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Day Single Entry | 10 days | 5 OMR | ~$13 USD | $1.30/day |
| 30-Day Single Entry | 30 days | 20 OMR | ~$52 USD | $1.73/day |
Multiple-Entry Visa Cost
| Visa Type | Validity | Cost (OMR) | Cost (USD) | Max Stay per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Entry (1 Year) | 365 days | 50 OMR | ~$130 USD | 90 days total |
Break-Even Analysis
When does a multiple-entry visa become more economical?
- If you're planning 3 or more trips to Oman within a year, a multiple-entry visa is more cost-effective
- Example: Three 30-day single-entry visas = 60 OMR (~$156 USD) vs. One multiple-entry visa = 50 OMR (~$130 USD)
- The multiple-entry visa saves you 10 OMR ($26 USD) when making three trips
- Additional trips beyond three provide even greater savings
For detailed fee information, visit our payment methods and fees page.
Which Visa Type Should You Choose?
Match your travel plans with the right visa option
Choose Single-Entry If:
- Planning only one trip to Oman
- Staying less than 30 days
- On a tight budget
- Uncertain about future visits
- First-time visitor to Oman
Choose Multiple-Entry If:
- Frequent business traveler
- Planning 3+ trips within a year
- Exploring Gulf region countries
- Visiting family regularly
- Need travel flexibility
Still Unsure?
Consider these factors:
- Count planned trips in next 12 months
- Calculate total visa costs
- Consider neighboring country visits
- Check company travel frequency
- Consult our FAQ page
Regional Travelers
Special considerations:
- UAE residents: consider border proximity
- GCC residents: check GCC visa options
- Business hubs nearby
- Tourism circuit planning
Validity Periods and Important Restrictions
Understanding the validity periods and restrictions of each visa type is essential to avoid overstaying or visa violations.
Single-Entry Validity
Important Dates:
- Issue Date: When your eVisa is approved and issued
- Entry Window: Must enter Oman within 30 days of issue date
- Stay Period: 10 or 30 days from entry date (depending on visa type)
- Exit Deadline: Must leave before stay period expires
Example Timeline:
- Visa issued: January 1
- Must enter by: January 30
- Enter Oman: January 15
- 30-day stay expires: February 14
- Must exit by: February 14
Multiple-Entry Validity
Important Dates:
- Issue Date: When your eVisa is approved and issued
- Activation Window: Must make first entry within 30 days
- Validity Period: 365 days from issue date
- Stay per Visit: Maximum 30 days per entry
- Annual Limit: Total 90 days across all visits
Example Timeline:
- Visa issued: January 1, 2024
- First entry must be by: January 30, 2024
- Visa expires: December 31, 2024
- Can visit multiple times before expiry
- Each visit: max 30 days
- Total stay in year: max 90 days
How to Apply for Each Visa Type
Both single-entry and multiple-entry eVisas follow the same application process. The only difference is selecting your preferred visa type during the application.
Application Steps:
- Visit the Royal Oman Police eVisa Portal
Access the official online application platform - Create an Account or Log In
Register with your email and create a secure password - Choose Your Visa Type
Select single-entry (10-day or 30-day) or multiple-entry option - Complete the Application Form
Fill in personal details, passport information, and travel dates - Upload Required Documents
Submit passport scan, photo, hotel booking, and flight tickets - Pay the Visa Fee
Use credit/debit card to pay the applicable fee online - Submit and Wait for Approval
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days - Download Your eVisa
Print your approved eVisa and carry it when traveling
For detailed guidance, see our application form walkthrough.
Real-World Scenarios: Which Visa to Choose?
Let's examine common travel scenarios to help you decide which visa type best suits your situation.
Situation:
Sarah is planning a 2-week vacation to Oman to explore Muscat, Nizwa, and the Wahiba Sands. This is her first visit, and she's not planning to return in the near future.
Recommendation: 30-Day Single-Entry Visa
Why?
- Only one trip planned - no need for multiple entries
- 14 days fits comfortably within 30-day allowance
- Most cost-effective at 20 OMR (~$52)
- No wasted value from unused multiple entries
Cost Savings: $78 USD saved compared to multiple-entry visa
Situation:
Ahmed is a sales manager who needs to visit Oman every quarter for business meetings. He typically stays 5-7 days per visit and needs to make 4-5 trips annually.
Recommendation: Multiple-Entry Visa
Why?
- Four quarterly trips = need for 4 visas if single-entry
- Single-entry cost: 4 × 20 OMR = 80 OMR (~$208)
- Multiple-entry cost: 50 OMR (~$130)
- Saves 30 OMR (~$78) annually
- More convenient - no need to reapply each time
Cost Savings: $78 USD saved annually + time saved on applications
Situation:
Fatima lives in Dubai and her parents reside in Muscat. She visits them for holidays, special occasions, and family events - approximately 3 times per year, each visit lasting 7-10 days.
Recommendation: Multiple-Entry Visa
Why?
- Three visits per year require 3 separate visas if single-entry
- Single-entry cost: 3 × 20 OMR = 60 OMR (~$156)
- Multiple-entry cost: 50 OMR (~$130)
- Immediate savings with just 3 trips
- Flexibility for unexpected family events
- No hassle of repeated applications
Benefit: Can make 4-6 visits if needed without additional cost
Situation:
James is traveling through the Gulf region and plans to visit UAE, Oman, and Qatar. He wants to enter Oman twice - once from UAE and again after visiting Qatar, spending 2 weeks each time.
Recommendation: Multiple-Entry Visa
Why?
- Two separate entries to Oman required
- Single-entry option won't work (only allows one entry)
- Two 30-day single-entry visas = 40 OMR (~$104)
- One multiple-entry visa = 50 OMR (~$130)
- Slight cost difference, but multiple-entry offers more flexibility
- Can adjust plans without visa constraints
Flexibility Benefit: Can return to Oman additional times if plans change
Can You Extend or Convert Your Visa?
Understanding your options for extending your stay or changing visa types while in Oman is important for travel planning.
Single-Entry Visa Extension
Can you extend a single-entry visa?
Generally, no. Single-entry tourist visas typically cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer:
- You must exit Oman before your visa expires
- Apply for a new visa if you wish to return
- Plan your stay carefully within the allowed period
Exceptions:
- Medical emergencies (requires documentation)
- Exceptional circumstances (at immigration's discretion)
- Application must be made before visa expiry
Learn more about visa extension processes.
Converting Between Visa Types
Can you convert from single to multiple-entry?
No, you cannot convert a single-entry visa to a multiple-entry visa while in Oman. You must:
- Complete your current visit on the single-entry visa
- Exit Oman
- Apply for a new multiple-entry visa online
- Wait for approval before returning
Planning Tip:
If you're uncertain about future travel plans but think you might return multiple times, consider applying for a multiple-entry visa from the start. While it costs more initially, it provides:
- Greater flexibility
- No reapplication hassle
- Potential cost savings if you do return
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Visa
Plan Ahead
- Review your calendar for the next 12 months
- Consider business trip frequency
- Account for family visits or events
- Factor in regional travel plans
- When in doubt, choose flexibility
Calculate Costs
- Count expected trips in next year
- Multiply by single-entry visa cost
- Compare to multiple-entry fee
- Factor in application time/effort
- Consider currency exchange rates
Track Your Stay
- Keep record of entry/exit dates
- Monitor 90-day annual limit (multi-entry)
- Set reminders for visa expiry
- Check visa status regularly
- Plan exits before deadline
Ready to Apply for Your Oman eVisa?
Choose the visa type that best matches your travel plans
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about single-entry vs. multiple-entry eVisas
No, you cannot upgrade or convert a single-entry visa to a multiple-entry visa while you're in Oman. If you discover you need multiple entries:
- Complete your current visit on your single-entry visa
- Exit Oman before the visa expires
- Apply for a new multiple-entry eVisa online
- Wait for approval before planning your next trip
The application fee for your single-entry visa cannot be refunded or credited toward a multiple-entry visa.
Overstaying your visa in Oman has serious consequences:
- Fines: Approximately 10 OMR (~$26 USD) per day of overstay
- Immigration issues: Difficulties with future visa applications
- Deportation: Possible in cases of extended overstay
- Entry bans: May be banned from re-entering Oman
Always exit before your visa expires. If you have an emergency that prevents you from leaving on time, contact the Royal Oman Police immigration office immediately for guidance. Learn more about visa validity and overstay penalties.
No, you cannot work in Oman on either a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist eVisa. These visas are strictly for:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Family visits
- Short business meetings (without payment)
- Attending conferences or events
If you need to work in Oman, you must obtain a work visa through your Omani employer, who will act as your sponsor. The eVisa cannot be converted to a work visa while you're in the country.
No, with a multiple-entry visa, you can stay for any duration up to 30 days per visit. You're not required to use the full 30 days. Common scenarios include:
- Weekend visits: 2-3 days
- Business trips: 5-7 days
- Short vacations: 10-14 days
- Extended stays: Up to 30 days
The only restrictions are:
- No single visit can exceed 30 days
- Total cumulative stay across all visits cannot exceed 90 days within the one-year validity period
GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) residents may have access to a special GCC Resident Visa (29A), which has different requirements and benefits compared to standard tourist eVisas.
GCC Resident Visa Features:
- Available to foreign residents of GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain)
- Requires valid GCC residency permit (minimum 3 months remaining)
- Different fee structure and validity periods
- May allow visa on arrival at certain entry points
For complete information, visit our GCC Residents eVisa guide.