The Middle East crisis has definitely ramped up the traffic on Dubai to Muscat route. The UAE airspace has significantly opened up but things still remain a bit chaotic. For this reason, many stranded tourists in the UAE are currently opting for road trips to Oman, crossing the border and taking off on flights from Muscat International. Indian tourists are a big part of this number and so are the residents. For this reason, the Indian Embassy in the UAE has released a crisp guide on the Oman visa for Indians in 2026, making things much easier for stranded guests.
Let’s take a look at all things concerning the Oman visa-on-arrival and eVisa for Indians in the UAE. Plus, you are also going to get some idea about making a Dubai to Oman road trip successful in these tough times. Take a look at the best routes and modes of transport, including RTA buses, taxis, ride-hailing platforms like Careem and Uber, and rental cars.
This is the most updated guide to the Oman visa for Indians in 2026. Starting from passport validity and visa application to choosing the right routes and keeping note of all necessary emergency contact details for possible needs, you can find it all here. Let’s get started, then?
Oman Visa for Indians in the UAE: Visa Eligibility and Passport Validity
There are three cases to take into consideration here. First, getting an Oman eVisa through the Royal Oman Police (evisa.rop.gov.om/). Second, getting an Oman visa-on-arrival if you hold a residence permit or valid visa from certain countries. Third, getting a visa-on-arrival if you are a resident of any GCC country, including the UAE. In the midst of all of this, please make sure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months for applying for the Oman visa.
1. Getting an Oman eVisa
Indian tourists in the UAE can board a flight from Muscat International, provided they have obtained an Oman Visit/Tourist Visa. You need to apply for an Oman eVisa through an authorised travel agent on Royal Oman Police platform.
2. Oman Visa-on-Arrival for Certain Indian Passport Holders
Yes. Some Indian passport holders are eligible for an Oman visa-on-arrival. These people hold a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Canada, Japan or Schengen countries. If you hold such pieces of documentation, you can stay in Oman for up to 14 days without a pre-arranged visa. But make sure to arrange a return ticket, hotel booking and health insurance.
3. Oman Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Expats in UAE
Indian citizens holding a valid GCC Residency Permit are also eligible for an Oman Visa-on-Arrival. But there is a catch for students. Holders of student resident cards from GCC countries need to get an Oman Visit Visa to enter.
Can I Drive from Dubai to Muscat in a Rental Car?
You certainly can. Indian passport holders residing in the UAE can use a rental car to get to Oman. But it is absolutely essential to get all the documents in order, such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the rental company, a valid driving licence, a valid vehicle registration card and more. Plus, make sure to get an Orange Card. This is nothing but motor insurance for Oman. If your existing car insurance also handles driving in Oman, you can request the Orange Card. But if your existing policy doesn’t do so, get a temporary Orange Card at the border, though this card offers limited perks.
Dubai to Oman Bus Journey in 2026
Looking for a comfortable Dubai to Muscat bus journey amid partial UAE airspace closures? There are plenty of options for you. From Abu Hail Metro Station in Dubai, a regular bus service departs three times per day, including at 7:00 am, 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm. You can reach Oman in a matter of six hours, including the border clearance procedure. The tickets are responsibly priced at AED 100 (not including UAE exit and Oman visa fees) and can be bought in-person only.
Hope this brief guide to Oman visa for Indians stranded in the UAE has been useful. Many airlines in both Oman and India are already arranging special flights or running a limited flight schedule to bring back all Indian tourists back home safely. Plus, Oman Air recently made headlines for enabling buses from Sharjah to Muscat and then, flights to different parts of India. Keep an eye on these flights to book your preferred ones on time and get your Oman visa situation sorted out, too. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months.
Oman Visa for Indians in UAE 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
1. I’m driving from Dubai to Muscat. Can the Indian Embassy in Oman assist me in booking air tickets?
Indians seeking to get back to their country through the UAE-Oman border need to book their flight tickets directly. Please keep in mind that access to Oman airports (including Muscat International Airport) requires you to hold a confirmed airplane ticket and access is granted in less than eight hours of Estimated Time of Departure (ETD).
2. Are private cars permitted to cross the UAE-Oman border?
Yes. Private rental cars can cross the UAE-Oman border, considering that the third-party insurance of the vehicle is pre-arranged, passengers hold appropriate visa and the driver has a valid driving licence for Oman.
3. Are UAE-Oman land borders open?
Yes. The land borders of UAE and Oman are currently open. But there are reports of long queues and delays – something you need to factor in before making your plans.
4. Do Indian tourists in UAE need a visa for Oman?
Prior obtaining of a Visit/Tourist Visa is required to enter Oman. You can apply for an Oman eVisa on Royal Oman Police platforms. Plus, Indian tourists in the UAE holding a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Canada, Japan or Schengen countries can get an Oman visa-on-arrival to enter the GCC state.
5. Do UAE residents need an Oman visa?
If you are an Indian expat in the UAE, you can get an Oman visa-on-arrival, provided that you hold a valid GCC Residency Permit and your passport is valid for at least six months.
6. Do I need to pay an UAE visa overstay fine?
No. Because of the ongoing regional situation, the UAE has eliminated all visa overstay fines for tourists stranded in the country. There are some details to take into consideration, though. You can check the GDRFA app or the ICP ‘Smart Services’ portal for better clarity.
7. I’m at the UAE-Oman border check point and seeking for an entry into Oman to take a flight from Muscat to India. But my Oman visa has still not been granted. Can the Indian Embassy in the UAE or Oman help us in expediting the visa?
Please note that all Oman visas are issued by the Royal Oman Police (ROP). You can contact the ROP on +968 22848200 (outside of Sultanate of Oman) and 80080011 (inside Sultanate of Oman) or email: Info-omanevisa@rop.gov.om.
8. My Muscat to India flight is cancelled and the next flight’s prices are exorbitantly high. Can the Embassy help arrange more affordable options for us?
Kindly contact your preferred airline for better clarity as airfare is based on a demand and supply situation.
