All set for full unlock as Covid cases fall

Oman is on course to fully open up after tamping down coronavirus infections. The fall in the number of deaths and rise in vaccination have prompted the Supreme Committee to take measures like unlocking and lifting of air travel curbs for expats after nearly 127 days.

Government and private establishments are preparing to allow entry to vaccinated people. Staff strength will now be 100 per cent at public offices which was limited to 50 percent. This will enable quicker work and better service to stakeholders.

The Passports and Residency Department at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) will start issuing visas of all types to those who have applied online from Wednesday. This will result in more visitors as well as employees resuming duty at their respective organisations.

The Supreme Committee has also announced September 12 to be the opening day for Oman's schools when hundreds of thousands of children are expected to return to their classes. International schools are allowed to follow their local counterparts or open according to their decisions.

"It is indeed good news that the land borders between the UAE and Oman are open from September 1 as this will be a shot in the arm for smooth and free movement of people between various cities in Oman and the UAE," said CM Najeeb, representative of a private company.

All travellers coming to the Sultanate are required to present a medical certificate with QR Code of taking two doses or the first dose of Oman approved Covid-19 vaccines. The second dose is to be taken before 14 days prior to the scheduled time for arriving to the Sultanate

Omani citizens & foreigners coming to the Sultanate on long international flights (with a period of no less than 8 hours) with a pre-travel negative PCR test (within 96 hours) are exempt from quarantine as well as travellers on shorter flights with a negative PCR test.

All travellers coming to the Sultanate on long international flights (with a period of no less than 8 hours) with a pre-travel negative PCR test (within 96 hours) are exempt from quarantine as well as travellers on shorter flights with a negative COVID-19 PCR test (within 72 hours).

Those who come to the Sultanate without a pre-travel PCR test are required to take a PCR test upon their arrival at the airport, wear Tarassud+ bracelet and adhere to quarantine until the PCR test result is negative. If the result is positive, 10 days quarantine is required.

Travelers below 18 and passengers with medically confirmed health conditions that prevent them from taking the vaccination are exempt from presenting Covid-19 vaccine certificate and PCR test.

Omani citizens and their families who departed from the Sultanate before the issuance of this circular are exempted from the vaccine requirement for maximum two months.