Oman has confirmed that Filipino tourists are now eligible for visa-free entry, a policy that took effect at the start of 2026 as part of the Sultanate’s efforts to expand tourism and deepen bilateral ties with the Philippines.
The exemption allows Philippine passport holders to stay in Oman for up to 14 days without a visa. With this move, Oman becomes the first Middle Eastern country to grant visa-free access to Filipino travellers.
A spokesperson from Oman’s foreign ministry confirmed that the Philippines has been added to the list of countries exempt from tourist visa requirements. The decision brings the total number of visa-exempt nationalities to 105, according to the Oman News Agency.
Oman’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari, said the visa exemption reflects the evolving relationship between Muscat and Manila. While the two countries have long been connected through labour mobility, diplomatic sources noted that cooperation is increasingly expanding into investment, industry, and tourism.
Sources familiar with the policy decision said concerns over the exemption were minimal due to the Philippines’ strict pre-departure requirements. These include proof of health fitness, financial capacity, confirmed flights and accommodation, and other compliance documents.
Omani authorities view these procedures as complementary to their own regulatory framework for visitors and incoming workers.
Bilateral cooperation was further strengthened last July with the opening of the Oman Visa and Medical Check-up Center in Manila. The facility was inaugurated in the presence of Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Oman’s foreign minister, and Dr Mahad bin Said Ba’owain, minister of labour.
The centre provides biometric registration, medical examinations, document and contract attestation, and support services for workers and employers, streamlining the work visa process.
Diplomatic sources also pointed to Oman’s role in securing the release of detained Filipino nationals in Yemen, which helped reinforce trust and goodwill between the two countries.
The visa-free policy supports Oman’s National Tourism Strategy 2040, which aims to attract more than 11 million visitors annually by 2040. The Philippines is being positioned as a growth market, with around 2.4 million Filipinos travelling overseas in the first four months of 2025 alone.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said the exemption is part of a broader strategy to diversify source markets and attract long-haul travellers through simplified entry policies. Ambassador Al Manwari noted that direct flights between Manila and Muscat have already improved access, with plans to launch additional routes from Cebu and other gateways.
In addition to the Philippines, Oman has extended visa-free stays to travellers from Thailand, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and several European Union countries through 2026.
Despite the visa exemption, travellers may still be required to present standard entry documents, including a valid Philippine passport, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds or travel insurance upon arrival.
Known for its varied landscapes, including the Musandam fjords, Wahiba Sands desert, and the historic streets of Muscat, Oman is positioning itself as an accessible Middle Eastern destination for Filipino travellers seeking culture, nature, and adventure.
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