Oman visa run 2021 Updates & Express UAE tourist Visa service

As per a recent press release in which the Royal Oman Police requested visitors to apply for an Oman Visa in advance. This is an initiative in reducing the time spent by making it possible to fill the online form through the ROP (Royal Oman Police) Website. This reduces the backlog of visa forms to be re-typed at submission. To ensure a successful visa process make sure to apply for your Oman Visa at least 5 days before your scheduled visa run date. Follow the steps mentioned below and you will be set for a hassle-free Oman Visa run.

Car insurance

If you are driving to the Sultanate of Oman, then its mandatory to have car insurance as it will be checked by the immigration officials at the border. If your vehicle is from a rental, then you will require written permission from the rental company stating their acceptance of you taking the car across the border (they might charge you for this letter). Although a photocopy of the vehicle’s registration was accepted, the updated rule is to produce the vehicle’s original registration (which most rental companies aren’t willing to handout). If the vehicle is your own but does not have insurance in Oman, you can purchase a third-party insurance package at any of the insurance offices situated near the Oman border. These packages cost roughly 90 AED and provide insurance for a minimum of 5 days. Make sure to have a letter of acceptance from the owner of the vehicle if you are borrowing a vehicle for the Visa run. Although it is not a mandatory requirement bring it along to be on the safe side.

ATM

ATMs are available at the Omani Border.

Printing Oman visa (If you applied for pre-paid express visa)

Individuals who have applied for the pre-paid express visa can get their visa printed at the border. All you need to do is email them the document and they will print it for a charge of roughly 30 to 50 AED.

Local SIM card for data

If you have applied for an express visa through a tourism company, you need to keep in touch with them to receive updates about your visa status. There are many data packages that are sold at the Oman border and the most cost-friendly is the 1GB for 20 AED package.

Things to do in Hatta

For adventure seekers, Hatta is a hive of possible activities. Mountain biking being one of the highly enjoyed activities in this hilly town, bikers of all ability levels can enjoy the scenic trails that are dedicated especially for mountain bikers to enjoy the views while having a thrill.It is also a great way to savor the surrounding environment as you will encounter rugged mountains, clear water pools, lush farmlands and maybe even a secret oasis or two. You can have a better idea of a typical mountain biking excursion by looking at our mountain-biking itinerary or even visit the Hatta Mountain Trailbike (MTB) for up-to-date details on cycling routes and more. Newbies can also get some lessons from MTB so that you can sightsee and engage in a new activity. For some extra adventure activities that can get your adrenaline pumping, don’t miss out on a visit to Hatta Wadi Hub. Up the adventure quotient by canoeing along the Hatta Dam river which promises lots of peaceful views and an exciting feeling of discovering hidden waterways as you canoe along. You can make it a full-day experience by bringing along a well-packed picnic. However, consider nature and conserve it by not leaving litter behind.

None of the routes mentioned below are in anyway superior or better than the others. It all simmers down to the route that adheres within your available time limit, your ability and consent to go the distance and your starting point. The most commonly taken routes are:

Wadi Hatta – Al Wajajah Border

Dubai and Sharjah residents who are doing an Oman Visa run use this crossing point the most. Currently, the Hatta E44 is closed for expats so make a left turn at Al Madam-Al Malaiha road. Make a right turn at the signpost ‘Shawka’ to the E102 Sharjah-Kalba road. After driving for approximately 30 kilometers, make a right on to the E44 Hatta Road. You will get to the Al Wajajah border post roughly 3 kilometers after you cross the border. Park and complete the necessary paperwork before driving along.

Kalba – KatmatMilahah Border

Unless you have any good reason to visit the northern side of Oman, its not a highly preferred crossing point, especially for Dubai residents. It can be accessed through the E99 from the east coast of Sharjah and is the northern crossing point to mainland Oman. However, paperwork is really easy at this crossing point with the entire process taking a mere 20 minutes or so. Border guards are very friendly but do not permit rented cars to drive through unless they possess police permission to take the car over the Omani border.

Mezyad – Hafeet Border Al Ain

Commonly used by Abu Dhabi and Al Ain residents and is the best route to take if you are driving to the south of Oman or to Nizwa. The distance between both border posts is only 1.3 kilometers making it a walkable distance during winter season.

Khatam Al Shukhla Al Ain

Frequently used by heavy vehicles like trucks, this route is situated north-east of Al Ain and is preferred by some expats due to its quieter atmosphere. However, you will have to drive more than 30 kilometers across the border to get to the Oman border post at Al Wadi Jizi making it one of the longest drives for the Oman Visa run. If you enjoy long, quiet drives and have the time at your disposal you can take this route.

Al Dhara – Bukha (Musandam)

A roughly 2-hour long lovely drive from Downtown Dubai, drive through the E311 that’s adjoined to the E11. This is one of the scenic routes as you will be driving along the Ras Al Khaimah coastline until you get to the border. Once there, park, walk across to the Oman border and get your stamp.

Other crossing points

You might have heard of other border crossing routes like Hili-Al Ain, Hatta E44 and Al Madheef-Buraimi. None of these are opened to expats and only allow GCC Nationals.

If you find the visa run procedure boring, make it interesting by transforming it into a brief visit to one of the nearest destinations. You can book a holiday package curated in the UAE and explore a spectacular destination to fulfill the criteria of exiting the country and have a wonderful time until you return with a new visa.