Oman and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Oman has many tourist assets and is multiplying initiatives to attract tourists for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar from November 20 to December 18, 2022.
Qatar does not have sufficient reception capacity to absorb the flow of visitors who will come to watch the matches.
These additional travelers, a boon to showcase the Middle East, will have the choice between Oman and the neighboring United Arab Emirates.
The latter embarked on a construction frenzy. Both Dubai and Qatar have moved towards mass tourism where exuberance and splendor reign.

Conversely, what are Oman’s strengths?

When, in 1970, Sultan Qaboos took power in Oman, the country had no electricity and roads were scarce. With the arrival of oil, it developed rapidly, taking the side of development on a human scale, respectful of the environment.
Oman offers beautiful beaches bordering the hotels that have been built there. On the practice of diving. Taking a fishing boat cruise at sunset to go swimming in the warm evening is an unforgettable experience.
For hikes, you have the choice between the « wadis », rivers flowing at the bottom of a canyon, real oases where you can go to cool off, facing mountains that rise up to 3000m.
Otherwise, the desert sand dunes are nearby for improvised bivouacs and nights in tents.
Oman is a country of fishermen and the stalls of the souks are full of exotic fish.
Without forgetting the Omani cuisine, rich in spices and flavors and the hospitality of the inhabitants which could be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

What initiatives has Oman taken to attract tourists to its territory?

It was decided to organize a big contest, #HalfTimeForOman: at each match of the competition, a winner will be chosen, with a seven-night stay in Oman in a top-of-the-range hotel to win.
Responsible people will have to share their holiday imagination on social networks.
The government of Oman has decided to ease entry requirements for World Cup spectators. A World Cup entry ticket will act as an entry visa to Oman, with the aim of activating the country’s tourism sector.
Oman Airports, a company that manages all civilian airports in Oman, has agreed that any international football supporter who has a ticket for a World Cup match in Qatar can use that same ticket as an entry visa to Oman. Flights will also be offered at reduced prices between Muscat, the capital of Oman, and Doha, the capital of Qatar.

Oman: relaxed conditions for the World Cup

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In view of the World Cup to be held in Qatar next winter, the government of Oman has decided to ease the entry requirements for World Cup spectators. A World Cup entry ticket will act as an entry visa to Oman, with the aim of activating the country’s tourism sector.

World Cup tickets are considered visas to Oman

Preparations for the World Cup in Qatar are already in full swing and the tournament, which begins on November 30, is fast approaching. In view of this tournament, the surrounding countries have also taken the necessary measures to be able to accommodate the large number of World Cup spectators. According to FIFA, over 23.5 million tickets were sold in the last sales cycle to watch a World Cup match. Most of the tickets were sold in countries such as Great Britain, France, Brazil, Argentina and the United States.

Oman Airports, a company that manages all civilian airports in Oman, has agreed that any international football supporter who has a ticket for a World Cup match in Qatar can use that same ticket as an entry visa to Oman. Flights will also be offered at reduced prices between Muscat, the capital of Oman, and Doha, the capital of Qatar.

Boosting tourism in Oman thanks to the World Cup in Qatar

The company also said that it has drawn up a plan to incentivize the travel and tourism industry in Oman so as to benefit from the World Cup in Qatar. Together with OMRAN (Oman Tourism Development Company), Oman Airports and official authorities, Oman Air said it wants to facilitate the participation of a large number of football fans in the World Cup. To do this, they will offer hotel stays and charter flights to matches in Qatar. With visa-free travel for residents of countries around the world, Oman is becoming an ideal winter destination.

Apply for an Oman visa

If you were unable to secure a ticket for the World Cup in Qatar and still want to winter in Oman, you will need to apply for an Oman visa. You can only apply for this visa online, as the visa on arrival has been abolished from 2018. Depending on the duration and purpose of your trip, you can choose from different types of tourist visas.

– Single entry visa (10 days). This visa allows you to travel to Oman once for a maximum stay of 10 days. This electronic visa costs €44,95.
– Single entry visa (30 days). This visa is also valid for a single trip to Oman, but for a maximum of 30 days. This electronic visa costs €84,95.
– Multiple entry visa. This visa is valid for one year and can be used for unlimited travel during that year. The duration of each stay in Oman cannot exceed 30 days. This visa is therefore slightly more expensive than the single-entry variants and costs €154,95.

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Gerard CROSSAY

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