The Omani government has issued a travel advisory for its citizens headed to India, reminding them of strict visa rules.
According to the Embassy of Oman in New Delhi, Omanis visiting India should be transparent about their purpose of travel, whether it is tourism, medical or education, so they avoid any inconvenience during their trip, VisaGuide.World reports.
The Embassy also pointed out that Omanis should check the duration of their visa and not overstay their allowed time in the country. This could lead to serious consequences.
Overstaying an Indian Visa Could Cost Omanis Over $250
The Indian law reveals that a traveller whose visa has expired will not be allowed to leave India until an exit visa has been issued to them. An exit visa can be processed in up to three days. The charge for such a visa can cost up to $259.
Omani citizens will also have to pay the same fee if they want to obtain a visa that does not match the actual purpose of their travel, such as traveling for tourism on a visa granted for medical treatment.
Previously, an Omani family was left stranded at New Delhi Airport due to procedures related to visas and remained in India until their checking process was finalised, which meant having them accommodated for nights.
Oman is one of 125 countries that do not have a visa facilitation agreement with India, thus, they are required to apply for a visa ahead of travelling there.
According to the Passport Index by VisaGuide, Oman has the world’s 111th strongest passport, allowing its holders visa-free travel to 44 countries, while a visa is required for entry to 116.
India, on the other hand, has the 132nd most powerful passport in the world. India passport holders have to apply for a visa to enter 125 countries, while in 32 countries, they can enter visa-free. Singapore has the number one most powerful passport in the world, having a visa-free travel agreement with 159 countries in the world.
Omanis Are West Asia’s Top Visitors to India
According to India Tourism Statistics for 2023, a total of 56,474 Omanis visited the country, with the majority of them visiting during the third quarter of the year (July to September).
This would make Omanis the top visitors to India from the West Asia region, as they represent 21.6 per cent of all visitors from this region.
However, the number of visitors from Oman has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels when over 74,000 people visited India.