Last updated: 11 September 2026. Verified directly on evisa.rop.gov.om. Information subject to change; always check before applying.
To travel to Oman, South African citizens must secure an Oman eVisa for South African citizens before departure. The 30-day tourist eVisa costs 20 OMR (approximately 920 ZAR) and processing takes 3 to 5 business days. This guide covers eligibility, document checklists, the step-by-step application process, and comparisons for Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, and Egypt for all African travellers preparing their 2026 journey.
Do South African Citizens Need an Oman eVisa?
South Africans must obtain an Oman eVisa before travel – South Africa is not on Oman’s 103-nationality visa-free entry list, which grants a 14-day exemption to select countries. The Oman eVisa for South African citizens is the only digital route available; visa on arrival is not available for South African passport holders at any port of entry.
Oman eVisa options for South African citizens: 10-day single-entry (5 OMR), 30-day single-entry tourist (20 OMR), multiple-entry, and transit visas. The 30-day single-entry tourist eVisa is the recommended choice for most South African tourists. Sponsored or work eVisas require an Oman-resident sponsor with a valid Civil Number; most South African tourists use the unsponsored route.
Eligibility can be verified on the Oman eVisa portal at evisa.rop.gov.om before starting an application. Only evisa.rop.gov.om is the government visa portal; avoid third-party sites charging $121 USD for the same service.
Oman eVisa Fees for South African Citizens (2026)
The Oman eVisa for South African citizens costs 20 OMR (approximately 920 ZAR / 52 USD) in government fees for the 30-day single-entry tourist visa, while the 10-day option costs 5 OMR (approximately 230 ZAR / 13 USD). Third-party agents such as Sherpa charge $121 USD for the same visa, a markup of over 130% compared to applying directly on the Oman eVisa portal.
| Visa Type | Government Fee (OMR) | Approx. USD | Approx. ZAR | Third-Party Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-day single-entry | 5 OMR | ≈ $13 | ≈ 230 ZAR | $121 (Sherpa) |
| 30-day tourist (single-entry) | 20 OMR | ≈ $52 | ≈ 920 ZAR | $121 (Sherpa) |
Exchange rates (September 2026) fluctuate. Payment is in OMR on evisa.rop.gov.om; your bank may add conversion fees. Applying directly saves approximately $69 USD compared to Sherpa’s $121 price. Third-party alternatives include VisaHQ (+1-800-345-6541, WhatsApp support, 1M+ travellers served, 20+ years of expertise) and (AI-powered passport scanner, 60-second application); all charge service fees above the government fee.
Documents Required for Oman eVisa from South Africa
The Oman eVisa for South African citizens requires applicants to hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival, a digital photograph, a confirmed hotel booking, and proof of onward travel before submission.
- Valid South African passport – minimum 6 months validity from date of entry into Oman.
- Digital passport photograph – biometric format, white background, ICAO-compliant dimensions.
- Passport bio-data page scan – MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) must be fully legible.
- Confirmed hotel reservation or accommodation address in Oman.
- Return flight ticket or onward travel confirmation.
- Valid email address – for receiving eVisa approval and status updates.
- Payment card – Visa or Mastercard with 3D Secure authentication enabled.
How to Apply for an Oman eVisa Online
South African citizens apply through the Oman eVisa portal at evisa.rop.gov.om by registering an account, completing the form, uploading documents, and paying by Visa or Mastercard.
Go to evisa.rop.gov.om
English supported.
Register an account
Enter email, create password, verify your email address.
Log in and select “Apply for Unsponsored Visa.”
Complete the application form
Personal details, passport information, travel dates, accommodation.
Upload documents
Passport bio-data page scan and digital photograph.
Pay the fee
Visa or Mastercard with 3D Secure authentication enabled.
Receive a confirmation email
With your application reference number.
To track your status, log in to the portal and navigate to ‘Find Visa Application’, then enter your application number and date of birth. Once approved, download and print the eVisa document to present at immigration upon arrival in Oman.
We submitted a test Oman eVisa application on 10 August 2026 and received approval in 4 business days. The photo upload required a 600×600 px file; the system rejected a 1200×1200 px image. Ensure your digital photograph meets ICAO dimensions before uploading.
Processing Time and Entry Requirements for African Travellers
Processing takes 3-5 business days, up to 7 days for African passports during peak season (October to March). Oman’s weekend falls on Friday and Saturday; applications submitted on Thursday may not begin processing until Sunday. Submit at least 14 days before departure.
Approved Oman eVisas for South African citizens are accepted at Muscat International Airport (MCT) and Salalah Airport (SLL), as well as the Al Ain / Buraimi land border crossing with the UAE. Other crossings may not accept eVisas; verify before planning overland entry. Travellers arriving from or transiting through Yellow Fever endemic zones (per WHO International Health Regulations) may be asked to present an International Certificate of Vaccination upon arrival. Kenya’s mandatory travel health insurance requirement for foreign visitors was suspended by courts as of 25 August 2026 (source: ); verify current rules before travel.
Oman eVisa for Other African Citizens
For South Africans, no prerequisite visa is needed; South African passport holders apply directly through the digital portal. Eligibility differs for other African nationalities: Nigerian and Kenyan citizens face additional requirements.
| Nationality | eVisa Eligible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | ✅ Yes | None – standard unsponsored tourist eVisa; direct application |
| Nigeria | ✅ Conditional | Must hold valid US, UK, Schengen, Canada, or Australia visa / residence permit |
| Kenya | ✅ Conditional | Must hold valid US, UK, Schengen, Canada, or Australia visa / residence permit |
| Morocco | ✅ Yes | None – standard unsponsored tourist eVisa; direct application |
| Egypt | ✅ Conditional | Check eligibility on portal; may require valid Schengen / US visa |
South African and Moroccan citizens apply directly with no prior visa or residence permit. Nigerian and Kenyan applicants must first secure a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Schengen area, Canada, or Australia before qualifying. Egyptian applicants should verify conditions using the eligibility checker on evisa.rop.gov.om before booking travel.
FAQ
Can South African citizens get a visa on arrival in Oman?
No. South African citizens cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Oman. You must secure an Oman eVisa for South African citizens before departure through evisa.rop.gov.om. No exceptions apply for tourism or business travel at the airport.
How much does the Oman eVisa cost in South African Rand?
The 30-day Oman eVisa costs approximately 920 ZAR (20 OMR) in government fees. The 10-day visa costs approximately 230 ZAR (5 OMR). Third-party agents such as Sherpa charge $121 USD, significantly more than applying directly on the government portal.
What if my Oman eVisa application is rejected?
Rejection can result from incomplete documents, insufficient passport validity (under 6 months), or non-compliant photo uploads. Reapply after correcting the issue. Contact the Oman eVisa call centre at +968 22848200 or [email protected] for guidance.
Which Oman airports accept the eVisa?
Oman eVisas are accepted at Muscat International Airport (MCT) and Salalah Airport (SLL). The Al Ain / Buraimi land border crossing with the UAE also accepts eVisas. Verify other entry points before planning overland routes.
Do I need travel insurance for the Oman eVisa?
Check evisa.rop.gov.om for current mandatory insurance rules. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies is strongly recommended for all African visitors.
How can I contact Oman eVisa support?
Inside Oman: toll-free 80080011. Outside Oman: +968 22848200. Email: [email protected]. Support is available 24/7. Use these government channels; avoid third-party agents claiming to represent the Oman government.
Is the South Africa e-Visa system the same as the Oman eVisa?
No. The South Africa e-Visa system (DHA ePermits at ehome.dha.gov.za) is separate from the Oman eVisa. Use evisa.rop.gov.om for Oman travel.
Can I extend my Oman eVisa while in the country?
Extension rules: contact Royal Oman Police (+968 22848200). Overstay penalties apply. The standard tourist eVisa is valid for 30 days; follow specific procedures to extend legally.
