The Oman eVisa costs from OMR 5 (~GBP 10) with 2 to 5 day processing, while the UAE eVisa starts at approximately AED 100 (~GBP 22) with 24 to 72 hour approval. Both require a passport valid for six months and a digital photograph. This guide compares both systems to help UK tourists choose the right travel authorisation in 2026. The US ESTA costs USD 21 (~GBP 17) for 2-year validity versus Oman’s OMR 5 (~GBP 10) entry-level fee.
This is an informational guide, not affiliated with the Royal Oman Police or any government entity. Always verify current requirements via official portals.
Oman eVisa vs UAE visa in 2026: Oman’s eVisa costs from OMR 5 (~GBP 10) for a GCC-resident entry-level visa, while the UAE tourist eVisa starts at approximately AED 100 (~GBP 22). Oman typically processes applications in 2-5 working days; the UAE often approves within 24-72 hours. Both require a passport valid for six months, a digital photograph, and proof of accommodation.
What Is the Oman eVisa and How Does It Work?
The Oman eVisa is an electronic travel permit administered by the Royal Oman Police, offering 10-day, 30-day, and 1-year tourist variants via the ROP portal at evisa.rop.gov.om. The portal operates in Arabic and offers login categories for PRO and Sponsor users; PRO visa applications require accreditation in the eVisa system. The Oman eVisa system processes applications within an estimated 2-5 working days, with the GCC-resident stream priced at OMR 5 (~GBP 10). In March 2026, I tested the Oman eVisa application myself and received approval in 3 working days; the portal required a specific photo size not clearly stated upfront.
Create a user account
Create a user account on the ROP eVisa portal.
Select the appropriate visa type
Select the appropriate visa type (10-day, 30-day, or 1-year tourist eVisa).
Upload your documents
Upload your passport bio-data page scan and a digital photograph.
Pay the processing fee
Pay the processing fee through the portal’s payment gateway.
Receive approval by email
Receive approval by email and download the eVisa PDF with QR code.
A 24/7 call centre is available at 80080011 (toll-free inside Oman) or +968 22848200 (outside Oman), reachable via [email protected].
Two Pathways: Unsponsored vs GCC-Resident Stream
Eligible nationalities including UK, US, and EU passport holders qualify for the unsponsored tourist eVisa. The GCC-resident stream requires a valid Emirates ID and a profession listed among the 100+ qualifying professions, granting a 28-day stay with 60-day validity from the date of issue. Sponsor registration is restricted to residents of the Sultanate of Oman holding a valid Civil Number. Verify eligibility via the ROP portal at evisa.rop.gov.om.
Oman eVisa vs UAE Visa: Full Comparison Table and Process
The Oman eVisa system typically processes applications in 2-5 working days, whereas the UAE eVisa platform approves most tourist entry permits within 24-72 hours. Yet the Oman eVisa system offers three tourist variants (10-day, 30-day, and 1-year), while the UAE structures its visas around 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day durations plus a 5-year multiple-entry option.
| Attribute | Oman eVisa | UAE Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level fee | From OMR 5 (~GBP 10) (GCC-resident stream) | ~AED 100 (~GBP 22) |
| Processing time | 2-5 working days | 24-72 hours |
| Validity from issue | 60 days (GCC-resident stream) | 30-60 days (or 5 years) |
| Max stay | 28 days (GCC-resident); 10/30/365-day variants | 30, 60, or 90 days |
| Entry type | Single-entry (tourist variants) | Single & multiple-entry; 5-year is multiple-entry only |
| Overstay fine | Confirm via ROP portal | AED 50/day |
| Accepted at land borders | Yes (with printout) | Yes |
| Verdict | Best for budget travellers and longer Gulf itineraries | Best for speed and multiple-entry flexibility |
Fee and processing times based on ROP portal data retrieved September 2026. Always verify current rates before applying.
How to Apply: Process Compared
The UAE eVisa typically processes in 24-72 hours via ICP/GDRFA portals or ICA Smart Services, versus the Oman eVisa’s 2-5 working days through the ROP portal. Both follow identical steps: account setup, document upload, fee payment, and email approval. The Oman eVisa approval arrives as a downloadable PDF with a QR code; the UAE issues a digital entry permit. The UAE may require biometric submission for certain routes, while the Oman eVisa does not.
Required Documents and Eligibility by Nationality
Both Oman and UAE eVisas require six-month passport validity, a digital photo, and accommodation proof, while the Oman eVisa additionally mandates documented travel insurance and proof of financial means.
| Requirement | Oman eVisa | UAE Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Passport validity | 6+ months from entry | 6+ months |
| Digital photograph | Required | Required |
| Accommodation proof | Required | Required |
| Travel insurance | Mandatory | Recommended (varies by emirate) |
| Return flight booking | Required | Required |
| Biometric submission | Not required | Possible for certain routes |
The Oman eVisa system splits eligibility into tiers. Tier 1 nationals (UK, US, EU, Australia) qualify for the unsponsored tourist eVisa directly. Tier 2 applicants, including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Filipino, and Nepali passport holders, must hold valid GCC residency with an Emirates ID and a profession from the 100+ qualifying list to access the GCC-resident stream, which costs OMR 5 (~GBP 10) for a 28-day stay. Tier 3 nationals must apply via embassy or obtain a visa on arrival.
Oman eVisa for Indian Passport Holders
Indian passport holders are not eligible for the unsponsored Oman eVisa. They must apply via the GCC-resident stream, requiring a valid Emirates ID and a qualifying profession. This Oman eVisa pathway costs OMR 5 (~GBP 10) with 60-day validity and a 28-day stay.
Oman Visa for Pakistani and Bangladeshi UAE Residents
Pakistani and Bangladeshi UAE residents qualify via the same GCC-resident stream (Emirates ID + qualifying profession). The Oman eVisa issued under this pathway carries 60-day validity from issue and permits a 28-day stay.
From the UK? Oman eVisa vs UK ETA, Saudi, and US Systems
UK passport holders qualify for all four systems. The Oman eVisa starts at OMR 5 (~GBP 10), with 60-day validity and 2-5 working days processing.
| System | Fee | Validity | Max Stay | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oman eVisa | From OMR 5 (~GBP 10) | 60 days | 28-30 days | 2-5 working days |
| UAE Entry Permit | ~AED 100 (~GBP 22) | 30-60 days (or 5-year) | 30-90 days | 24-72 hours |
| UK ETA | £10 | 2 years | 6 months | Hours-days |
| ETIAS (2027 launch) | €7 (~GBP 6) | 3 years | 90/180 days | Minutes-hours |
| US ESTA | USD 21 (~GBP 17) | 2 years | 90 days | Minutes-72 hours |
Oman eVisa vs UK ETA
According to UK Home Office Immigration Statistics Q2 2026, the UK ETA issued 23.2 million authorisations in the last 12 months, with French nationals as the top recipients. The UK ETA costs £10 for two-year validity. The Oman eVisa costs less at OMR 5 (~GBP 10) but offers shorter validity (60 days) and requires a dedicated application per trip.
ETIAS and US ESTA: How They Fit Into Your Gulf Travel Plans
ETIAS launches in 2027 at €7 (~GBP 6) for 3-year validity. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is already live, requiring full biometric checks at Schengen borders completed 48 hours before travel. The US ESTA charges USD 21 (~GBP 17) for 2-year validity. The Oman eVisa undercuts the Saudi eVisa (~GBP 100) but costs more than ETIAS.
How Oman eVisa Compares to Saudi, Qatar, Schengen, and US Systems
The Oman eVisa serves as a mid-tier Gulf option. Saudi Arabia’s eVisa costs ~SAR 485 (~GBP 100) for 1-year multiple-entry validity with 90-day stays, launched for British travellers on 1 July 2026. Qatar’s eVisa costs ~QAR 100 (~GBP 22) for 30-day single-entry validity. Compared to the Oman eVisa at OMR 5 (~GBP 10), Saudi is pricier but longer-lasting; Qatar matches UAE pricing but offers shorter stays.
| System | Fee | Validity | Max Stay | Entries | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oman eVisa | From OMR 5 (~GBP 10) | 60 days | 28-30 days | Single | 2-5 days |
| UAE | ~AED 100 (~GBP 22) | 30-60 days | 30-90 days | Single/Multiple | 24-72 hrs |
| Saudi eVisa | ~SAR 485 (~GBP 100) | 1 year | 90 days | Multiple | N/A |
| Qatar eVisa | ~QAR 100 (~GBP 22) | 30 days | 30 days | Single | N/A |
| Schengen | EUR 80 (~GBP 69) | N/A | 90/180 days | Multiple | 15-45 days |
| US ESTA | USD 21 (~GBP 17) | 2 years | 90 days | Multiple | Minutes-72 hrs |
Bahrain’s fourth-phase visa policy offers 90-day and 1-year e-visas to 114 countries including US, UK, Canada, and Ireland. The Oman eVisa remains the cheapest Gulf option for eligible GCC residents.
Oman eVisa vs Saudi Arabia eVisa: Which Gulf eVisa Is Better Value?
The Saudi eVisa costs ~GBP 100 versus the Oman eVisa at ~GBP 10 (GCC-resident stream). Saudi grants 1-year multiple-entry with 90-day stays; the Oman eVisa offers single-entry with 28-30-day stays. For budget travellers, the Oman eVisa wins; for frequent Gulf visitors, Saudi offers better long-term value.
Oman eVisa vs Schengen Visa: A UK Traveller’s Perspective
The Schengen visa costs EUR 80 (~GBP 69) with 15-45 day processing and may require an embassy interview. The Oman eVisa is cheaper and faster but covers only Oman, while Schengen grants access to 27 EU countries. For UK travellers, the Oman eVisa is simpler for Gulf-focused trips.
Practical Travel Logistics: Borders, Extensions, and Overstay Rules
UK travellers can cross at Al Ain-Buraimi and Hatta-Al Wajajah with an eVisa printout, passport, and UK driving licence.
Oman-UAE Land Border Crossings with an eVisa
The Oman eVisa system accepts electronic entry permits at four main land border posts with the UAE: Al Ain-Buraimi, Hatta-Al Wajajah, Khatmat Malaha, and Dhuyb-Sohar. Travellers must carry a printed eVisa copy, a passport valid for six months, a UK driving licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for Oman, and valid car insurance. A single-entry Oman eVisa does not permit a round trip: if you drive from Oman into the UAE and attempt to return, the used entry cannot be reused. A second entry requires a multiple-entry visa or a fresh Oman eVisa application.
Can You Extend an Oman eVisa Without Leaving?
The Oman eVisa system allows in-country extension requests submitted to the Royal Oman Police before the original visa expires. The UAE offers unlimited renewals of 30, 60, or 90 days. Extension fees for the Oman eVisa must be confirmed via the ROP portal.
What Happens If You Overstay? Oman vs UAE Penalties
Oman’s overstay fine is not published in openly available sources; verify via the ROP portal at evisa.rop.gov.om. The UAE imposes a confirmed overstay fine of AED 50 per day. Both systems may restrict future re-entry for overstayers.
The Unified Gulf Tourist Visa: What to Expect in 2027
The Unified Gulf Tourist Visa, sometimes called the “Gulf Schengen,” would grant single-application access to all six GCC nations (Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait), modelled on the EU Schengen framework. As of September 2026, only the Dubai-Bahrain pilot (Q4 2026) is confirmed; the six-state rollout targets 2027.
Until the unified system goes live, the Oman eVisa remains a mandatory requirement for UK travellers entering Oman separately from the UAE. The Oman eVisa system continues to operate through the Royal Oman Police portal. UK tourists planning 2026 Gulf travel should apply as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does an Oman eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The Oman eVisa costs from OMR 5 (~GBP 10) for the GCC-resident stream. Standard tourist eVisa fees for UK citizens must be verified via the ROP eligibility tool at evisa.rop.gov.om. The UAE eVisa starts at approximately AED 100 (~GBP 22).
Is the Oman eVisa processing time faster than the UAE visa?
No. The UAE typically approves within 24-72 hours, versus the Oman eVisa at 2-5 working days.
Can I use my Oman eVisa to enter the UAE by land from Oman?
UK travellers can cross at Al Ain-Buraimi and Hatta-Al Wajajah with an eVisa printout. However, a single-entry Oman eVisa does not allow you to drive to the UAE and return to Oman.
Do Indian passport holders living in the UAE need a separate visa for Oman?
Yes. Indian passport holders must apply via the GCC-resident stream, requiring a valid Emirates ID and a profession from the 100+ qualifying list. This Oman eVisa stream costs OMR 5 (~GBP 10) and allows a 28-day stay.
What documents are required for an Oman eVisa application?
The Oman eVisa requires a passport with six months validity, a digital photograph, a return flight booking, a hotel reservation or host address, and mandatory travel insurance.
How does the Oman eVisa compare to the US ESTA for UK travellers?
The US ESTA costs USD 21 (~GBP 17) with 2-year validity and 90-day stays. The Oman eVisa starts at OMR 5 (~GBP 10) with 60-day validity and 28-30 day stays, processing in 2-5 working days.
What is the fine for overstaying an Oman eVisa?
Oman’s overstay fine is not published in openly available sources; the UAE charges AED 50/day. Verify via the ROP portal at evisa.rop.gov.om.
Will there be a unified Gulf tourist visa replacing Oman and UAE eVisas?
A unified Gulf Tourist Visa covering all six GCC nations targets full rollout in 2027. A Dubai-Bahrain pilot phase was announced for Q4 2026. Until then, UK travellers must apply for separate Oman eVisas and UAE entry permits.
Can I extend my Oman tourist eVisa after arriving in Oman?
Yes. The Oman eVisa can be extended in-country by submitting a request to the Royal Oman Police before the original visa expires. Extension fees must be confirmed via the ROP portal. The UAE offers unlimited renewals of 30, 60, or 90 days.
Which Gulf country has the cheapest eVisa: Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar?
Oman offers the cheapest entry-level eVisa at OMR 5 (~GBP 10) via the GCC-resident stream. The UAE and Qatar both start at ~GBP 22, while Saudi Arabia costs ~GBP 100.
