United States entry requirements for Oman passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Omani passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. As of 2026, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. embassy in Muscat before traveling. Plan ahead — visa processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a valid US visa before travel. Start with the online application at the US Department of State visa portal. Schedule an interview at the US embassy in Muscat — wait times vary from a few weeks to several months.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US Customs and Border Protection officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | You may be asked to show you can cover your trip costs. Bank statements or a credit card statement showing available credit are acceptable. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Oman is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. You must get a visa before traveling. There is no ESTA or visa-on-arrival option for Omani passport holders.
Plan for interview wait times
Muscat embassy interview slots can fill up quickly, especially during summer and holiday seasons. Apply at least 2–3 months before your intended travel date.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 Form
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application. Upload a passport-style photo (2x2 inches, white background). Save the confirmation barcode page — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $185 fee online via the U.S. visa appointment system or at a designated bank in Oman. Keep the payment receipt.
3
Schedule Your Interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment website, select the U.S. Embassy in Muscat, and pick an available date. Wait times can be 2–6 weeks, so book early.
4
Attend the Interview
Arrive at the embassy on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip and ties to Oman. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for Processing
After approval, your passport will be held for visa stamping. Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. You'll get an email or SMS to collect it or have it couriered.
6
Travel to the U.S.
At the U.S. port of entry (airport), present your passport with visa. The CBP officer may ask about your stay. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Oman Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months, extendable
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (equivalent ~61 OMR)
Standard visa for tourism or business; allows multiple entries if issued as multiple entry.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per visit, extendable
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (equivalent ~61 OMR)
Same fee as single entry; most Omani applicants receive 10-year multiple-entry visa.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD (equivalent ~61 OMR) + SEVIS fee
For full-time study at accredited US institution; requires I-20 from school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initially
Cost$190 USD (equivalent ~73 OMR) + other fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$190 USD (equivalent ~73 OMR) + legal fees
For professionals in specialized fields; requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Offers path to permanent residency.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$160 USD (equivalent ~61 OMR) + SEVIS fee
For full-time academic programs at accredited institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training after graduation.
investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (equivalent ~404,000 OMR)
For investors who create at least 10 jobs in the US. Requires substantial capital and business plan. Leads to citizenship after 5 years.
exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1-2 years)
$160 USD (equivalent ~61 OMR) + program fees
For cultural exchange, research, or training programs. Requires sponsorship from designated organization. May include two-year home residency requirement.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Standard nonimmigrant visa application fee for most applicants. | $160 USD (equivalent ~61 OMR) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Omani citizens. | $160 USD (equivalent ~61 OMR) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing can take months. | $370 USD (equivalent ~142 OMR) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to visa cancellation and future inadmissibility; avoid overstaying. | Varies; typically $0 for first 180 days, then penalties apply |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Omani citizens generally need a visa (C-1 transit visa) to transit through the US, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid US visa or are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, you may transit without a separate transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a transit visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries with ESTA approval may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease common in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use insect repellent in wooded areas.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus present nationwide; risk is highest in summer and fall.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; practice good food hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications; long wait times expected.
Practical information for OM travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Even if you're just changing planes in the U.S. (e.g., flying from Oman to Canada via New York), you need a transit visa (C-1) or a B-1/B-2 visa. There is no visa-free transit for Omanis.
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to visa in hand — typically takes 3 to 8 weeks. Interview wait times at the Muscat embassy vary by season. Check the embassy's appointment calendar for current slots.
The nonrefundable application fee is $185 (about 71 OMR) for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. There are no additional fees unless you need expedited processing or courier delivery.
No. The B-1/B-2 visa allows a maximum stay of 6 months per entry, as determined by the CBP officer at the border. Extensions are rarely granted and require filing Form I-539 before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying can lead to bans.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), DS-160 confirmation barcode, visa fee receipt, one passport photo, and supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, travel itinerary, and hotel bookings. Original documents are preferred.
You'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, usually due to insufficient ties to Oman. You can reapply anytime, but you must address the reason for refusal. There is no appeal process.
Yes. Omani passport holders need a B-1 visa for business activities like meetings, conferences, or contract negotiations. The same application process applies. You cannot work or get paid by a U.S. company on a B-1 visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.