Latest news with #MaritaBachhav
Observer
31-05-2025
- Observer
What are the options for visa-free entry for Omanis?
MUSCAT: The summer outbound travel season begins in the Sultanate of Oman, but citizens are required to take note of the distinct visa requirements of each destination. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced a new visa-free entry policy for citizens of four Gulf countries: Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, allowing ordinary passport holders from the four countries to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The Foreign Ministry said that the mutual visa exemption agreement between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation will be effective upon completion of the necessary procedures by both parties. According to options include visiting without a prior visa, visa-on-arrival countries and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) countries. Oman passport holders can travel without a visa to the following countries that include Albania, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Botswana, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Cook Islands, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Georgia, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iran, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyztan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Türkiye and Zambia among others. Omani nationals are eligible for a visa on arrival in the following 34 countries, some of which include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iraq, Maldives, Nepal, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Yemen. Oman passport holders are eligible to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before visiting the following 3 countries (Kenya, New Zealand and the United Kingdom). An eTA is a digital travel document required for eligible travellers who are visa-exempt for a specific countr, and it can be obtained online before travel. Omanis are required to apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) before travelling to 32 countries, including Bhutan, India, South Africa, Taiwan, Uganda and Vietnam. Oman passport holders need to apply for a regular visa before travelling to around 113 countries, including those in the Schengen area. "Visa processing times, fees and required documents vary by the traveller's nationality and the destination country. Marita Bachhav, regional head of VFS Global, which processes visa documents and collects applications for most countries, said that Europe remains a popular destination for travellers from Oman and demand for visas, especially during peak travel seasons like summer holidays, is higher than other times of the year. "Travellers can apply for Schengen visas up to six months before the intended date of travel and we urge applicants to plan and apply for their visas well in advance to avoid any delays," she said. According to GCC or Oman residents can travel without a visa or with a visa on arrival to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Indonesia, Jordan, Maldives, Nepal, Seychelles, Tanzania and Zanzibar, apart from countries within the GCC.
Observer
19-05-2025
- Observer
Apply for a Schengen visa three months in advance: VFS regional head
Muscat: The summer peak outbound travel is about to start within a few weeks, making it nearly impossible for someone to change their mind about travelling to Europe with a Schengen visa at the last minute. Marita Bachhav, regional head of VFS Global, which processes visa documents and collects applications for most countries, told the Observer that Europe remains a popular destination for travellers from Oman and demand for visas, especially during peak travel seasons like summer holidays, is higher than other times of the year. "Travellers can apply for Schengen visas up to six months before the intended date of travel; and we urge applicants to plan and apply for their visas well in advance to avoid any delays," she said. "The availability of visa appointments, mandatory documentation, processing timelines and visa application decisions are entirely at the discretion of the respective governments. Last-minute plans run the risk of appointment slots being unavailable or delays in getting a visa decision due to the high volumes of applications in process at the Embassy/Consulate," she added. It is recommended that travellers apply for visas as early as booking flights and accommodations. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (three months) before the travel date. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code effective February 9, 2020, travellers can apply for a Schengen visa up to six months before the travel date. Especially this year, with higher demand and limited appointment slots available, applicants must apply for their visa as early as possible. FRAUDULENT ENTITIES Visa applicants are also advised to be aware of fraudulent entities that charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or providing other services using VFS Global's name or independently. VFS Global does not charge any fee for booking appointments on the official website for visa applications. However, some governments require pre-payment of the service fee at the time of booking the appointment. This payment will be reimbursed or deducted during the application process. This step is only to ensure genuine travellers use appointment booking and the system is kept safe from misuse by fraudulent entities. Unlike Omani nationals, residents/expats residing in Oman must ensure they have a valid Omani residency permit that extends beyond the intended return date from the Schengen area. Short-term visit visas or expired cards are not acceptable. Since applicants are not Omani nationals, they must demonstrate strong ties to the Sultanate of Oman, such as stable employment, long-term lease agreements, or family residing in the country, to show intent to return. Certain nationalities may face additional requirements, including higher financial thresholds, longer processing times, or the need for police clearance certificates, depending on the Schengen state's internal guidelines. Applicants from countries with lower visa approval rates may be expected to show previous travel history, especially to countries with strict visa policies, as evidence of reliability and return. FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION Non-Omani residents may need to provide more comprehensive proof of financial means, including recent bank statements, salary slips and sponsorship letters if applicable. Additional supporting documents depend on nationality and embassy-specific requirements. Some residents may be asked to submit additional supporting documents, such as a no-objection letter from their employer or landlord. "If you are travelling to Europe on a Schengen Visa, you must apply for a Schengen visa at the Embassy/Consulate of the country that you intend to visit. If you are planning to visit more than one Schengen country, you must apply for a Schengen visa at the Consulate of the country where you will spend the longest period. If you are staying in more than one location for an equal duration of time, you must apply to the country that is your first port of entry," Marita said. VFS Global has no visibility on the decision outcome of visa applications. Processed passports are handed back to the applicants or authorised representatives in sealed envelopes. It only handles collecting application forms and documentation as per the checklist provided by the government, enrolling biometrics where applicable and ensuring the safe return of passports in sealed envelopes post the decision-making process by the embassy.
