MUSCAT: With only a few weeks left for the Eid al Fitr holidays, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has urged citizens and residents to make sure that their identification documents are valid and renew them before official holidays or travel.
According to travel operators, including airport managers of airlines, most people do not bother to check the validity of their passports or residency cards, especially if they are travelling to countries that offer visas on arrival.
"We have several instances of travellers, including families, having to return home disappointed because their documents did not meet the validity requirements. Tourists must have six months' passport validity if they are travelling to countries that offer visas on arrival or even visa-free entry," said an airport manager of a leading airline.
According to the International Air Transport Association, passengers travelling with incorrect documentation is more of a minor issue as over 50,000 passengers are turned back at their destination or transfer points by immigration authorities each year causing stressful and frustrating situations for travellers.
For most countries, visitors must have a valid passport for six months after they plan to arrive at their destination, however, this period can vary.
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