Muscat: Oman has introduced a new Cultural Visa, expanding its portfolio of entry visas to support cultural exchange, artistic development, and intellectual collaboration. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) announced the detailed framework of the visa, outlining its purpose, eligibility, duration, and national significance.
According to the announcement from Royal Oman Police, the cultural visa is an entry permit granted to foreigners coming to Oman for cultural purposes. It is issued upon the request of the relevant authority, with the hosting entity — such as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, academic institutions, or cultural centres — assuming responsibility for the applicant throughout their stay.
The visa is granted to individuals participating in, or engaging with, a range of cultural activities within the Sultanate. These include temporary residence for cultural exchange or artistic training, academic or research collaboration in culture, arts, and heritage, participation in literary and intellectual conferences or festivals, and attending or organising cultural and artistic events or exhibitions.
In addition, a special clause has been introduced that allows the issuance of a cultural joining visa for the spouse or first-degree relatives of foreigners entering the country for cultural purposes.
The cultural visa may be issued for one year at a fee of 50 Omani Rials, or for five years with an annual fee of 50 Omani Rials, or for ten years with the same annual fee, depending on the applicant’s needs and purpose. Importantly, the visa must be used within three months from its issuance, otherwise it becomes invalid.
Authorities highlight the importance of the cultural visa as a tool for facilitating the entry of experts, researchers, and creators, supporting the transfer of knowledge and the exchange of experiences. It also assists in organising the legal presence of foreigners involved in cultural activities, ensuring compliance with the relevant supervisory authorities. The visa is also viewed as part of efforts to activate cultural tourism, enhance Oman’s global cultural openness, improve intellectual communication with countries worldwide, and encourage foreign participation in cultural and artistic events hosted by the Sultanate.
The objectives of the cultural visa include providing a clear legal framework for the entry and residency of foreigners for cultural purposes, enhancing Omani culture through cultural exchange and joint events, enabling Omani institutions to host foreign talent and delegations with ease, and supporting Oman’s Cultural Strategy 2040, which aims to build an open knowledge society connected to the world.
The ROP clarified that the extension provisions of the cultural visa do not apply to any other visa type mentioned in the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law. These rules are exclusive to the cultural visa.
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