Muscat – Tourism and economic experts have welcomed the reciprocal visa exemption agreement between Oman and Türkiye, saying the move is expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties and boost tourism flows between the two countries. Speaking to Muscat Daily, economic analyst Nasser al Hosni said the agreement would deliver a tangible boost to economic cooperation, […]

Muscat – Tourism and economic experts have welcomed the reciprocal visa exemption agreement between Oman and Türkiye, saying the move is expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties and boost tourism flows between the two countries.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, economic analyst Nasser al Hosni said the agreement would deliver a tangible boost to economic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment and services. “Facilitating movement between the two countries will encourage business travel, open new opportunities for joint ventures and strengthen private sector partnerships,” he said, adding that the decision aligns with Oman’s broader strategy to attract foreign investment and diversify non-oil revenues.

Hosni added that the visa exemption would also improve links between small and medium enterprises in the two countries, enabling faster market entry and stronger commercial networks. He said sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, construction, tourism services and food industries stand to benefit from easier mobility and reduced travel regulatons. “Regular business exchange helps build trust, accelerate negotiations and translate bilateral agreements into real projects on the ground,” he said.

Hosni noted that Türkiye’s advanced industrial base and Oman’s strategic location as a regional logistics hub create strong potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.

Travel industry professionals also believe the agreement will enhance people-to-people exchange. Sreedhu Nair, Director of Travel Diaries, said the visa exemption would encourage more Omanis to visit Türkiye. “As travel professionals, we welcome this step and are confident it will create greater travel demand, further strengthening cultural and social ties between the two nations.”

From a tourism perspective, consultant Khalid al Anqoudi noted that visa-free access removes a key obstacle to travel planning and is expected to stimulate short-term leisure travel, family visits and organised tourism packages. “Türkiye remains a popular destination for Omani travellers, while Oman’s growing appeal in culture, nature and luxury tourism is likely to attract more Turkish visitors, particularly during the winter season,” he said.

The Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that a reciprocal visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports is in effect from November 1, 2025.

Under the agreement, Omani citizens holding ordinary passports will be exempt from obtaining a tourist visa prior to travelling to Türkiye and may stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, Turkish citizens will also be granted visa-free entry to Oman. Turkish nationals may stay in Oman for up to 30 consecutive days per visit, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.

Tourism data reflects growing travel between the two countries. The number of Turkish visitors to Oman during the first eight months of 2025 reached approximately 11,000, marking a 10% increase compared to around 10,000 visitors during the same period in 2024.