Muscat – China has extended its visa exemption policy for Omani citizens holding ordinary passports till December 31, 2026, in a move aimed at facilitating travel, business and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The announcement was made during a media briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Muscat on Tuesday. Omani citizens may continue to […]
Muscat – China has extended its visa exemption policy for Omani citizens holding ordinary passports till December 31, 2026, in a move aimed at facilitating travel, business and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The announcement was made during a media briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Muscat on Tuesday. Omani citizens may continue to travel to China for tourism, business, family visits and transit without applying for a visa.
China’s Ambassador to Oman, H E Lyu Jian, said the decision reflects the strength of relations and growing cooperation between Muscat and Beijing. He also confirmed that a new direct flight between the two countries will begin on November 30.
He informed that educational and cultural cooperation is expanding, with Chinese language courses now offered in four Omani high schools and more scholarships planned for Omani students in Chinese universities.
He briefed the media on the outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and highlighted opportunities for future cooperation. Both countries are advancing their national development plans – China under its upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan and Oman through Vision 2040 and its 11th Five-Year Plan.
“The world is undergoing profound transformations,” he said, adding that China will focus on economic stability and social development to maintain what he called “the twin miracles of rapid growth and long-term stability”.
Describing Oman as a trusted partner in the Arab and Gulf region, he said both nations share mutual respect, political trust and a common approach to diplomacy based on dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
H E Lyu called for deeper economic and investment cooperation, noting that both governments see modernisation as a shared objective. “Together, we should seize opportunities, move forward hand in hand and achieve mutual benefit,” he said.
Quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping’s message to international partners, he said, “Walking with China means walking with opportunities, believing in China means believing in tomorrow.”
The announcement of the visa exemption extension is expected to support tourism, trade and people-to-people ties between Oman and China, at a time when both countries are seeking to strengthen economic cooperation and connectivity across Asia and the Middle East.
Major drug haul: Two individuals arrested in Seeb on trafficking charges
CPA issues urgent warning against Speedmax CF bicycles over safety risk
Exploring architecture, identity and memories in Muttrah
Omani startup develops plant-based meat for commercial launch
North Batinah unveils plans for twin industrial cities to drive growth
Dhofar workshop proposes research centre for leopard conservation