(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- The ROP launched the eVisa service under the auspices of H E Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs at the Special Taskforce Command headquarters in Seeb on Monday. The event was also attended by Lt Gen Hassan bin Mohsin al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, H E Ahmed bin Nasser bin Hamad al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism and other dignitaries.
Tourists can now apply online for visas to visit Oman by submitting their applications at www.evisa.rop.gov.om. Speaking on the occasion, Brig Hilal bin Ahmed al Busaidi, DG of Passports and Residences, ROP, said 'The first stage comprises non-sponsored tourist visas for people from 67 countries as well as GCC residents employed in 116 professions. The next phase will include all countries of the world and see issuance of eVisas in different categories.'
He added that the eVisa system allows visitors to get their visa applications processed in accordance with the laws and regulations of the sultanate. 'Tourists need to fill in the form on the website and attach the required documents. They can pay by credit card through a Global Payment Gateway that is officially certified by Oman. Applicants will receive notifications through an e-mail.'
H E Alawi said, 'We are proud of this great work. The eVisa system provides easier access to investors, researchers and students. It is a result of the stability and development in the sultanate. Such technology will make Oman better in the near future.'
H E Mehrzi said, 'eVisa will boost Oman's tourism sector which is witnessing great growth. Last year, the number of tourist arrivals reached 3mn and it is expected to touch 4.7mn by 2020. The number of hotel rooms will increase from 20,000 to 30,000 by 2020.
'The ease of obtaining visas will allow Oman to receive more tourists from countries such as China, Russia and the US. These are important markets for tourism. We will launch a promotion campaign to publicise about eVisa through our overseas tourism offices.'
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