The Omani government has decided to reopen its airport and borders to travellers from December 29 after closing them amid concerns over a newly discovered strain of COVID-19.
Travellers to Oman are required to show a negative virus test conducted within 72 hours before entering Oman.
All travellers must submit to a seven-day quarantine and take another test on the eighth day after their arrival.
Travellers must also have health insurance, according to the country’s supreme committee.
The new strain has been identified in the UK, several other European countries, Australia and South Africa. It is said to causes the same medical conditions as the original but is 70 per cent more infectious.
Countries across the Middle East had closed borders on December 21 due to the new strain as it is said to be faster-spreading. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman halted international flights and closed borders for a week.
Saudi extends entry ban
While Oman is set to open its borders, the Saudi Arabia interior ministry on Monday extended a ban on entry to the kingdom by air, land and sea for another week. The ministry said it is evaluating the current situation while allowing non-citizens to leave the kingdom and allowing entry for exceptional cases.
