Embassy of Switzerland in Oman
As the official representation of Switzerland, the Embassy covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between the two countries. It represents Swiss interests in the areas of political, economic, financial and legal affairs, as well as science, education and culture.
COVID-19: Important information for Swiss travelers in the Sultanate of Oman
The World Health Organization declared the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic. There is a risk of infection in all regions of the world. The Federal Council has therefore been recommending that Swiss travelers abroad return to their place of residence since March 16, 2020. On March 12, the Omani authorities recommended that tourists who were still in the country should leave the Sultanate as soon as possible.
It will no longer be possible to leave Oman on commercial flights from March 29, 2020, 12 noon until further notice.
It is your own responsibility to leave Oman. But since many travelers are no longer able to return with their own funds due to local travel restrictions, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has launched a return campaign with airlines. Flights will be announced when the technical clarifications have been completed. There is no guarantee that all Swiss citizens can be repatriated.
No charter flight back to Switzerland is currently planned for Oman. If the situation changes, the representation would announce it on this webpage. Therefore please consult this website regularly.
Please register on the Travel Admin App (Itineris). If you are currently traveling in Oman as a tourist (not intended for permanent residents), please log in so that the Swiss Embassy can contact you if necessary. Please make sure that the date of your trip is updated. After returning to Switzerland, please delete all details of your trip log in the app or online.
Situation in Oman
The Sultanate of Oman has taken the following measures regarding coronavirus:
- Closure of all borders and limitation of travel options within the country (especially domestic flights)
- Ban on entering the country (with the exception of Omani nationals)
- No curfew imposed (yet)
- Essential services remain open (restaurants with delivery / take away service, online services, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, petrol stations, hospitals, etc.)
- Ban on conferences, meetings and events
- Ban on disseminating unchecked information about COVID-19 (“fake news”)
The homepage of the Ministry of Health https://www.moh.gov.om/en/announcements provides information on the developments in the situation regarding the corona virus in Oman. The “Tarassud” app or Instagram under the account @omanimoh also provide accurate and timely information. The Ministry of Health's hotline (call center) can be reached on +968 2444 1999.
The situation regarding coronavirus in Oman, like everywhere, is changing rapidly. Therefore, please keep yourself informed about further measures of the Omani government on these channels.
The Muscat International Airport hotline (www.muscatairport.co.om ) is also available for general information on air traffic: +968 2435 1234.
Information about the COVID19 situation and travel advice
- Travel advice from FDFA, Focus Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), in German, French and Italian.
- Frequently asked questions
- Federal Office of Public Health for the current situation and measures in Switzerland. Infoline Coronavirus Switzerland: +41 58 463 00 00
Further relevant sources of information can be found here:
Services and visa
All consular services and long term visa are provided by the Embassy of Switzerland in Saudi Arabia.
Short term Schengen visa to Switzerland are provided by the VFS Joint Visa Application Centre for the Netherlands Embassy in Muscat Oman.
