Oman has expanded visa-free travel arrangements for diplomats and tourists as part of a broader effort to ease mobility, boost tourism and strengthen regional ties, government statements and regional media reported.

The move aligns with broader Gulf monarchy efforts to attract Southeast Asian tourists and business travellers, a rapidly expanding outbound market.

Muscat also earlier formalised a mutual visa-free agreement with Azerbaijan covering holders of diplomatic, special and service passports. The accord was signed in Muscat on December 23.

Azerbaijan’s parliament approved the agreement at first reading on December 23. Once in force, eligible passport holders and their immediate family members will be allowed to enter, exit or transit either country without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Passports must be valid for at least six months.

The agreement requires full compliance with host-country migration, customs and public security regulations. Both sides retain the right to suspend the arrangement temporarily on grounds of national security, public order or public health.

Separately, Oman and Turkey have implemented a reciprocal visa waiver for holders of ordinary passports, removing pre-arrival visa requirements for short-term tourist travel, Oman Observer reported.

Under the scheme, Omani citizens may stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Turkish nationals are permitted to remain in Oman for 30 days per visit, with a cumulative limit of 90 days over six months.

Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised travellers to ensure passports are valid for at least six months and to obtain health insurance covering the duration of their stay.

Looking ahead, Oman plans to introduce visa-free travel for Filipino nationals from 2026, extending eligibility to both leisure and business visitors.