Surge in Demand for Visa Change Packages by UAE Visitors Result In Fully Booked Buses to Oman

UAE visitors seeking to change their visa status by traveling to Oman via bus are encountering challenges due to a surge in demand, resulting in fully booked “visa-change packages.” Travel agents report a significant increase in inquiries, prompting advice for travelers to plan well in advance. The application for these packages is recommended “a minimum of ten days before their visit visa expires.”

Firoz Maliyakkal, CEO of Tahira Tours and Travels, notes the buses operating at maximum capacity, emphasizing the necessity of reserving packages early. The demand for visa changes by bus to Oman has skyrocketed, with over 100 inquiries received daily. Previously, a private aggregator operated three daily bus services, and in response to demand, additional private agencies have launched their services.

Private buses, numbering eight with a capacity exceeding 300, operate from Sunday to Wednesday, fully booked for the next ten days. The sudden demand surge is attributed to a rise in airfare costs, prompting individuals to explore more cost-effective alternatives.

Shihab Parwad, MD of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism, states that the affordability of bus travel packages to Oman has become a preferred option for many due to a nearly 20 percent increase in airport-to-airport service prices. The visa change package by bus costs between Dh1,000 to Dh1,100, presenting a Dh400 to Dh500 cost difference compared to flights.

The package includes travel visas to enter Oman, a two-month UAE visit visa, exit fees, and one-night accommodation in Oman. Visitors using bus services can stay for a day in Oman or return to the UAE on the same day, depending on their UAE visa’s issuance.

Departing from Fish Roundabout in Deira at 10 am, the buses cross the UAE-Oman border by 1 pm. After the border crossing, the visa application process starts, typically issued within 10 hours. In case of visa issuance issues, visitors can stay up to ten days in the Sultanate. However, starting the next day, there is a charge of Dh25 per day for extending the stay while waiting for the visit visa issuance. This alternative mode of visa change has gained popularity due to its cost-effectiveness and flexibility, allowing travelers to navigate the visa process more conveniently.