Dubai, Jan 07: Oman has become the first country in the Gulf to offer visas to Indians on arrival in a move that is expected to attract a major chunk of tourists from the subcontinent to the region. "Citizens of 65 countries will be given visit visas on arrival and India has been added to the list" Khalil bin Abdullah al Balushi, a top official at the Muscat municipality was quoted by the Gulf News here as saying.

There has been no formal announcement on the three-week visit visas but the tourism department has issued a circular to all leading travel agencies in Oman. The fee for a two-week visit visa which comes into force from Sunday will be seven Riyals (Rs 840) which can be extended for another week and will be stamped at the Seeb International Airport in Muscat or at the other international borders on land routes.
The announcement coincides with the Muscat Festival 2003 which opens on Wednesday. Entertainment shows in which top Indian stars like Shah Rukh Khan will be performing, have been lined up for visitors during the festival. Bureau Report