India’s Air India Express has issued a number of guidelines for passengers travelling from India to Oman, to prevent further spread of the Covid-19 infection.
All passengers, excluding those aged 15 and below, will have to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test at the Indian departure airport.
Only valid, certified tests conducted 72 hours before the scheduled time of arrival in Oman, from labs approved by the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) will be accepted.
Non-Omanis must have international health insurance covering the cost of treatment for Covid-19 for up to one month, unless they have free healthcare.
Furthermore, all passengers must carry proof of confirmed hotel booking, made through www.covid19.emushrif.om, for at least seven nights – the duration of the mandatory quarantine period.
A number of exemptions to the above rules are permitted:
Omani nationals can spend their quarantine period at home, as can family members of expatriates travelling with children below 18.
Diplomats, visiting and employed at missions accredited by the country and their families, are also exempt from the regulations.
The rule does not apply to passengers aged 18 and under, and above 60.
Aircrew on board planes are also exempt from the quarantine procedures.
Sick passengers whose conditions require special attention, as well as those accompanying them (up to two companions for women, and one for men) are excluded from these regulations as well.
While it is mandatory for non-Omanis who fall outside the above criteria to quarantine in hotels, passengers who have reservations at other isolation centres pre-approved by the Ministry of Social Development’s Relief and Shelter Sector will be permitted to do so.
Merchant navy crews that dock at Oman’s ports must also book hotel reservations through their shipping agent, for the duration of their stay in the country. The same booking rules apply for aircrew.
