Summer is Coming!  Plan Your U.S. Travel Now

The U.S. Embassy in Muscat reminds travelers that with the summer months rapidly approaching, we are entering a busy season for visa applications.  Therefore, now is the time to plan your summer needs for U.S. visas for tourism or business (known as B1/B2 visas).   During this peak season, visa applicants may find that the first available visa interview, which is required for most applicants, is up to several weeks from the date of their first inquiry. 

If you are planning to travel to the U.S. in June, July, or August, you should consider applying for your visa as soon as possible.  The vast majority of applicants in Oman who are approved for U.S. visas receive their visas within two business days.  However, delays can occur, so it is wise to apply no less than eight weeks before the intended date of travel.

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, ensuring that you have your visa issued well in advance means one less thing to worry about for your trip.

The Embassy gives all possible priority to applicants for student visas (known as F visas).  Still, we strongly encourage students and their families to plan carefully, which means starting the visa application process as quickly as possible after receipt of all documents from the U.S. college or university.  As with tourist/business visas, approved student applicants generally receive their visas in two business days, but starting the application process no less than eight weeks before the intended date of departure is advisable.

The Embassy is committed to making sure that visa applicants in Oman have all the information they need to plan their travel.  Information on the visa application process is available on the Embassy website at oman.usembassy.gov, and information on related travel topics is available at travel.state.gov.  In addition, those with specific questions may e-mail the Consular Section at consularmuscat@state.gov.  The Consular Section also provides information by telephone from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. every business day (Saturday – Wednesday); call 24-643-400 and follow the electronic prompts in Arabic or English for consular information.