Embassy News and Events

Visa Fee Change Effective January 1, 2008

As part of a worldwide adjustment of application fees for United States visas, the U.S. Embassy in Muscat wishes to inform the public that, effective January 1, 2008, the application fee for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa will increase from $100 (RO 40) to $131 (RO 52.400).  This change affects the most common types of visas sought by applicants in Oman, including those for tourism, business, and short- and long-term study (the B and F categories of visa).

The U.S. Department of State bases fees for consular services on the actual cost of providing these services to individuals on a worldwide basis.  These costs have risen since the visa application fee was last increased, in 2002.

"While it is never pleasant to have to increase costs for potential travelers, even slightly," said Ambassador Gary A. Grappo, "this change is necessary in order to ensure that we can continue, here in Oman and around the world, to offer the highest-quality service and security to travelers and U.S. citizens.  I am proud that the overwhelming majority of applicants in Oman who are approved for a U.S. visitor's visa receive their visa within two working days, and this change helps maintain those standards." 

Visa applicants wishing to contact the Consular Section may do so via email at ConsularMuscat@state.gov or fax at (968) 2464-3535.  Callers can speak directly to a consular staff member by calling (968) 2464-3400 between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and following the prompts (in English or Arabic).