Oman, Russia to sign visa waiver deal during Sultan’s visit

Muscat: In a major step towards strengthening bilateral ties, Oman and Russia are set to sign a mutual visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders during the upcoming visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Moscow on April 21, 2025.

The visa waiver, one of ten key agreements expected during the visit, will allow citizens of both countries to stay visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, and no more than 90 days per year.

The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, established on September 26, 1985.

Sultan Haitham will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 22 to discuss trade, investment, cultural exchange, and regional and international issues, highlighting Oman’s growing diplomatic influence.

According to the Omani ambassador to Russia, Hamud bin Salem Al Tuwaih, the visa exemption deal is the central agreement among ten documents to be signed.

“This visit will open new horizons for cooperation in economic, commercial, cultural, tourism, and educational fields,” he said, as reported by the Oman News Agency.

The two countries have strengthened diplomatic engagement in recent years through high-level exchanges and regular consultations. Trade reached over OMR 133 million ($346 million) by the end of 2024. Omani exports to Russia include mineral products and fertilisers, while imports primarily comprise iron products and foodstuffs.

As of 2024, there were 277 Russian-affiliated companies operating in Oman, with a total investment of over OMR 11.6 million. These firms are active in sectors such as retail, IT, construction, hospitality, logistics, and finance. Tourism has also seen significant growth, with 11,000 Omanis visiting Russia and 44,000 Russians visiting Oman in 2024.

Russia’s Ambassador to Oman, Oleg Vladimirovich Levin, described the Sultan’s visit as “an ideal opportunity to deepen trust between the leaderships” and to align on global issues. He emphasized the potential for joint ventures in logistics, infrastructure, high-tech, and agriculture, as Russia looks to Oman’s strategic location while Oman benefits from Russian expertise.

Educational and cultural collaboration is also expanding, including student exchange programs and institutional partnerships. Parliamentary ties are being developed to enhance legislative dialogue.

Oman’s strategic diplomatic role continues to grow. Recently, Muscat hosted indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the US underlining its position as a trusted mediator. On April 12, 2025, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Uikoff met in Oman following a second round of nuclear negotiations in Rome. Talks will resume in Oman this week, entering a technical phase.

These developments underscore Oman’s expanding influence on the global stage — both as a bridge between nations and as a key regional player in diplomacy and cooperation.

-- Fahad Al Mukrashi is a freelance journalist based in Oman