How to apply for a Schengen visa from Oman

If you are from Oman and are looking to travel to Europe, you will likely need a visa in order to enter most if not all of the countries on the continent. Many Omanis interested in traveling to popular destinations like France, Italy, and Germany find that a Schengen visa is the best option for them, as Schengen visas allow their holders to travel freely throughout these and the rest of the 26-countries in the Schengen area, for up to 90 days. Today’s blog will therefore cover how to apply for a Schengen visa from Oman. Keep reading to discover the Schengen visa requirements for Oman citizens and residents, and for the answers to commonly asked questions, including “Where do you apply for Schengen visa in Oman?” and, “What are the Schengen visa types for Oman passport holders?” and finally ,“How much does a Schengen visa cost from Oman?”. All this, plus a step-by step guide to applying for a short-stay Schengen visa from Oman, below: 

Apply for a Schengen visa from Oman

• 1. Determine when you need to apply 
  • If you are applying for a short-stay Schengen visa from Oman, you should have an idea of when you need to travel, so that you give yourself enough time to go through the application process.  
  • In general, applicants should apply for their Schengen visa no later than three weeks before they travel (and no earlier than six months prior to departing on their trip).  
• 2. Determine what “type” of Schengen visa you need 
  • There are a number of different Schengen visas and types for Oman passport holders. The type of visa you select is determined by your purpose for travelling (i.e. the reason why you are traveling in the first place). 
  • Schengen visas are available in a number of different types, each of which reflect a specific purpose. For example, if you are traveling from Oman to Germany for medical reasons, you should apply for a Medical Schengen visa from Germany. 
  • Other popular types of the Schengen visa for the Omanis include Tourist, Visiting Friends and Family, and Business. For a full list of Schengen visa types, click here.
• 3. Determine what “entry category” of visa you need 
  • Schengen visas are available in single, double, and multiple entry categories; the type you select will determine if (and if so, how many) times you can enter, exit, and re-enter the Schengen area. 
  • For example, if you receive a single-entry Schengen visa, you will only be able to enter the Schengen area one time during your visa validity period. If you leave the Schengen area any time after entering it, you will not be able to return to the zone—even if you still have time left on your visa. 
  • In contrast, Omanis who obtain a double entry Schengen visa will be able to exit the zone and re-enter it one time during their visa validity period. Theoretically, this means that you could enter the Schengen zone, exit the zone, and then re-enter it one last time before leaving indefinitely at the end of your visa validity period. 
  • Finally, a multiple entry Schengen visa allows holders to enter, exit, and re-enter the zone as many times as they choose throughout their visa validity period. This is therefore the most flexible entry category. 
• 4. Determine where you are travelling
  • Where you are traveling in the Schengen area will determine where you apply for your Schengen visa. 
  • Applicants apply for the Schengen visa from the Schengen state where they intend to be spending the most time on their trip.  
  • If you are only visiting one Schengen country on your trip, you will apply for a Schengen visa from that country. However, if you are planning on visiting two or more countries on the same visit, you must determine which country is your primary destination. 
  • For example, if you are traveling to both Germany and France, and you are spending 30 days in France and 20 days in Germany, you should apply for a French Schengen visa. However, if you are spending an equal amount of time in both places (say, 30 days in both France and Germany) you should apply through the destination that represents your first entry into the Schengen area (continuing this scenario, if you were flying directly into the Schengen area via Muscat to Berlin, you would apply for a German Schengen visa, because Berlin would represent your first entry into the Schengen area. 
• 5. Determine where to apply for a visa in Oman 
  • Now that you know how to figure out what country you are applying to, you may still be wondering “where do you apply for Schengen visa in Oman?”.
  • You will apply for your Schengen visa from Oman through the embassy, consulate, or visa application center affiliated with the Schengen country you are applying through. 
  • For example, if you are applying for a German Schengen visa, you will apply through German Embassy in Muscat. 
  • Some Schengen countries (particularly small ones) effectively outsource their Schengen visa processing to larger countries. For example, the German Embassy in Muscat represent the consular affairs of Iceland, meaning that if you are visiting Iceland and want to apply for an Icelandic Schengen visa, you will apply for it through the German Embassy in Muscat (rather than through the Icelandic embassy, which does not have an outpost in Oman. 
• 6. Gather your required documents 
  • One of the basic Schengen visa requirements for Oman citizens and residents is the submission of required documents and materials. All Schengen visa seekers from Oman must submit the following:
    • Passport (valid, unexpired, and with space for your Schengen visa). 
    • Passport photos (2).
    • Basic Schengen visa application. 
    • Proof of accommodation. 
    • Proof of subsistence (i.e. proof that you can financially support yourself throughout your stay).
    • Proof of travel medical insurance. 
  • In addition to the above required documents, anyone applying for a Schengen visa for the Omanis must submit a number of supplemental documents, which are dependent on what type of Schengen visa they have. 
  • For example, if you are applying for a Schengen visa to Visit Friends and Family, you will likely have to include an invitation letter from the person you are visiting in the Schengen area, inviting you to visit/stay with him or her. 
  • For a complete list of required and supplemental documents, click here.
  • Please note that most countries require that the documents you submit be accompanied by an official translation into either English, their official language(s), or another common European language (if your original document is not written in one of those languages). For example, if you are applying for a Visiting Friends or Family visa, and you submit an invitation letter from the person in the Schengen area that is written in Arabic as part of your supplemental documents, you may have to include an official translation of that letter into German, English, or another European language, in order for it to be accepted. 
  • Contact us to help you check with the embassy/consulate you are applying through for clarification on language requirements for submitted documents. 
• 7. Access your basic Schengen visa application 
  • All Schengen visa applicants must submit the basic Schengen application form. Depending on what country you are applying to, you may be able to submit the universal Schengen visa form, available here.
  • Download, print out, fill out, and submit the above form, along with the rest of your required documents to complete your application. 
  • Not all countries accept the above harmonized application—some require you to apply online, through a country-specific visa portal. For example, France requires all applicants to apply online, through this link.
  • If you apply online, you may also be able to pay for your visa online and make a visa appointment through the online portal. 
  • Please note that even if you apply online, you may be asked to print out a copy of your online application and carry it with you to your Schengen visa appointment. 
• 8. Schedule your Schengen visa appointment 
  • The majority of Schengen countries require you to attend an in-person visa appointment in order to formally submit your visa application and fulfill the other application requirements; the majority of these countries also require that you schedule an appointment to do so. This means that most countries will not simply allow you to drop off your application at your embassy/consulate/visa center without a prior appointment. 
  • As previously mentioned, if you apply online, you may receive a prompt to schedule a visa appointment at some point during your online application process. 
  • If you did not apply online (i.e. if you simply accessed the universal Schengen visa form or if you applied online but didn’t receive a prompt to schedule an appointment), you can contact us to help you with the embassy/consulate/visa center to see if you need one. 
• 9. Attend your Schengen visa appointment 
  • Your Schengen visa appointment is where you will formally submit your application, pay your visa fee (if you have not already paid it online), submit your biometric information (if you have not recently submitted it on a previous Schengen visa application) and attend a short Schengen visa interview. 
  • Your biometric information is your fingerprints and photos, which are collected and submitted into the Schengen security system. 
  • If you are wondering “How much does a Schengen visa cost from Oman?” the answer is 80 EUR for most applicants. Certain categories of applicants, such as most students, are subject to reduced visa fees (or exempt from them altogether). For complete information on Schengen visa fees, click here.
  • Please note, if you have already submitted your biometric information within the last five years, and if you have already paid your visa fees (and especially if you travel frequently to the Schengen area), you may not be asked to attend an interview, and you may even avoid the requirement that you submit your application in person. However, most applicants are asked to appear in person to apply, and if you are asked, you must do so. 
• 10. Await your decision 
  • If you receive a Schengen visa from Oman, congratulations!
  • If you are rejected for an Omani visa to the Schengen area, you have the right to appeal. For more information on the appeal process, click here.