You’ve got a new UAE entry permit, but your current visa is about to expire. Now you need to activate the new one. For years, the go-to solution for this has been the classic “visa run”—a short trip out of the country and back in. And the most popular, time-tested destination for this journey from Dubai is the Sultanate of Oman.
While the “in-country status change” is now a popular alternative, the Oman visa run remains a common and sometimes necessary option for many. It’s a straightforward process, but knowing what to expect is key to a smooth, stress-free trip.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about exiting to Oman from Dubai for a visa change in 2025.
(Image Alt Text: A bus traveling through the desert towards Hatta, representing the popular Dubai to Oman visa change exit process.)
What is the Oman Visa Run and Who Is It For?
A visa run, or visa change exit, is the process of exiting the UAE and entering a neighboring country, then re-entering the UAE to activate a new visa.
This process is typically for individuals in these situations:
- Switching from a Tourist Visa to a Residence Visa: Your new employer has issued an employment entry permit, and you need to exit and re-enter to activate it.
- Getting a New Tourist Visa: Your current tourist visa is expiring, and you have a new one ready. You need to exit to close the old file and enter on the new one.
- After Residence Visa Cancellation: You have finished a job, your old residence visa is cancelled, and you have a new tourist visa to stay in the UAE while you search for a new job.
The key requirement for all these scenarios is that your new UAE visa must be approved and issued before you leave the country.
The Most Popular Method: Visa Change by Bus
By far, the easiest and most common way to do the Oman visa run is by using one of the many dedicated bus services operating from Dubai. These companies have perfected the process and make it incredibly simple.
How the Bus Package Works:
- Booking: You book your seat with a visa run agency. They will ask for a copy of your passport and your newly issued UAE visa.
- Pickup: The bus will pick you up from a designated location in Dubai (often in areas like Deira or Bur Dubai).
- The Journey: You’ll travel towards one of the UAE-Oman border crossings, most commonly the Hatta/Al Wajajah border.
- Exiting the UAE: At the UAE border post, you will get an exit stamp in your passport. There is a standard UAE exit fee (around AED 35) which is usually included in your bus package price.
- Entering and Exiting Oman: You will then proceed to the Omani border post. The bus company handles the formalities. You’ll get an entry stamp for Oman, and then an exit stamp, often without ever leaving the border control area.
- Re-entering the UAE: After turning around, you head back to the UAE border post. The immigration officer will see your new approved visa in the system and stamp your passport with a new entry stamp, officially activating your new visa.
- Return to Dubai: The bus takes you back to the original pickup point. The whole trip usually takes between 4 to 6 hours, depending on border traffic.
Approximate Cost: A standard visa change package by bus typically costs between AED 250 and AED 400. This price almost always includes the UAE exit fee and any Omani visa fees.
Option 2: Going by Private Car
You can also do the visa run in your own car, which offers more flexibility. However, there are more things to consider:
- Car Ownership: The car must be in your name, or you must have a legal authorization letter from the owner.
- Oman Car Insurance: You MUST have car insurance that covers the Sultanate of Oman. You can often purchase temporary insurance at the border, but it’s better to arrange it beforehand.
- Documents: You’ll need your car’s registration card (Mulkia), your driver’s license, passport, and new visa copy.
- Process: The steps at the border are the same as with the bus, but you will be navigating the different counters and checkpoints yourself.
Crucial Steps and Required Documents
No matter how you travel, you absolutely need the following:
- Original Passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
- Copy of Your New UAE Visa: A printout or clear digital copy of the entry permit that has been approved.
- Passport Photos: It’s always a good idea to carry a couple of passport-sized photos, just in case.
CRITICAL ADVICE: Do not attempt to exit the country until you have confirmation from your sponsor (or the travel agency) that your new visa has been issued and is showing in the immigration system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need a visa for Oman for this process? A: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at the Omani border for this purpose. The visa run bus companies have this process streamlined, and the cost is included in their package. Always check the latest Oman visa policies for your specific nationality beforehand.
Q: Is the Oman visa run better than the in-country status change? A: Not necessarily better, just different. The in-country status change allows you to switch visas without leaving the UAE for a fee of around AED 550-650. The Oman run is cheaper but requires a half-day of travel. Your choice depends on whether you prefer to save money or time.
Q: Which border is used for the visa run? A: The most common crossing from Dubai is the Hatta / Al Wajajah border post.
Q: What if there is an issue with my new visa at the border? A: This is why it’s vital to confirm the visa is active before you leave. If it doesn’t appear in the system upon re-entry, you will not be allowed back into the UAE. Using a reputable visa run agency can help minimize this risk as they often pre-verify everything.
Final Word: A Tried and Tested Method
The visa change exit to Oman is a well-trodden path for Dubai residents. While it requires a bit of travel, it remains a cost-effective and reliable way to activate a new visa. By preparing your documents and using a reputable service, you can ensure your visa run is quick, simple, and successful.
