Oman Removes Oman HIV Test Requirement for Filipinos Under Visa-Free Entry
The Oman government has formally scrapped the Oman HIV test requirement for Filipinos availing themselves of its 14-day visa-free entry facility.
This will facilitate the entry of qualified tourists into the Sultanate. The announcement was made by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs following talks with Omani officials on the issue.
The HIV testing requirement was imposed this year for Filipino citizens applying for the visa-free entry privilege, sparking protests from travelers and tourism sector members.
The DFA asked the Oman government to revise the policy, claiming that it placed undue burden on short-term visitors.
Under the new arrangement, Filipino tourists who are eligible for visa-free entry into Oman will no longer be required to provide an HIV test certificate upon arrival in the country.
The travelers are however still required to satisfy all other entry requirements such as having a valid passport among others.
The relaxation of the policy only covers the visa-free entry arrangement, but not the medical requirement for employment and residence visas.
The development is likely to boost tourism and make travel easier for Filipino tourists, adding up to the close relationship between the two countries.
