High Demand for UAE-Oman Bus Visa Changes Amid Booking Frenzy
In recent days, travelers in the UAE seeking to change their visa status by taking buses to Oman have encountered challenges due to overwhelming demand, resulting in fully booked "visa-change packages." With buses operating at maximum capacity, travel agents suggest careful planning, advising applicants to apply for the package "a minimum of ten days before their visit visa expires."
Firoz Maliyakkal, the founder and CEO of Tahira Tours and Travels, highlighted the surge in demand, stating, "Buses are running to their capacity daily, and visitors wanting to avail of the service must reserve the package well in advance." The popularity of visa changes by bus to Oman has soared, with travel agents receiving over 100 inquiries per day.
Initially, a private aggregator operated three bus services daily, but due to the high demand, additional private agencies have launched their bus services. Currently, eight privately operated buses, each with a seating capacity of over 300, operate from Sunday to Wednesday and are fully booked for the next ten days.
The increased demand for bus travel is attributed to a spike in airfare costs, prompting individuals to explore more economical alternatives. Shihab Parwad, the managing director of Rehan Al Jazeera Tourism, noted the shift in preferences, stating, "The affordability of bus travel packages to Oman has become a preferred option for many, leading to a notable increase in the demand for this mode of visa change."
The cost of visa-change packages by bus ranges from Dh1,000 to Dh1,100, offering a cost-effective alternative compared to flights for airport-to-airport visa changes, which have experienced a nearly 20 percent price increase. The bus travel packages include travel visas to enter Oman, a two-month UAE visit visa, exit fees, and one-night accommodation in Oman.
Visitors utilizing the bus services can choose to stay in Oman for a day or return to the Emirates on the same day, depending on the issuance of their UAE visa. The buses depart from Fish Roundabout in Deira at 10 am, crossing the UAE-Oman border by 1 pm, subject to the crowd at the crossing. After the border crossing, the visa application process begins, typically issued within 10 hours. Visitors then commence their return journey to the UAE in the afternoon from Oman. In case of any visa issuance issues, visitors can stay in the Sultanate for up to ten days, with a daily charge of Dh25 for extending their stay beyond the initial period.
This surge in demand for bus travel for visa changes reflects the changing preferences of travelers seeking more affordable alternatives amid rising airfare costs, making bus travel packages an increasingly popular choice in the current travel landscape.
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By- Sahiba Suri
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