Muscat: Travellers who have visited or are entering Oman from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have been banned from entry into the Sultanate from next week in a bid to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The rule will come into effect from 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 24, 2021. The ban will include travellers from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and passengers transitting through these countries.

While a time frame for the ban was not provided, the Supreme Committee tasked with dealing with the Coronavirus has stated that the rule will remain in place “until further notice”.

Exceptions to this rule include Omani citizens, diplomats, health workers, and their families. However, groups that have been excluded from travel will need to follow the respective COVID procedures on arrival into the country.