Check the official site before you travel. imptmanhattan.com is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas or ESTAs and this is not legal advice. Rules change: confirm on esta.cbp.dhs.gov and travel.state.gov.
| Status | B-2 visitor visa |
|---|---|
| Visa or authorization | B-2 visitor visa from a US embassy or consulate |
| Where to apply | Online DS-160 form, then an interview |
| Fees and processing | Set by the US government: check the official site |
| Arrival | Inspection by US Customs and Border Protection at the airport |
Omani citizens are not in the Visa Waiver Program, so an ESTA is not available. A tourist trip to Manhattan needs a B-2 visitor visa. Apply with the DS-160 form online, then attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate. Approval is decided by the consular officer, not by this guide. Check travel.state.gov before booking.
What the visa status means
Oman is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so the ESTA system is closed to Omani passport holders. A holiday in Manhattan requires a B-2 visitor visa. Apply with the DS-160 form online and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate. A consular officer reviews the case and decides. Check travel.state.gov for current forms, fees and appointment systems.
Before you fly and on arrival
Book flights after the visa is in the passport. At the airport, the airline checks the visa before boarding. On arrival at JFK, LaGuardia or Newark Liberty, travelers pass through Customs and Border Protection. Officers ask about the purpose of the visit, the planned stay and the Manhattan address. Keep answers consistent with the application. Check the Customs and Border Protection site for entry rules.
Staying in Manhattan
A hotel confirmation with an address helps at inspection and at the front desk. Midtown, the Upper West Side and Lower Manhattan are convenient bases. From JFK, the airport rail link connects to the subway. From Newark Liberty, airport trains and buses reach Penn Station. From LaGuardia, buses and subway lines connect. Keep the hotel address and return ticket at hand. Check routes and fares before setting out.
Longer stays, work or study
The B-2 visitor visa covers tourism, family visits and short medical treatment. It does not permit paid work, study or permanent residence. Work needs a work visa sponsored through an employer, and study needs a student visa tied to an approved institution. Each category has its own form and interview. Anyone considering a longer stay should apply from Oman before booking. Check travel.state.gov.
How to apply for a visitor visa
- Complete the DS-160 online form for a B-2 visitor visa, with travel plans and a Manhattan address.
- Pay the visa application fee through the official route on the embassy or consulate website, and keep the receipt.
- Book an interview appointment at a US embassy or consulate that handles applicants resident in Oman.
- Attend with the passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, a photo and documents showing ties to Oman.
- Wait for the passport with the visa, fly to JFK, LaGuardia or Newark, and present it to Customs and Border Protection.
Documents to carry
- Passport valid for the trip, with the visa stamp inside.
- DS-160 confirmation page and the interview appointment notice.
- Hotel confirmation with the Manhattan address and the dates.
- Return ticket and proof of ties to Oman, such as an employment letter.
Omani citizens: questions
Do Omani citizens need a visa to visit Manhattan as tourists?
Yes. Oman is not in the Visa Waiver Program, so Omani citizens need a B-2 visitor visa for a tourist trip to Manhattan. Apply with the DS-160 form and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate. Check travel.state.gov.
Are Omani citizens eligible for the Visa Waiver Program?
No. Oman is not a member, so there is no visa-free electronic authorization for Omani passport holders. A holiday in Manhattan requires a B-2 visitor visa, arranged with the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate. Check travel.state.gov.
Where can Omani citizens attend the visa interview for a US trip?
Interviews take place at a US embassy or consulate, and applicants living in Oman normally use the embassy in Muscat. Booking systems and photo rules vary by post, so read the embassy website before choosing a slot. Check travel.state.gov for the list of missions.
Can Omani citizens work in Manhattan on a visitor visa?
No. A B-2 visitor visa covers tourism, family visits and short medical treatment, not paid work or study. Employment needs a work visa sponsored by an employer, and study needs a student visa tied to an approved institution. Check travel.state.gov.
Where will you stay in Manhattan?
Midtown for a first visit, SoHo or the West Village for character, the Upper West Side for the park. Live prices for your dates open in the IMPT app.
Photo credits: Pexels.