MUSCAT : Oman has removed the requirement for Filipino travellers to present a negative HIV medical certificate when entering the country under its 14-day visa-free entry programme, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said, following diplomatic representations by Manila to Omani authorities.
In a statement, the DFA said the requirement had been lifted for all Filipino nationals availing of the visa-free entry privilege to Oman.
“The DFA expresses its appreciation to the Omani government in light of this positive development, which is a testament to the excellent relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Sultanate of Oman,” the department said.
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The move comes more than two months after the Philippine government formally requested Oman to reconsider the requirement, which had drawn concern among travellers.
In April, the DFA said it had made “strong representations” to Omani authorities seeking the removal of the rule after reports emerged that Filipino tourists travelling under the visa-free arrangement were required to present proof of a negative HIV test before entry.
At the time, Omani authorities clarified that the requirement applied only to visitors entering Oman under the visa-free programme and did not affect travellers holding valid visas.
The Omani Embassy in Manila had also stressed that Filipino nationals travelling to Oman on employment visas were not covered by the requirement, easing concerns among overseas Filipino workers seeking to enter the Gulf state for work.
The embassy further said the policy was under “serious review” by the Omani government, while Philippine officials expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved through bilateral discussions.
The latest decision is expected to simplify travel procedures for Filipino tourists visiting Oman under the visa-free scheme.
The Philippines and Oman maintain longstanding diplomatic and labour ties, with thousands of Filipinos employed across sectors including healthcare, hospitality, construction and services in the sultanate.
Both countries have worked closely on labour protection, consular cooperation and travel facilitation measures in recent years, reflecting broader efforts to support Filipino nationals living and working in Oman.
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