Oman-bound buses 'fully booked' since the revision of rule on UAE visit visa extensions took effect

Most visitors who wish to get their visas renewed will now have to exit the country, and taking a bus trip to the sultanate is said to be the most affordable option and hence more buses to Oman are pressed into service as seats have been filing up fast.

Buses were packed over the last two days, At the headquarters of a transport operator near dnata in Dubai.

Travel agencies say visa run enquiries are also pouring in every day, prompting some to book more buses for the service. The new rules, which discontinued the option for visit visa holders to extend their visas within the country, came into effect on Tuesday. However, travel experts say it applies only in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi for now. Visitors in Dubai can still extend their visas at a price of Dh2,200, as per travel agency.

Travel agencies have introduced visa change packages starting at Dh950, considering the surge in demand. The package includes two-way bus trips, visa cancellation charges, Oman visa charges, two-month UAE visit visa, and refreshments and has to applied at least three days before the departure.