Personal interview waiver for US visa not applicable to all Omanis, embassy clarifies

 A personal interview waiver announced by the Embassy of the United States of America in Oman is applicable only to certain individuals and specifically for visa renewals

The U.S. embassy in Oman clarified its stand with a statement, “Beginning June 1, 2017, certain qualified Omanis, who are renewing their U.S. tourist and business visas (B1/B2 or B2) may be eligible to apply for their visa online without coming to the embassy for an interview.”

"For more information on whether or not you qualify, please visit the US Embassy in Muscat's Global Support Services (GSS) website at

beginning June 1, 2017," the statement said.

This was issued after the news of Omani nationals not having to go for a personal interview to get a business or tourist visa for the United States went viral on social media, and created confusion.

Twitter handle

“I am aware that information on applying for a U.S. visa is circulating on social media. I encourage everyone to follow the U.S. Embassy in Muscat on Twitter (@USEmbMuscat) and on Facebook (facebook.com/USEmbassyMuscat) for the latest information on applying for a U.S. visa,” said Christy Watkins, public affairs officer at the U.S. Embassy, Muscat.

The U.S. Embassy in Muscat is ready to assist visitors applying for visas to the United States. All visitors, who are not U.S. citizens or green card holders, still need a U.S. visa prior to travelling to the United States.

Visit https://om.usembassy.gov/visas/ and http://www.ustraveldocs.com/om to see the latest information on how to apply for a visa to the United States.
Source: Timesofoman