Oman Prepares for Tourism Spike With Technology to Improve Border Crossings

To prepare for massive growth in visitor numbers, the Government of Oman will implement SITA’s Advanced Passenger Processing and Entry Exit Visitor Information Systems, the information technology company announced at the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Paris.

Tourism in Oman, Skift’s Pick for top destination of 2015, is booming, with an investment program by the Sultanate of Oman’s slated to attract 12 million visitors by 2020. Passenger traffic at Muscat International Airport has grown 329% since 2007, reaching 9 million passengers since 2014.

The comprehensive program consists of a “layered approach to border control,” giving the Royal Oman Police an efficient and flexible visa processing and security clearance process, including the issuance of eVisas.

SITA will deploy an extensive version of its iBorders solution which simplifies risk assessment of travelers, based on data from air and cruise lines. It establishes a comprehensive border control process for immigration checkpoints across Oman, including a complete e-Visa solution and a centralized Visitor Information System. These systems will give officers complete biometric and historical data on travelers, which the officers can then use to clear travelers wishing to enter the Sultanate.

The iBorders system will be deployed at 28 airports, seaports and land border crossings across Oman, as well as at more than 15 regional offices and over 50 Omani embassies and consulates around the world.