Good news for shoppers! You can claim a VAT refund on personal purchases provided the value of these goods is at least OMR 25 (not inclusive of VAT). Moreover, the goods should have been purchased not earlier than 3 months before the departure of the passenger and must be transported in their suitcases or carry-on luggage.

Items ineligible for a refund are cigarettes and other tobacco-related products, food and beverage items, and oil and gas products or their derivatives. Other items could be potentially added to the list of merchandise that is not eligible for a refund, according to the tax authorities.

The VAT regulations define tourists as individuals who do not have a permanent place of residence in Oman or the wider GCC region. Furthermore, VAT refunds cannot be claimed by those staying in the country for more than 3 months at a stretch. Crew members of a flight, ship, road transport or ferry service are not eligible for a refund as well.

Claim your VAT refund at the dedicated counters at the airport, located at departure halls before security checks, in addition to land borders and ferry terminals. For eligible larger purchases exceeding OMR 500, head to the Oman Tax Authority website for a convenient online refund application.

Remember to collect tax receipts, pack purchases in your personal luggage, download the Oman Tax Refund App, check eligibility requirements, and allow enough time for processing before your departure.

Shop with confidence, claim your refunds, and enjoy a tax-free shopping spree in Oman!