Oman’s National Ferries Company will launch its first service to the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island on July 28, coinciding with the sultanate’s celebration of Renaissance Day, said the CEO of NFC.
Mehdi bin Mohammed Al Abdawani said in a statement to Oman News Agency that the ferry service will start at the Port of Khasab in the governorate of Musandam, continuing to Bahonar Port in Bandar Abbas via the Port of Bahman on the island of Qeshm, operating twice a week for six months on a trial basis.
Abdawani added that the starting date was approved for ferry service after a meeting with the official bodies of Oman and Iran, Times of Oman reported.
He pointed out that the executive management of NFC will work to overcome any difficulties or challenges, and fully coordinate with government agencies to assist citizens and residents traveling to Iran.
Traveling to Qeshm does not require a visa, while visiting the city of Bandar Abbas on board a ferry requires a visa from the Iranian Embassy in Oman.
“The possibility of using visas upon arrival at Bandar Abbas is being discussed with officials at Hormozgan Province (where Bandar Abbas is located),” he said.
The journey from Khasab to Qeshm takes 90 minutes, while traveling to Bandar Abbas takes two hours.
“Only passengers and goods, but not vehicles, will be allowed on ferries,” until the completion of a bridge for shipment of vehicles to some Iranian ports, he added.
