Oman has relaxed visa rules for tourists from Russia, India and China allowing some to enter the country without a sponsor, according to reports.

Times of Oman quoted a statement from Oman Airports Management Company as confirming tourists from the three countries that hold an entry visa to the UK, US, Canada, Australia or the Schengen state (EU) would be able to obtain a non-sponsored tourist visa.

The company said the spouse and children of the visa holder would also be allowed to enter Oman while accompanying them.

Those who enter under the sultanate under the new system will need to pay the standard OMR20 ($52) for a tourist visa after the country quadrupled entry costs earlier this year.

Read: Oman quadruples cost of tourist visas

They must also have a return ticket and a confirmed hotel reservation.

The move follows similar steps from the neighbouring UAE, where Russian and Chinese tourists and Indians with an EU or US visa can now get a visa on arrival.

Read: UAE further relaxes visa rules for Indian nationals