MUSCAT: People holding expired Omani banknotes from issues released before the Sixth Series of 2020 have until Monday, September 21, 2026 to exchange them, the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has reminded the public.
The exchange window applies through banks operating in Oman and closes at the end of business on September 21. After that date, the CBO says it will not accept claims relating to the replacement of the expired notes.
The reminder gives individuals and businesses a final opportunity to check older Omani currency they may still have in their possession and arrange replacement before the deadline.
Which banknotes are affected?
The measure covers banknotes issued before Oman’s Sixth Series, introduced in 2020. The CBO previously extended the redemption period for these expired issues to September 21, 2026.
The earlier announcement identified a range of older denominations and commemorative issues, including certain RO50, RO20, RO10, RO5, RO1, 500-baisa and 200-baisa notes, depending on the issue and year in which they were released.
The important point for holders is that the deadline concerns expired banknote issues rather than every older-looking Omani note. People uncertain about a particular note should check with their bank before assuming that it is covered.
What happens after September 21?
The CBO has been explicit about the consequence of missing the deadline: claims for replacing the expired banknotes will not be accepted after September 21, 2026.
The CBO is Oman’s authority responsible for issuing, holding and recalling the country’s currency under the Banking Law. Its currency information also notes that the central bank periodically changes banknote designs and issues.
For people who have older notes stored at home, in business cash holdings or among previously collected currency, the practical step is therefore to identify potentially expired notes and approach a bank in Oman well before the final working-day deadline.
What UAE residents should know
The deadline is particularly relevant to people in the wider Gulf who may still hold Omani currency after previous trips, business activity or travel between Oman and the UAE.
However, the available announcement concerns redemption through banks operating in Oman. It does not establish a separate exchange facility through UAE banks. UAE residents holding potentially affected notes should therefore verify the applicable procedure with an Omani bank or the CBO before travelling specifically for an exchange.
The CBO has also published separate guidance for mutilated banknotes, which is a different issue from expired banknote series. Its policy says damaged notes can be accepted subject to conditions concerning the visible signature, serial number and amount of the note remaining intact.
With the September deadline now approaching, holders of older Omani currency should avoid waiting until the final day to determine whether their notes qualify.
What is the deadline to exchange old Omani banknotes?
The final deadline is September 21, 2026, at the end of business hours.
Which Omani banknotes are affected?
The exchange applies to banknotes issued before the Sixth Series of 2020.
Where can expired Omani banknotes be exchanged?
The CBO says they can be exchanged through banks operating in Oman during the permitted period.
What happens after September 21, 2026?
The CBO says it will not accept claims for replacement of the expired banknotes after the deadline.
Does the deadline affect UAE residents?
It can affect UAE residents who hold the specified expired Omani notes. The announcement, however, specifies exchange through banks operating in Oman.
Are damaged banknotes covered by the same rule?
Not necessarily. The CBO has a separate policy governing mutilated or damaged banknotes.
Who issues and recalls Omani currency?
The Central Bank of Oman is the authority responsible for issuing, holding and recalling currency in Oman.
