Oman: Travelling

Entry Requirements

Passport and Visa Service: Oman E-Visa Application Platform
List of Omani embassies abroad

For Further Information

Check IATA Travel Website for visa requirements and health advices.

Organising Your Trip

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Muscat International Airport (MCT)	10-15 km	Minimum fare: OMD 5 (USD 13)/ 15-20 min Average fare: OMD 10 (USD 25) Lower fares apply for shared taxis Higher fares apply for weekday nights	Bus: OMD 0.5 (USD 1.3)/ 20-30 min	No train options	Available

Major airlines

Name	Type	Domestic Flights	International Flights
Oman AIr	National	Yes	Yes
Salam Air	Low-cost	Yes	Yes

You Can Consult The EU Air Safety List. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Visiting

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical: - Al Jalali and Al Mirani Fort: Ordered by the Portugese Empreror Philip I in the 1580s, the twin fort was built to protect the harbour after Muscat had been sacked twice by the Ottomans
- Muttrah: Centre of commerce prior to the discovery of oil. The district has an old public market (souq)
- Misfat al Abriyeen: Old mountainous village located 1,000 m above sea level
- Bahla: The city has been a stopping point for travelers for centures and has a fort that dates back to the 13th century
- Nizwa: Former capital of Oman (6th and 7th centuries)
Cultural: - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Royal Opera House
- Al Alam Palace (can only be visited from outside)
- Al Husn Palace (Sultan's Palace in the city of Salalah)
- National Museum of Oman
Nature: - Masirah Island
- Wadi Sahalnoot and Wadi Darbat (near the city of Salalah)
- Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain)
- Musandam Fjords
- Wahiba Sands
- Wadi Bani Khalid (in Al Sharqiyah Region)
- Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain)
- Ras al Jinz (nature reserve for green turtles)
Religious: - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Prophet Ayoub's (Job) Grave
- Prophet Hud's Tomb
- Sultan Saeed Bin Taimur Mosque
Thermal: No thermal tourism in the country.
Beach: - Khasab Beach (Musandam Governorate)
- Al Qurum Beach (Muscat)
- Al Mughsayl (Dhofar)
- Bandar Jisaah (near Muscat)
- Tiwi Beach
- Al Bustan Beach
- Duqm Beach
- Al Sawadi Beach
Winter Sports: Oman's climate is not suitable for winter sports.
Outdoor Activities: Daily excusions in Wahiba Sands and scuba diving are the most common outdoor activities.
Shopping: Khanjaar (Omani dagger) is a unique representation of the Omani culture and is featured on the country's flag. Frankincense (aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes), mandoos (Omani chest), pottery, palm baskets and crafts and silver jewelry are some of the most popular souvenir items from Oman.

Tourism Organisations: Oman Tourism Portal
Experience Oman Website

Living Conditions

Health and Safety

Health Precautions: No compulsory vaccination; however, the following vaccines are recommended: Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Influenza.
Dengue fever is a threat to visitors and it is advised to bring mosquito repellent.
Healthcare facilities are modern and clean, and usually provide good service. Bottled water is available and recommended.
Medical insurance is essential.
For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions: FCO Travel Advice - Health
For Further Information on Safety Conditions: FCO Travel Advice - Safety and Security
Government of Canada - Oman Travel Advice

Emergency Numbers

Emergencies (Police - Fire - Ambulance)	9999
Royal Oman Police	24560099
Water (Muscat)	1442
Electricity	154

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference: It is %T:%M %A In Muscat (GMT+4)
Summer Time Period: None

Map of the Time Zone

Time zone

Type of Climate: The climate of Oman can be described as subtropical dry, with the exception of Dhofar region, which has a light monsoon climate and receives cool winds from the Indian Ocean. Rainfall is extremely scarce in summer (mid-April-September) and daily temperatures can reach easily 40°C (104°F) or more. Winter temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging between 15°C (59°F) and 23°C (73°F). Spring and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with maximum temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 35°C (95°F). Shamal, a strong wind that blows from the Rub al Khali in spring and summer, can raise temperatures by 6°C (42°F) and 10°C (50°F) and cause sandstorms.
Hotel reservation websites: Climate of Oman - WeatherOnline

Average Annual Temperatures and Rainfall

Climate

Eating

Food Specialties: Omani cuisine includes traditional aspects and elements of the Middle Eastern cuisine (saffron, rose water, lemon, sumac, etc.) as well as Indian and Persian influences. Unlike most countries in the Gulf region, seafood is an essential part of the cuisine, as evidenced by the Paplou fish soup, one of the staples of the Omani food, but also shark, which is not eaten in the rest of the region. Madrouba, a rice and chicken specialty, Shuwa, a dish of slow-cooked goat or lamb, are some another signature dishes of the Omani cuisine.
Muscat, in particular, has a wide range of restaurants serving local, Indian, Yemeni, Turkish and Western food.
Drinks: Spiced milk tea and Qahwa (Omani Coffee) are the most popular drinks in the country. Alcohol is not illegal unlike most countries in the Gulf region; however, its consumption is heavily regulated and only licensed hotels and restaurants can sell alcohol. Non-Muslim expatriates can apply for a license from the Royal Oman Police to buy alcohol and consume at home.
Dietary Restrictions: Pork and alcohol are taboo in the Muslim culture. Nonetheless, it is possible to buy both pork at supermarkets and restaurants as a non-Muslim expatriate. Supermarkets must sell pork in a completely separate area whereas restaurants have to have a completely separate kitchen for pork dishes. Non-Muslim expatriates can also apply for a license from the Royal Oman Police to buy alcohol and consume at home.

Paying

Domestic Currency: Omani Rial
ISO Code: OMR
To Obtain Domestic Currency: Visitors can change foreign currency at the counters inside Muscat International Airport and at money exchanges throughout Oman. ATMs are available everywhere and easily accessible. Most accept foreign cards. Cashing travellers' cheques can be difficult as shops and restaurants do not usually accept them. Most hotels change travellers' cheques but at poor exchange rates.
Possible Means of Payment: Credit cards and cash are widely accepted. Bank Muscat launched Oman's first electronic wallet in 2017. Visa and MasterCard are the most accepted types of credit cards; however American Express is also becoming increasingly popular.

Speaking

Official Language: Arabic
Other Languages Spoken: English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects, Mehri
Business Language: English

Useful Resources

To Find a Job: Open Sooq Classified Job Ads
Gulf Talent Job Ads
Bayt Job Ads

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