Useful Information for Oman

PASSPORTS

Please ensure that your passport is valid for six months after your return date.

VISAS

All visitors require a visa to enter Oman. Visas can be obtained on arrival: either a single entry ‘Visit Visa’ for a stay of up to a month, or a multiple entry visa, valid for a year.

Visa forms are no longer required for entry into Seeb International airport, Muscat, Oman for passengers travelling on a British passport. On arrival at the airport proceed to the Travelex Money Exchange Counter located in the immigration hall where you will be required to pay by cash or credit card. With the receipt proceed to the Immigration counters where the visa will be stamped in your passport. The Oman visa is free of charge for passengers who have stopped over in Dubai and have a Dubai visa in their passport (not applicable if only transiting in Dubai).

If you are flying to Abu Dhabi / Dubai first before driving by road into Musandam / Muscat you will be able to obtain an Oman visa on arrival at the border before entering Oman. This must be paid in cash. This unfortunately cannot be arranged prior to travel. Please note: If crossing at the Hatta border with a Dubai entry stamp/visa in your passport, Oman visa is free of charge.

There are new restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on luggage, which must be placed in a re-sealable plastic bag and not exceed 100ml.

DRIVING IN OMAN

A UK driving licence can be used to hire a car in Oman. Driving is not permitted on beaches. Driving is on the right in Oman.

ROAD NETWORK IN OMAN

Oman has an excellent network of international grade highways and secondary roads linking all major towns and regional capitals. Traffic speeds vary between 50kms in the cities to 120kms on the highway. Some off-road drives should only be taken in a 4-wheel drive vehicle with a driver in attendance, as it is unsafe to travel unaccompanied in those areas due to steep terrain and flash floods. Driving at night outside of Muscat can be dangerous as camels stray onto the roads.

CLIMATE

The best time to visit Oman is from October to April. The coolest months in Muscat are December and January when the nights are cool and daytime temperatures rarely go above 30°C (86F). From May to September it is hot and humid except in Dhofar where it rains during the monsoon. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures sometimes hitting 50°C (122F).

INNOCULATIONS & HEALTH IN OMAN

Clients are advised to seek current information from NHS Direct: Tel No: 0845 4647 or contact your local GP. Information is also provided online at: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

No vaccinations are compulsory however as a guideline; polio, typhoid and hepatitis are recommended. Yellow fever is necessary if travelling via an infected country.

Anti-malaria tablets are suggested only for the remote rural areas of Oman in the provinces of Musandam and North Batinah – medical advice should be sought two weeks before travelling.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION IN OMAN

A number of modern medical facilities and Western pharmaceuticals can be found in Oman. Hospital emergency treatment is available if needed although doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services.

DRESS

Light loose fitting cotton clothing. Oman is a predominately Muslim country and visitors should respect religious and cultural sensitivities, particularly in the matter of dress and public conduct. Ladies should cover their elbows and knees and men should wear short or long sleeved shirts and long trousers. Shorts or beachwear should not be worn except at the beach or pool area. When visiting mosques clothing to the wrist and ankle may be expected, so please be prepared for this and women should always have a scarf to cover their head.

SAFETY IN OMAN

For the latest information contact the Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit www.fco.gov.uk or www.britishembassy.gov.uk/oman or by calling the ABTA Department on 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p per minute).


The Gulf is generally a safe place, however as in any foreign country, hazards exist. Sensible precautions should be taken to protect your belongings. The "Souqs" and shops stay open late into the evening and it is perfectly safe to wander around on your own after dark (providing you are sensibly dressed). Any incidents that may occur during your holiday (for which you wish to make a claim) must be reported to the Police within 24 hours and a police report attained. It is recommended that you carry a copy of your passport with you for identification purposes.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol should not be consumed in public places apart from licensed premises. It is illegal to carry liquor in your car. Please note alcohol cannot be served outside without food between the hours of 3pm and 6pm. On Fridays, alcohol can only be served inside from 2pm.

RAMADAN

During the holy month of Ramadan eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the hours of daylight is strictly forbidden. Some hotel restaurants remain open during this time, but will not serve alcohol. Alcohol though can be served through room service only after sunset.
2009: Aug 21 – Sep 19.

The festival of Eid ul-Fitr is held after the end of Ramadan and may last several days. Exact dates depend on astronomical observations and may vary from country to country.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING IN OMAN

Photography can be a sensitive subject in the Middle East so if you want to photograph the Omani people, particularly the women, it is advisable to ask for permission first. Photography is not permitted of military and other restricted areas.

CURRENCY

The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR) divided into 1,000 baiza. Notes come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 rial and 500, 250, 200 and 100 baiza. Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureau, hotels and at the airport.

LOCAL TIME IN OMAN

GMT +4.

LANGUAGE

Arabic but English is widely spoken. Road and shop signs are in both Arabic and English.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

220/240 volts AC (50Hz).
Electrical installations in Oman conform to British Standards. Plugs with rectangular 3-pin blades are used.

TIPS IN OMAN

10% is considered the norm at hotels and restaurants. Fares for taxis should be agreed before you get into the car. For privately escorted overland tours, an average tip would be RO4 per person per day dependant on service.

CONTACTS

Address

British Embassy
PO BOX 185
Mina Al Fahal
Postal Code 116
Sultanate of Oman

Telephone:

(968) 24 609000
(968) 24 609001 Consular
(968) 99 200865 Out of hours emergencies

Website

www.britishembassy.gov.uk/oman