Oman

International terrorist groups are active in the Arabian Peninsula. Attacks against targets in Oman may happen.

Be alert to possible threats and:

• report any suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the media for any new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow local authorities' instructions

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

• Avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings.
• Monitor media and other sources for advice on possible unrest. Avoid affected areas.
• Take extra care around the time of Friday prayers.
• Plan your activities to avoid potential unrest on national or commemorative days.
• Be prepared to change your travel plans in case civil unrest disrupts them. 
• If transport disruptions affect you, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Armed conflict in Yemen

Armed conflict is ongoing in neighbouring Yemen. 

If you travel to border areas, be alert to possible threats.

Seek local advice on routes to minimise security threats.

Oman has a low crime rate.

Petty criminals sometimes target tourists for burglaries and theft. 

Reported cases of sexual assault and rape against foreign nationals are low, but they do happen. Take care when travelling alone at night. 

Women have been detained when reporting sexual assault, as they must prove that the sex was not consensual to avoid being charged. It is illegal to have extramarital sex. Some travellers camping in small groups in remote areas have been assaulted.

To stay safe:

• secure all doors and windows at your accommodation
• avoid camping in remote areas alone or in small groups

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes operators of adventure activities.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts
• follow the advice of local authorities

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Oman often experiences extremely high temperatures. From June to September, the temperature can reach 50°C.

Dehydration is common in summer. To avoid heat stroke and dehydration:

• drink plenty of water
• avoid long periods in the heat

Flooding may occur during the monsoon season, from June to September. 

Oman may experience cyclones, especially during the monsoon season.

Rain can cause flooded roads, including in mountain areas and river valleys.

Sand and dust storms can occur during the drier months from October to May.

If a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe location
• monitor local news and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. You must have valid health insurance to cover your stay in Oman. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or controlled substances, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Oman by visiting the Omani Ministry of Health website or the Oman airports website. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Dengue, leishmaniasis and other insect-borne diseases occur, especially on the Musandam Peninsula.

Malaria is a low ongoing risk due to Oman's high temperature and humidity.

To protect yourself from illness:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medication that prevents malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a severe headache.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are reported in Oman.

Avoid contact with camels. Don’t consume raw camel milk, undercooked camel meat, or anything contaminated with camel secretions.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, cough, breathing difficulties or diarrhoea.

More information:

• MERS information card

Other health risks

There's a risk of Hepatitis A and typhoid through contaminated food or water.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• COVID-19 

Medical facilities

Health care is generally good but can vary from region to region.

Hospitals and clinics in larger cities are better equipped.

Treatment costs can be high.

If you become seriously ill or have an accident, you may have to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

There's no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Oman. Before treating patients, hospitals often ask for:

• guarantee of payment
• proof of medical insurance
• an upfront deposit

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

Omani law applies to you even if you're transiting and don't leave the airport.

Behaviour that may be considered offensive or antisocial, but not criminal, in Australia could break Omani law. See 'Other laws' below.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

More information:

• Arrested or jailed

The Australian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is accredited to Oman. The Embassy in Riyadh doesn't have direct access to Omani Government institutions such as police stations, jails and hospitals. The Australian Government must formally seek access via the Omani Embassy in Riyadh. This can cause delays if you need consular help.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty. Possessing even a small amount of drugs can result in lengthy jail terms and heavy fines. These laws also apply if you're transiting through Oman. 

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

If you're involved in legal matters, get professional legal advice. This especially includes family law regarding divorce, child custody and child support. 

Know your rights and responsibilities.

Authorities may not let you leave Oman if you:

• are involved in business or labour disputes
• have unpaid debts
• have legal proceedings underway

Serious offences, such as murder, may attract the death penalty.

The following activities are illegal:

• same-sex sexual acts or having sex outside marriage
• using aggressive, obscene or abusive language or gestures in public, including on social media
• insulting Oman, Islam, the royal family, the local government and its policies or local officials
• taking photos near, or at, government buildings or other sensitive infrastructure, including oilfields
• possessing pornographic material
• wearing military or similar clothing and accessories
• using or importing e-cigarettes or vape products

Always ask people for permission if you want to take their photo. 

LGBTI information

Same-sex relationships are illegal and may lead to severe punishment, including prison and fines.

Cross-dressing is also illegal.

If you're transgender or intersex, or your gender on your passport doesn't match your appearance, you may:

• be questioned at immigration
• be denied entry into Oman

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Oman doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, and entered Oman using your non Australian passport, this limits the consular services we may be able to provide including if you are arrested or detained.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Oman has strict Islamic dress and behaviour codes.

Hotels may refuse accommodation to couples who can't prove they're married. Take extra care during Ramadan and Shia religious festivals.

The Omani weekend is Friday and Saturday.

To ensure you don't offend:

• avoid disrespecting Islam or any other religion
• avoid bad language, rude gestures and public displays of affection
• respect restrictions on alcohol and pork products.

If in doubt, seek local advice.

To observe dress codes:

• dress modestly in public when not at tourist beaches, hotels or resorts
• avoid wearing tight clothes, shorts or low-cut tops
• choose loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. 

Penalties including fines and jail terms apply to violations of Oman’s public decency laws

Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Oman. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking (including water) and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

More information

• Ramadan

Visas

You'll need a valid visa to travel to Oman. Oman is issuing visas on arrival as well as accepting applications for work and tourist visas. Please check requirements with Omani authorities. You'll need travel insurance for the duration of your stay.

If you need to renew your Omani visa while in Oman, apply for a visa extension through the Royal Oman Police website. Penalties may apply if you overstay your visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Sultanate of Oman for the latest details.

Entry to Oman

You need a valid visa to enter Oman. Visit visas are available on arrival at the airport. However, it's recommended you apply for a visa before you travel. You can apply for an e-visa through the Royal Oman Police portal. When applying for visa, make sure you choose the right type of visa. The type of visa you need will depend on your country of residence and the purpose of your travel. Visit the Royal Oman Police portal or contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Sultanate of Oman for advice.

Your airline may have rules in addition to those set out by the Omani authorities.

Visit the Oman Airports portal for information on Security and Customs requirements. 

If your passport contains evidence of entry to Israel, or another country's border crossing points with Israel, authorities will deny you entry to Oman.

Omani authorities may not allow you to enter Oman from Yemen without prior approval.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Oman if you're arriving from a country where it's a risk.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF)

Travel with children

Under Omani law, children with an Omani father are Omani nationals. They will need their father's permission to leave Oman.

More information:

• Embassy or consulate of the Sultanate of Oman

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter/leave unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

Oman may require a minimum validity of 6 months on passports to be able to renew your Omani Residence Permit.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Authorities may not allow you to exit or enter Oman if you're travelling on an emergency passport. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Sultanate of Oman for advice.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

By law, you must always carry your passport.

If your passport shows 'X' in the gender field, Omani authorities may refuse you entry. 'X' refers to those who are indeterminate, intersex or unspecified sex.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

If your passport shows 'X' in the gender field, Omani authorities may refuse you entry. 'X' refers to those who are indeterminate, intersex or unspecified sex. Contact the Royal Oman Police or contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Oman before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the Omani Rial (OMR).

Declare all precious metals, local and foreign currency valued OMR6000 or more when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. More information is available here: Traveller Services

You can easily exchange US dollars and euros at commercial banks and currency bureaus.

Credit card facilities and ATMs are widely available.

Ask your bank if your cards will work in Oman.

Driving permit

If you hold an Omani residence permit and an Australian driver licence, you should obtain an Omani driver licence.

If you're in Oman on a visit visa, you should hold an International Driving Permit (IDP). Your IDP should be endorsed by the Oman road authorities. This is usually be done at the rental car company at the airport.

Road travel

The annual death toll on Omani roads is extremely high. You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Oman than in Australia.

Safety hazards include:

• drivers ignoring road rules
• bad weather limiting visibility
• poor road conditions in some parts of the country
• camels straying onto roads

Dangers are higher if you drive outside major cities, especially after dark, and on unsealed roads.

Oman restricts travel to some areas, including the Yemeni borders. You'll need authorisation from Omani authorities to travel to restricted areas.

You may be detained and fined if you drive under the influence of alcohol.

If you plan to drive: 

• check your travel insurance policy covers you
• learn local traffic laws and practices

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check your travel insurance covers you for riding motorbikes, quad bikes or similar.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines. Arrange these through your accommodation if you can.

Use a meter taxi or agree on the fare with the driver before getting in a taxi.

Public transport

Long-distance shared taxis and minibuses operate between major centres.

These services aren't networked or scheduled.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Territorial disputes and security issues in many of the waters near Oman make sea travel in these areas risky, especially around the islands of Abu Musa and Tunbs in the southern Gulf. Piracy occurs in the waters around Oman, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. If you travel by sea, monitor the International Maritime Bureau piracy reports.

If you travel by sea to or near Oman:

• monitor piracy reports for the region
• be cautious and alert to possible threats
• avoid confrontation

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Oman's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 9999.

Medical emergencies

Call 9999.

Police

Call 9999.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

We have an Australian Consulate in Oman that provides limited consular help.

For consular, passport and notarial enquiries, contact the Australian Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Australian Honorary Consul, Muscat

Behind Centara Hotel

United Towers Building

Way no.5007

Compound no.250

Ghala, Muscat

Sultanate of Oman
Phone: +968 24763350
Email: ausconsul-oman@usoman.com
 

The working week is Sunday to Thursday.

Australian Embassy, Riyadh

Abdullah Bin Hozafa Al-Shami Avenue
Diplomatic Quarter
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Phone: (+966) 11 250 0900
Fax: (+966) 11 250 0902
Website: www.saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @AusAmbKSA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusEmbKSA

The working week is Sunday to Thursday.

Check the Embassy website for detail about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia