Last Updated: January 21, 2024
When we decided to visit Oman, I was over the moon excited, but seeing that I had never been to the Middle East before, I wanted to be well-informed of the most important travel tips that one must know before visiting. Oman promises once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as swimming in palm-lined wadis and sleeping under the stars in the middle of the desert.
With that being said, you want to be prepared for the cultural differences and all the things that you should avoid which may cause awkward moments. Below you will find 10 Useful Oman Travel Tips You Should Know that will help you familiarize yourself with the country and so you will know what to expect and what to avoid.
OMAN TRAVEL TIPS: 10 USEFUL THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
1. Do I Need A Visa Before Entering Oman?
Yes. You can either get your visa at the border control upon arrival or you can apply online for an e-visa. Online applications should be submitted up to 4 days before arrival. You should be able to receive your approved eVisa within 24 hours of submitting the online request. Depending on the length of your stay, the eVisa is available either as a single entry visa for stays of up to 30 days or a total stay of 30 days per entry over a one-year visa validity period. You can find all the information you need here.
2. Is Oman A Safe Country?
Oman is one of the safest countries I’ve ever been to and it is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to visit. Omani people are amongst the friendliest people we have met throughout our travels and they respect enormously their country. Therefore, crime is strictly punishable.
READ ALSO: OMAN ROAD TRIP: A COMPLETE 10 DAY ITINERARY
3. Can I Bring My Drone To Oman?
When we started planning our Oman road trip itinerary and we saw all the amazing places that it has to offer, we couldn’t help by seeing all the potential for aerial photography. However, that dream was short-lived, as we quickly learned that drones are not allowed in Oman, except for commercial purposes, in which case, a special permit is required. Do not risk bringing it with you because it is almost guaranteed that it will get confiscated at the airport.
4. Can I Drink Alcohol in Oman?
I’m sure you already know the answer to this question but I will answer nevertheless because many people might wonder (I was one of them). Yes, you can drink alcohol in Oman, however, this is a Muslim country, and alcohol consumption is only allowed in certain establishments such as bars and hotels and NEVER in public places! Also, you can buy alcohol from the supermarket, however, bear in mind that it is EXTREMELY expensive! A more affordable alternative would be to buy it from the duty shop and bring it with you when you travel. This is what we did during our visit to Oman and Morocco.
5. What Should I Pack For Oman?
Oman is quite westernized as far as the restaurants, bars, and hotels go, but, when it comes to dressing code the locals stay very close to tradition. Males should ideally avoid sleeveless t-shirts. Females should be respectful of the culture and wear conservative clothing. Avoid short skirts, deep cleavage, or seethrough clothes. Also, if you include the mountain region in your road trip itinerary, then be sure to pack a jacket, long trousers, and perhaps also a light scarf that will keep you warm during the night hours. Finally, don’t forget to pack water shoes, as you will need them to swim in the wadis. The majority of the pools in the wadis have small rocks that are quite slippery and sharp, so the water socks will ensure that you avoid accidents.
6. Do You Need a 4×4 in Oman?
Oman is a great country for a road trip and most locations in your itinerary will require an average of 2 hours to reach them. While the infrastructure is excellent, some of the must-see places in Oman, are located off the beaten path. Therefore a 4×4 will certainly make your life much easier. It is worth mentioning that renting a 4×4 in Oman will cost you almost twice as much as a regular car. Fear not, because there is a more affordable solution if you’re on a budget.
Consider booking accommodation at said locations and ask them to arrange a driver to pick you up. During our visit to Oman, we wanted to visit both, the desert and the mountains. In both cases, we parked our car at a location recommended by the hotel. From there, they picked us up upon arrival and dropped us off upon departure. This comes at no extra cost, so be wary if the hotel asks you for an extra charge for this service.
7. How Many Days Do You Need in Oman?
You will need ideally 10 days to see Oman but it is also doable in a week. However, there are so many places that you’d be missing out on if you visit only for one week. After all, to explore a new country is not about how many locations you manage to tick off from your list. It is mainly about the memories you allow yourself to make by spending enough time to wander around, slow down and take it all in.
8. Is Oman Expensive?
Yes and No. I found that the prices for accommodation in Oman were very reasonable, same as entrance fees, activities and petrol (duh). What I found quite pricey, however, was the food in most restaurants and obviously alcohol. While most hotels offer breakfast included in the room fee, we were choosing to eat at local eateries, souqs, or buy groceries from the supermarket. Part of the reason why we avoided restaurants was also because we were constantly on the road, so it was convenient to stock on snacks from the supermarket and have a quick picnic in between locations when we would get hungry.
READ ALSO: 12 UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN OMAN
9. Oman Travel Tips: Covid Requirements
As of 1st September 2021, Oman has eased its travel restrictions and is accepting international tourists who are fully vaccinated. You will need the below in order to be able to enter the country:
- Must show negative coronavirus PCR test results
- You must show your vaccine certificate
- You must fill out the Traveler Registration Form. To proceed with the traveler registration form, you will need to upload your vaccination certificate and your negative PCR test
- Must have a hotel reservation in Oman
- You must have a return flight ticket
- You must have a health insurance covering COVID-19
*The above were the requirements at the time during which we traveled. For updated information, check the official website of the Royal Oman Police.
10. When Should I Travel To Oman?
The best time to travel to Oman is between October and April. September is also a good month to visit as the weather slowly starts to cool down; especially in certain parts of the country. The months that you really want to avoid are July and August; that’s when the heat becomes unbearable.
