Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Oman due to terrorism and armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[968] 24-643-400; US Embassy in Muscat, P.C. 115, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman; ConsularMuscat@state.gov; https://om.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
968
Local Emergency Phone
999
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Oman: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south
Currency (Code)
Omani rials (OMR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G
Major Languages
Arabic, English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu, Indian dialects
Major Religions
Muslim 85.9%, Christian 6.5%, Hindu 5.5%, Buddhist 0.8%, Jewish <0.1%
Time Difference
UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Wahiba Sands; Musandam Fjords; Ras al Jinz; Jebel Akhdar; Salalah; Bahla; Masirah Island; Archeological sites at Bat, Al-Khutm, & Al-Ayn; Grand Mosque in Muscat; Souq Muttrah
Major Sports
Dhow racing (sailing), horse racing, falconry, camel racing, bull fighting
Cultural Practices
It's considered impolite to point with your index finger. Instead, use a fully open hand with your palm facing upward. - Always greet people with a smile and Salamalekum (Hello). - Omanis are very modest people, so it's best to wear clothing that covers the arms, legs, and cleavage.
Tipping Guidelines
A tip of 10% is considered the norm at restaurants and hotels. Rounding up or letting the driver keep the change is appropriate for taxis.
Souvenirs
Khanjar daggers, silver boxes inlaid with lapis lazuli, coffee and tea sets, frankincense and incense burners, clay pots, Quran stands, silver and gold jewelry, hand-woven goat-hair carpets, woven baskets
Traditional Cuisine
Shuwa — lamb or goat meat coated in a spice blend of chili peppers, cardamom, cloves, cumin, or coriander then wrapped in banana or palm leaves and placed in a woven bag before being roasted and smoked in underground pits; typically served on a bed of rice with a tomato-based sauce
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Saturday, September 30, 2023
