Welcome to Oman

Oman’s exoticism and humility lures curious travelers from around the world. Here, in the land of romantic Arabian nights, you’ll find an unassuming destination, one that doesn’t flaunt excessive wealth as do some of its neighbors, and instead a country that prides itself on it strong sense of heritage, culture and tradition.

Feel the Bedouin values of the Omani people as you stroll through vibrant souks, Muscat’s Grand Mosque, Nizwa’s historic fortress and shipbuilding yards in Sur. Ride on camel back through the desert and spend the night under the starry sky, serenaded by the sounds of the oud (lute).

Go off-roading up Jagbel Akhdar (Green Mountain) to capture panoramic views of the canyons. Tour a Sultan’s palace, explore clay ruins at Birkat el-Mauz and visit an authentic livestock market.

Head to the coast to witness endangered green turtle hatchlings scramble their way into the Indian Ocean. With a rich history and a dynamic future, Oman is perfect for those wanting to delve deeper into the Middle East.

Unique Facts

• Oman has been ruled the Omani Al Said Family since 1744, making it the oldest independent state in the Arab world. It is also considered one of the oldest human-inhabited countries on Earth, with evidence of settlements for at least 106,000 years.
• The national animal of Oman is the Arabian oryx. It’s a endangered white antelope with a telltale shoulder bump, long straight horns and a tufted tail. They’re found in the deserts of the Arab Peninsula.
• The Omanis build great ships! Shipbuilding has long been a vital industry in Oman, given the country’s long coastline and proximity to the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Cities like Sur were known as hubs for shipbuilding and ship repair.
• The renowned Arabian horses were first bred in Oman. They’re known for their distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, their endurance and their speed. Arabian horses are one of the oldest horse breeds in the world.
• There are four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman, including the Bahla Fort; the Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al Khutm and Al Ayn; the irrigation systems of Al Aflaj through the country; and the Land of Frankincense.

Language

Oman’s official language is Arabic.

When To Go

The best time to go to Oman is between October and April. The weather is comfortably warm and you can see the turtles at Ras al Jinz. June through August is very hot.

Airports

Muscat International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months before arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Oman: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type G. Standard voltage: 240V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Omani Rial

Getting Around

The road conditions in cities and on major highways are good; road conditions in rural areas range from good to poor. Watch for poorly lit roadways, wandering livestock and high-speed drivers.

Public bus service links all parts of the country. Orange and white, privately owned taxis can be found in every city. Prices vary. National ferry service is available for places such as Diba and Masirah Island. All ferries are car ferries.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Muscat
Jamiat A’Duwal Al Arabiya Street,
Al Khuwair Area (Shatti Al-Qurum), Muscat
Oman
Telephone: +(968) 2464-3400
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(968) 2464-3400
Fax: +(968) 2464-3535
ConsularMuscat@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

https://www.tourismoman.com.au/

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 9999

Safety and Security

There is minimal street crime in Oman, and violent crime is rare.