Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Expanded eVisa Access
Oman has streamlined its eVisa system for 2026, allowing over 100 nationalities to apply online for a 10-day or 30-day visa (€12-€52 fees) with faster processing times of under 24 hours. This digital process eliminates the need for embassy visits and integrates seamlessly with arrival procedures at major airports like Muscat.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Oman, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps to ensure smooth processing at immigration.
Always verify your passport's condition, as damaged documents can lead to entry denial; renew early if needed to avoid last-minute issues.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.), UK, US, EU nations, and several others enjoy visa-free entry for up to 14 days, extendable to 30 days with a simple application.
For short visits focused on tourism or business, this allows hassle-free access to Oman's stunning landscapes without prior paperwork.
Visa Applications
Apply for an eVisa via the official Royal Oman Police website or app (€12 for 10 days, €52 for 30 days), requiring a passport scan, photo, and proof of accommodation or return ticket.
Processing typically takes 1-4 days; approvals are emailed, and it's valid for multiple entries within the period, ideal for flexible itineraries.
Border Crossings
Visa on arrival is available at Muscat, Salalah, and Duqm airports for eligible nationalities (10-30 days, €12-€52 payable in cash or card), with quick processing under 30 minutes.
Land borders with UAE are efficient but require pre-approval for some; always carry your eVisa printout for seamless checks at remote desert checkpoints.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive insurance covering medical evacuation, adventure activities like wadi hiking, and trip delays is highly recommended due to Oman's rugged terrain.
Policies from €3-€8 per day are available; ensure coverage for extreme heat and include repatriation for peace of mind in remote areas.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions up to 30 additional days can be requested online or at the Royal Oman Police headquarters in Muscat before your current visa expires, with fees around €20-€40.
Provide reasons like extended tourism or business, along with proof of funds (€50/day minimum); approvals are usually granted within 48 hours for compliant applicants.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Oman uses the Omani Rial (OMR). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Muscat by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during the peak winter season when demand surges.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for street food in Mutrah Souq or local eateries serving majboos under OMR 5, avoiding high-end tourist restaurants to cut dining costs by up to 60%.
Stock up on dates and fresh juices from markets for affordable snacks; self-catering in guesthouses saves even more on multi-day trips.
Public Transport Passes
Use affordable shared taxis or buses between cities like Muscat to Salalah for OMR 10-15 per leg, far cheaper than renting a car.
Consider a Mwasalat bus pass for unlimited regional travel at OMR 20-30, including free access to some cultural sites along routes.
Free Attractions
Explore natural wonders like Wadi Shab hikes, Bimmah Sinkhole swims, and public beaches at no cost, providing authentic Omani experiences without entry fees.
Many souqs and older forts offer free wandering; time visits for sunset views to maximize value on zero-budget days.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in hotels and malls, but carry OMR cash for souqs, taxis, and remote areas where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for the best rates (avoid airport exchanges); notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks in Oman.
Museum Passes
Purchase the Oman Tourism Pass for OMR 20-40, granting discounted or free entry to multiple sites like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and national museums.
It covers over 20 attractions and pays for itself after 3-4 visits, ideal for history buffs exploring Muscat's heritage.
Smart Packing for Oman
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton layers for intense heat, including long-sleeved shirts and pants for modesty at religious sites and protection from sun.
For women, include a scarf for head covering in mosques; opt for quick-dry fabrics suitable for both desert days and cooler evenings in the mountains.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C/G plugs, a portable power bank for off-grid wadi adventures, and a smartphone with offline maps like Maps.me for navigation.
Include a GoPro or compact camera for capturing dramatic landscapes; download Arabic phrase apps and ensure devices have dust protection for sandy environments.
Health & Safety
Carry high-SPF sunscreen (50+), wide-brimmed hat, and electrolyte packets to combat dehydration in 40°C+ heat; include a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for boat trips.
Travel insurance docs are crucial, along with antimalarial if visiting southern regions; pack hand sanitizer and masks for crowded souqs or public transport.
Travel Gear
A lightweight daypack is essential for hikes, with a reusable water bottle (2L capacity) to stay hydrated during desert explorations and camel rides.
Include a money belt for valuables, passport copies in a waterproof pouch, and a headlamp for stargazing in remote camps or early morning wadi starts.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking sandals or closed-toe shoes with good grip for rocky wadis and mountain trails like Jebel Shams; avoid open sandals in thorny desert areas.
Pack lightweight sneakers for city sightseeing in Muscat and flip-flops for beach relaxation; ensure all pairs are broken in to prevent blisters on long walks.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized aloe vera gel for sunburn relief, biodegradable wipes for dusty days, and a compact fan or cooling towel for extreme heat management.
Pack lip balm with SPF, moisturizer for dry air, and insect repellent for coastal evenings; eco-friendly toiletries align with Oman's conservation efforts in nature reserves.
When to Visit Oman
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather of 25-35°C makes it perfect for hiking Jebel Akhdar and exploring flower-filled valleys, with blooming desert flora adding vibrant colors to landscapes.
Fewer crowds than winter allow for peaceful souq visits and wadi swims; ideal for birdwatching migrations in coastal areas without the intense summer heat.
Summer (June-August)
Extreme heat over 40°C limits outdoor activities to early mornings or evenings, but it's low season with slashed hotel rates up to 50% off in Muscat.
Focus on indoor attractions like museums or air-conditioned malls; coastal Salalah offers a cooler khareef monsoon escape with misty mountains and waterfalls.
Autumn (September-November)
Transitioning temperatures of 30-40°C are great for desert camping and turtle watching on beaches, as cooler nights enhance stargazing in Wahiba Sands.
Pre-winter festivals begin, with lower prices on tours; perfect for road trips along the coast without the peak season rush.
Winter (December-February)
Optimal season with comfortable 20-30°C days for adventure activities like dolphin watching, fort explorations, and mountain drives in the Hajar range.
Peak tourism brings events like the Muscat Festival, but book early; mild weather suits families and first-timers discovering Oman's diverse ecosystems.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Omani Rial (OMR). Exchange rates are stable at around 1 OMR = 2.6 USD. Cards widely accepted in cities but carry cash for rural areas and souqs.
- Language: Arabic is official, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger Omanis.
- Time Zone: Gulf Standard Time (GST), UTC+4
- Electricity: 240V, 50Hz. Type C/G plugs (European two-pin and British three-pin)
- Emergency Number: 999 for police, ambulance, or fire; Royal Oman Police at 9999 for non-emergencies
- Tipping: Not customary in Oman, but small tips (OMR 1-2) are appreciated for exceptional service in taxis or restaurants
- Water: Tap water is not safe for drinking; stick to bottled water, widely available and inexpensive
- Pharmacies: Easily found in cities; look for "Saydalaya" signs. Basic medicines are available over the counter