The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Oman, against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions.
\n\nBritish nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:
\n\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Oman’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Oman set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Omani Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Oman, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nOman does not recognise dual nationality. If you hold both British and Omani passports, the Omani authorities may confiscate one of your passports.
\n\nYou can visit Oman for up to 14 days without a visa.
\n\nIf you overstay or do not extend your visa or residency, the Omani authorities may fine and detain you. Fines can be up to 10 Omani rials a day, with a total maximum fine of 500 rials.
\n\nTo stay longer than 14 days or for work, study or other reasons, you must have a visa. To avoid the risk of refusal, it’s better to apply for a visa online before you travel – you can select the ‘unsponsored visit visa’ option if you’re a tourist.
\n\nYou can also get a visit visa on arrival at an airport in Oman.
\n\nAt Omani border control, you must be able to show:
\n\nYou must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from Rwanda, Tanzania or a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Oman guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Oman. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nSome UK prescription and over-the-counter medicines are illegal in Oman. Carry a copy of your prescription if you’re bringing medicine. Check with Oman’s Ministry of Health well before you travel.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Oman cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners.
\n\nTerrorists have threatened to carry out attacks in the Gulf region, including on:
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports, including official messaging from Oman’s Government Communication Centre, and follow the advice of the local authorities, including the Royal Oman Police.
\n\nExamples of significant incidents include:
\n\nDevelopments in the Middle East continue to affect public opinion in Oman. In October 2023, there was a small, peaceful demonstration outside the British Embassy. Further unannounced demonstrations are possible throughout the country. Stay alert and avoid large crowds.
\n\nBe aware of local sensitivities on these issues and follow the advice of the Omani authorities, including the Royal Oman Police. Follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.
\n\nPersonal attacks against foreign nationals, including sexual assault and rape, are relatively rare, but happen. Take care when walking or travelling alone, particularly at night. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the UK. See advice for women travelling abroad.
\n\nOman’s laws and customs are very different to those in the UK and reflect the fact that Oman is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Make sure your actions do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you plan to visit religious areas.
\n\nAlways carry a copy of the photo page of your passport and keep the original in a safe place. If you live in Oman, carry your Omani ID.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nTourists and visitors can buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues, such as hotels, restaurants and clubs. The legal drinking age is 21.
\n\nNon-Muslim residents can get a licence to drink alcohol at home from the Royal Oman Police. Liquor licences are not available to non-residents.
\n\nIt is illegal to drink alcohol in public, be drunk in public or to drink-drive. The police have arrested and charged British nationals for these offences. Border police may arrest passengers travelling through Omani airports or seaports under the influence of alcohol.
\n\nIt is illegal to import or use e-cigarettes or vape products in Oman.
\n\nIf you are arrested, the authorities may require you to take a blood test, particularly if they suspect you have used drugs or alcohol. If you refuse, you could be arrested for your failure to comply.
\n\nYou should dress modestly in public areas including in shopping malls. Your clothing should cover the tops of your arms and legs (below the knee), and underwear should not be visible.
\n\nWearing tight-fitting clothes is likely to attract attention. Do not wear swimming costumes or beachwear in public areas, except on tourist beaches or at swimming pools.
\n\nCross-dressing is illegal.
\n\nIt is illegal to live with or share a hotel room with someone of the opposite sex if you are not married or closely related.
\n\nYou may have difficulty registering the birth of a baby born in Oman if you are unmarried or in a relationship the Omani authorities do not recognise as marriage.
\n\nThere are severe penalties for importing, trafficking, smuggling and possessing drugs, even residual amounts. In some cases, offenders could get the death penalty. There is no distinction in Omani law between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ drugs – both are treated with equal severity.
\n\nIt is illegal to swear and make rude gestures, including while driving. You can also be charged with obscenity for social media posts or shared photos or videos.
\n\nShowing affection in public is frowned upon and may bring you to the attention of the police.
\n\nIt is illegal to create, import or share pornographic images and videos, even if created for personal use with the consent of those involved.
\n\nIt is illegal to photograph some government buildings and military sites. Do not photograph people without their permission. Hobbies like bird watching and plane spotting may be misunderstood – particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports.
\n\nIt is illegal to fly drones or any other remote-controlled flying device without a valid licence or in restricted airspace.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal in Oman. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nForeign nationals must pay all debts and traffic fines before leaving Oman. You can check if you have outstanding traffic fines via the ROP app or online service: Royal Oman Police Website - Online Services - Traffic Offense Payment.
\n\nFinancial crimes and unpaid bills include:
\n\nYou may also be liable for cheques that you have signed on behalf of a company.
\n\nFinancial crimes can be punished with:
\n\nSee more details about financial crimes if you are living and working in Oman.
\n\nThe border authorities may prevent children from leaving Oman if they are the subject of a child custody dispute.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nWhen hiking in Oman, be sure to follow marked hiking trails.
\n\nExtreme heat has caused deaths in Oman due to dehydration and heat exhaustion – see advice for travellers affected by extreme heat.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Oman, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive a rental car in Oman for the first 6 weeks after you arrive. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nIf you live in Oman or are staying longer than 6 weeks, you must get an Omani licence.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
\n\nDrink-driving is a serious offence in Oman. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.
\n\nIf you are involved in a serious traffic accident and do not need emergency treatment, you must stay with your vehicle and call the Royal Oman Police on 9999.
\n\nSerious accidents include those with:
\n\nYou may not need to call the police after a minor accident, but you must complete a minor road traffic accident form. You must keep a form in your car – you can get one from your insurance company and at a police station. Car rental companies are responsible for keeping forms in their cars.
\n\nIn a minor accident there is generally:
\n\nRules of the road in Oman include:
\n\nThe Omani authorities strictly enforce traffic laws. There are severe penalties for traffic offences, including fines of up to 3,000 Omani rials or prison sentences of up to 3 years.
\n\nDriving can be dangerous outside Muscat. There is a risk of hitting wandering camels and goats on the road. Rainfall can cause sudden, severe floods in dry riverbeds and on roads that cross them.
\n\nThe condition of Omani roads is generally good. Driving standards in Oman are not always as disciplined as those in the UK, and the rate of traffic accidents in Oman is significantly higher.
\n\nRoad trips to the desert and mountains can be dangerous unless you’re in a well-equipped 4-wheel-drive vehicle. You should always:
\n\nThe safety of tourist boats may not be up to UK standards. Make sure life jackets are available for all passengers.
\n\nMany areas of the Gulf of Aden are restricted. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected, sometimes resulting in arrests. You should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or visiting ports. Consider how regional tensions may affect your route.
\n\nVessels may be at increased risk of maritime attack, including piracy, in:
\n\nSee piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. The threat assessment of the combined international naval counter-piracy forces is that sailing yachts should not enter the designated high-risk area, due to the risk of hijacking.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nTropical cyclones from the Indian Ocean sometimes affect Oman in July and August, disrupting services and utilities.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nFlash floods can cause injuries and deaths. Wadis (dry riverbeds) in Oman are prone to flash flooding after heavy rainfall from October to March.
\n\nBefore travelling to a wadi, check the weather forecast and avoid places where heavy rain is expected and for at least one day afterwards.
\n\nIf you’re caught in a flash flood:
\n\nFollow any instructions or guidance from the Royal Oman Police and the Civil Defence & Ambulance Authority.bYou can also use the Nidaa/CDAA to stay up to date with any emergency updates.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 9999 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Oman, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Oman. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nExtreme heat has caused deaths in Oman due to dehydration and heat exhaustion.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe quality of healthcare facilities in Oman is similar to those in the UK.
\n\nBritish nationals must use the private healthcare system. Visitors who do not have travel insurance or the means to settle any charges may be stopped from leaving the country until the debt is paid. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Oman where some staff will speak English.
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Oman.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 9999 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Oman on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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