Oman Rejseguide
Vigtig rejseinformation — alarmnumre, sikkerhed, valuta, visum, skikke og transport.
Oman is one of the safest countries in the Middle East, with very low rates of violent crime and a strong, visible police presence. Travelers generally feel secure, including solo and female travelers, though normal modesty and caution apply. The main risks are road accidents (fast highways, camels on roads at night) and natural hazards rather than crime: flash floods in wadis after rain, strong sea currents, and extreme summer heat. Driving off-road or into the desert and mountains requires a 4x4, proper preparation, and ideally a guide.
Omani Rial (OMR)
Type G (the British three-pin plug), 240V, 50Hz. Bring a UK-style adapter; sockets are the same as in the UK.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Many restaurants add a service charge; if not, rounding up or leaving around 10% is generous. Tip hotel porters and helpful drivers/guides a few hundred baisa to a rial or two. The rial is divided into 1,000 baisa, so small notes are useful for tips.
The main mobile operators are Omantel and Ooredoo, with Vodafone Oman a newer third option. Tourist SIM cards are sold at Muscat International Airport and operator shops; you must show your passport to register. Coverage is excellent in cities and along main highways but patchy in remote desert and mountain areas. eSIMs are widely supported on modern operator plans. WhatsApp/voice-over-IP calling has historically been restricted on some networks.
Many nationalities (including most EU countries, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and others) can obtain an eVisa in advance through Oman's official Royal Oman Police eVisa portal (evisa.rop.gov.om), commonly a 10-day or 30-day tourist visa. Citizens of fellow GCC countries do not need a visa. Travelers holding a valid UAE residence visa, or who have entered via Dubai, may qualify for simplified or visa-free entry under certain conditions. Passports should be valid for at least six months. Always check the official ROP portal before travel, as rules change.
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Public transport within cities is limited. Muscat has a Mwasalat city bus network, but service is infrequent and not designed around tourist sights. There is no metro or tram. Most visitors rely on taxis, ride-hailing apps, or rental cars. Orange-and-white taxis are common but unmetered, so always agree a fare before getting in.
Otaxi, Careem, Marhaba
Mwasalat (the national transport company) runs comfortable intercity buses linking Muscat with Sohar, Nizwa, Sur, Salalah, and other towns, plus international routes to Dubai. The Muscat–Salalah route is long (about 1,000 km / 10–12 hours). There is no passenger rail network. For flexibility, most travelers rent a car; Oman Air and SalamAir offer domestic flights between Muscat and Salalah, and to Khasab (Musandam). Shared long-distance taxis and minibuses also connect towns informally.
- • Greetings are warm and unhurried; Omanis often exchange several pleasantries (As-salamu alaykum, followed by inquiries about health and family) before getting to business. Rushing straight to the point can seem rude.
- • Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. Accept and pour coffee with the right hand.
- • Hospitality is central: you will frequently be offered kahwa (cardamom-spiced coffee) and dates. Accept at least a little, and indicate you have had enough by gently shaking the cup side to side. Accepting an odd number of cups is customary.
- • Dress modestly, especially away from beach resorts and in towns. Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees; women may carry a light scarf for mosques and conservative areas.
- • Public displays of affection are frowned upon and can cause offence. Keep physical contact between couples minimal in public.
- • Always ask before photographing people, particularly women and Bedouin in rural areas. Avoid photographing military, police, and government buildings.
Conservative and modest. In towns and villages, cover shoulders and knees; tight or revealing clothing is inappropriate. Men should avoid going shirtless except at the beach or pool. Women are not required to cover their hair in public, but should bring a headscarf for visiting mosques. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque requires women to fully cover arms, legs, and hair, and men to wear long trousers. Swimwear is fine at resort pools and private beaches but not on public beaches or in towns.
Oman is a predominantly Muslim country following the Ibadi school of Islam, known for its tolerance and moderation. Dress modestly and behave respectfully near mosques. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat welcomes non-Muslim visitors in the mornings (typically 8:00–11:00, Saturday–Thursday) with strict dress requirements. During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours; many restaurants close until sunset, and alcohol service is curtailed. Always remove your shoes before entering a mosque or someone's home, and never walk in front of someone who is praying.
Football (soccer) — Football is the national passion; the Oman national team ('the Reds') draws fervent support, and its 2022 Gulf Cup victory on home soil sparked nationwide celebration. Traditional sports run deep too: camel racing and Arabian horse racing are popular in the interior, and bullfighting (bull-versus-bull head-butting contests, with no killing) is a Batinah coast tradition. Oman has a strong maritime and outdoor culture, with sailing and dhow racing, plus growing tourism around hiking in the Hajar Mountains, diving in Musandam and the Daymaniyat Islands, and dune sports in the Wahiba Sands. Camel and traditional dhow heritage remain sources of national pride.
18 November
Oman National Day
Celebrates Omani nationhood and historically coincided with the birthday of the late Sultan Qaboos. Streets, buildings, and cars are decorated with flags and portraits; expect parades, fireworks, and festive crowds across the country.
Variable (lunar; around late March–early April in 2026)
Eid al-Fitr
Marks the end of Ramadan with several days of feasting, family visits, new clothes, and gift-giving. Many businesses close; it is one of the most important holidays of the year.
Variable (lunar; around early June in 2026)
Eid al-Adha
The Festival of Sacrifice, tied to the Hajj pilgrimage. Families gather, animals are sacrificed and shared with the poor, and most of the country observes several days of holiday.
Mid-July to end of August
Salalah Khareef (Tourism) Festival
Held during the khareef monsoon, when southern Dhofar turns lush and green with mist and waterfalls. Salalah hosts cultural shows, markets, and concerts, drawing huge numbers of Gulf visitors.