Security travel advice for Oman

HOW SAFE IS NORTH KOREA?

Threat level:Medium

COVID-19 Situation in Oman
Due to the sanitary situation in Oman and around the world, Omani authorities have taken a series of measures to halt the spread of the virus, closing land and sea borders, making compulsory the use of facemasks in public places, banning public gatherings and sporting events, closing beaches, tourist sites and places of worship. Commercial flights have resumed but remain limited and there is currently a ban on direct flights from the UK to Oman. Authorised travellers must download the Tarassud+ and HMushrif track and trace application and they must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours prior to travelling and another test on their arrival at the airport. After taking the test, travellers must quarantine for 7 days and then take another PCR test on the 8th day to be released from quarantine if the result of the test is negative. On arrival, travellers must also provide proof of accommodation and they must show that they have a travel insurance that covers the duration of their stay, which includes a 30-day cover for coronavirus treatment. See our healthcare section for preventive measures against the virus.

Security in Oman

The current travel advice for Oman is to carry out normal safety precautions, as one would when travelling abroad to any tourist destination. Oman has a low crime rate, however please be mindful of weather conditions when travelling to the region.

Recent Security Risk Events

Oman has had little in the way of serious security events, however please be mindful that foreign nationals especially westerners are at a higher rate of risk when visiting tourist destinations, especially in the Middle East Region.

Intelligent Protection International Limited provides its private and corporate clients with Security and Bodyguard services in Oman and has a decade of experience in the country. If you are interested in these services, please see our web page: Bodyguard services in Oman.

Security Risks

Oman is a relatively safe and secure country with an efficient intelligence service, military and police force. As such violent crime is rare, some petty crime may exist as with all tourist destinations, however by following adequate security practices of your belongings and behaviours your visit should be trouble free.

The people of Oman are friendly and known be tolerant and welcoming. You respect the local laws and traditions of the country, including actions based around alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited especially during Ramadan.

There is a large expat community working within the oil and gas industry in Oman and The Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), is one of the largest employers of expats in the country. The country boasts good international schools and universities.

Oman has bordering countries such as Yemen, where the security situation is in stark contrast. Oman has been the only GCC member that did not join Operation Decisive Storm, and as such had pushed for diplomatic talks for resolution of the conflict in Yemen.

OMAN'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Oman has good ties internationally, hosting many corporate and affluent events. Since 1970 Oman has been redeveloped and become more open to the western world and cultures. Previously to 1970 it had limited contact with the outside world. Its main religion is Ibadi, with an emphasis on tolerance and moderation, as such it has been reported that none of its nationals have joined ISIS/Daesh. If it were the case, it would be in extremely low numbers as compared to other Middle Eastern states.

Oman has positive relations globally and is an active member in regional and international organisations and memberships. It benefits with many trade agreements and negotiations with the western world, through corporate agreements and military operations. In 2010 Oman discovered a spy network suspected to be operated by the United Arab Emirates, during this time Kuwait had remediated the situation.

TRAVELLING AROUND OMAN

Animals can be found wandering on paths and roads, please be careful when driving in Oman due to this. The standards of the roads are generally of a good standard similar to parts of Europe. There are strict driving enforcement laws in place although some standards of driving is not on par with these expectations.

Please allow extra time for your travel and find alternative routes to the Hatta crossing to cross the UAE/Oman border. There have been reports that travellers have been told to use different crossings.

Although the climate is usually dry, heavy rainfall can occur causing localised flooding especially the areas where roads cross dry river beds. Cyclones can make it over from the Indian Ocean and as such causing flash flooding. Please monitor local news and weather in the region.

The taxi services in Oman are employed strictly by Omani nationals, are well regarded and very safe to use.

COMMERCIAL TRAVEL RISK SERVICES

EMERGENCY SERVICE IN OMAN

Police emergency: 9999
Fire emergency: 9999
Medical emergency: 9999
Electricity:153

OMAN OVERVIEW

Capital: Muscat
Official languages: Arabic, Baluchi
Religion: Ibadi Islam
Currency: Omani Rial

CONSULAR INFORMATION FOR OMAN

U.S. Embassy Muscat
P.O. Box 202,
P.C. 115,
Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos,
Muscat,
Oman
Telephone:+968 2464 3400
Email:consularmuscat@state.gov

British Embassy Muscat
British Embassy,
PO Box 185,
Mina Al Fahal,
116 Muscat,
Muscat,
Oman
Telephone: +968 2460 9000
Email:muscat.enquiries@fco.gov.uk

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR OMAN

Travellers to Oman must apply in advance for an e-visa to enter the country, on the Royal Oman Police website. Tourists need to apply for an unsponsored visa. One month visas can be extended by a further 30 days with a small charge, if you are staying less than 10 days a tourist visa can be applied for, this can be extended by another 10 days. Please check with the Oman Embassy on charges and your visa requirements.

HEALTHCARE AND IMMUNISATIONS

COVID-19 cases have been reported in Oman. There is no vaccination against the disease, precautionary measures must be taken such as self-isolating, applying good hygiene practices, maintaining social distancing, avoiding gatherings and unnecessary travel.

It is advised that visitors to Oman are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus, which are usually administered when you are a young baby. You may also want to consider a Hepatitis A vaccination

Although there is no direct risk of Yellow Fever in Oman, if you are coming from a country where there is a risk of the disease, or transiting for longer than 12 hours in an at risk country, you will be required to provide a vaccination certificate. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Medical facilities are on par with the facilities in the Europe, however most visitors will be required to use private healthcare for treatment. This can be expensive, therefore it is imperative you make sure your insurance covers this; proof of travel insurance must be shown on arrival.

The extreme heat in Oman can sometimes lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration. You should ensure that you stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids consistently throughout the day.