Oman Travel Safety

Road safety

Roads conditions in Oman are generally good. Exercise caution when driving in rural areas, especially after dark, because of roaming animals, insufficient lighting and speeding drivers. Rainfall can cause significant flooding on roads, particularly during the rainy season. Off-road driving can be hazardous. Undertake off-road driving in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles and with an experienced guide only. Leave a travel itinerary with a family member or friend. Be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food and a cellular or satellite phone if you are driving in the desert areas of Wahiba and Rub' Al Khali. Cell phones may have limited or no service in remote areas, which can become especially dangerous if you experience vehicle problems while driving in desert areas.

Regional travel

Foreign traveler may be denied entry into Oman if their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp, or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate the traveller has been in Israel.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. In addition, don't flash money or valuables in public. Doing so may make you a potential victim of criminal activity. Women have been detained in Oman when reporting sexual assault, as they must prove that the sex was not consensual to avoid being charged. Oman's laws criminalize extra marital sex.

Crime

The crime rate is low and violence is rare. Robbery and auto theft occur. Do not travel alone after dark. Lock car doors and keep windows closed. Do not show signs of affluence, and ensure that your personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not leave vehicles unattended. When you do return to your vehicle, inspect both its exterior and interior for any attached device or suspicious package. Be suspicious of mail and packages from unfamiliar sources. Contact your visa sponsor or the police if you suspect anything unusual.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks. Western interests public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Dress and behaviour

Oman's customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively: for women, knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Oman culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

The laws of Oman prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Oman also does not recognize same-sex marriages. Those convicted can face the imprisonment up to 3 years. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Oman.

Illegal or restricted activities

It is forbidden to photograph certain government buildings and military installations. Do not photograph people without their permission. Omani authorities do not permit criticism of the government, the sultan or the society in general. Books, videotapes and audio tapes may be reviewed by airport and other customs authorities prior to being released to the owner to ensure that their content is culturally acceptable. Certain public areas may be restricted to men or women only.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended. Follow traffic laws diligently. Penalties for violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speed and failure to wear seat belts, are stringent. It is forbidden to use cellular phones while driving. In the Governorate of Muscat, drivers involved in an accident must move their vehicles to the side of the road to reduce congestion. In the rest of the country, you must wait until the police have made an official report before moving your vehicle. Anyone deemed responsible for a motor vehicle accident may be detained for 48 hours. Consult the Royal Oman Police, phone: +968 245-693-92 for more information on traffic rules.