Oman: The Sultanate of Oman

Visa

You only need an electronic visa to enter Oman if your trip exceeds 14 days / 13 nights. For a stay of less than 14 days, it is still compulsory to travel with a passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure from Oman.

Health

No vaccinations are required for travellers coming from Europe, but it is recommended that you are up to date with your usual vaccinations. If you are travelling to the south of the country (Dhofar region) during the rainy season, it is advisable to take anti-malarial medication.

Currency

The Omani rial is the official currency in Oman.

Language

The official language is Classical Arabic (Semitic language). English is spoken in the major cities, but much less so in rural areas. It is not uncommon for Omanis to speak Swahili (influenced by Zanzibar), Hindi (influenced by India) or Urdu (influenced by Pakistan).

Religion

Oman is home to a largely Muslim population. Here, the third way of Islam, Ibadism, is practised. However, due to immigration, other minority religions such as Hinduism and Christianity are also practised in the country.

Bank holidays: 18 November, the Sultan's birthday.

Best time to visit

Avoid the period from May to September. July and August in particular. It's very hot (40 to 50°C), so you'll only feel comfortable inside (highly air-conditioned) hotels or in the refrigerated swimming pools of the few hotels that can afford this luxury!

To see 'green' Dhofar, come in September, at the end of the monsoon season. The rains transform the landscape. It's almost like being in Switzerland! Waterfalls, meadows, trees covered in leaves...

Driving licence

A valid French driving licence is recognised by the Omani authorities and allows you to drive a hire car during a short stay in Oman.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are not sold freely. Only the major hotels and restaurants have a licence allowing their customers to consume wine, beer or spirits. The consumption of alcohol on public roads is prohibited.

Customs and traditions

Taking photos in the big cities is not a problem, as long as you do not point your lens openly at individuals (men or women), embassies or official buildings. In the villages, be even more discreet and avoid shooting street scenes. Preferably, stick to taking photos of landscapes and monuments.

When visiting public places, wear decent clothes. Women should avoid excessively short outfits and provocative necklines. Do not kiss on the mouth in public. During Ramadan, avoid drinking water, eating or smoking in public places. More generally, avoid the Ramadan period: everything stops!

Excursions and receptive services

For local excursions, we recommend the services of Zahara Tours. Pioneers of the destination since 1971, they are now the largest agency in the Sultanate of Oman. These professionals know the country like the back of their hand. They'll show you original places that are little known to the general public, and take you to the most typical and authentic places to discover local traditions and cuisine. They have comfortable, air-conditioned cars with drivers who take great care of you (bottles of water, refreshing towels, etc.) and will guide you along the most unlikely of roads!

Time difference

Compared with France, the time difference is 3 hours in winter and 2 hours in summer.