Omán

Always 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.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
• play loud music or dance
• swear in public

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the later afternoon and early evening
• be patient and show tolerance

Tourists and visitors can buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues, such as hotels, restaurants and clubs. The legal drinking age is 21.

Non-Muslim residents can get a licence to drink alcohol at home from the Royal Oman Police. Liquor licences are not available to non-residents.    

It 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.

It is illegal to import or use e-cigarettes or vape products in Oman.

If 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.

You 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.

Wearing 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.

Cross-dressing is illegal.

It is illegal to live with or share a hotel room with someone of the opposite sex if you are not married or closely related.

You 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.

There 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.

It 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.

Showing affection in public is frowned upon and may bring you to the attention of the police.

It is illegal to create, import or share pornographic images and videos, even if created for personal use with the consent of those involved.

It 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.

It is illegal to fly drones or any other remote-controlled flying device without a valid licence or in restricted airspace.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Oman. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Foreign 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.

Financial crimes and unpaid bills include:

• fraud
• giving somebody a cheque which bounces (including post-dated and ‘security’ cheques)
• non-payment of bills (for example property rent, hotel bills or car hire)

You may also be liable for cheques that you have signed on behalf of a company.

Financial crimes can be punished with:

• imprisonment
• fines
• deportation
• freezing bank accounts and other assets
• seizing of any end-of-service benefits or bonuses
• blocking your access to possible future sponsors (employers)
• delay and/or prevention from leaving the country

See more details about financial crimes if you are living and working in Oman.

The border authorities may prevent children from leaving Oman if they are the subject of a child custody dispute.

Tropical cyclones from the Indian Ocean sometimes affect Oman in July and August, disrupting services and utilities.

You should:

• follow official weather warnings
• check local weather forecasts, weathers warnings from Oman’s civil aviation authority and the World Meteorological Organization reports for Oman
• get advice about travelling conditions, particularly if you’re planning off-road travel or adventure tourism

Flash floods can cause injuries and deaths. Wadis (dry riverbeds) in Oman are prone to flash flooding after heavy rainfall from October to March.

Before travelling to a wadi, check the weather forecast and avoid places where heavy rain is expected and for at least one day afterwards.

If you’re caught in a flash flood:

• go to a high point
• do not try to cross the water
• drive to a dry spot if you’re in a vehicle

Follow 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.