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Country Facts
Capital
Muscat
Size
309,500 km2 (119,500 sq mi)
Time Zone
GMT+4
Population
5,281,538
Currency
Omani Rial
Oman Travel Guide
Your Guide to Travelling in Oman
Oman is a fascinating country of dramatic mountains, vast deserts, beautiful coastlines and centuries of history.
From exploring the souqs and forts of Muscat and Nizwa to hiking in the Hajar Mountains, swimming in turquoise wadis and spending a night beneath the stars in Wahiba Sands, there is plenty to discover.
Our Oman Travel Guide covers the essential information you need to plan your journey, including the best places to visit, when to travel, how to get around and some of our favourite experiences.
When you’re ready to turn your ideas into a trip, explore our tailor-made Oman holidays or speak to Aleem, our Oman specialist.
Why Visit Oman?
Oman offers an exceptional variety of experiences within one country.
You can explore historic forts and traditional souqs in the morning, drive into the mountains in the afternoon and spend the following night beneath the stars in the desert.
Unlike some of the region’s more developed destinations, Oman retains a strong sense of tradition and offers plenty of opportunities to experience local culture, landscapes and hospitality.
It is particularly well suited to travellers who enjoy nature, culture, adventure, road journeys and smaller-scale experiences.
Best Places to Visit in Oman
Muscat
Oman’s capital is often the starting point for a holiday.
Explore the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, wander through Muttrah Souq and discover the city’s historic forts, museums and waterfront.
Muscat is also a good place to slow down at the beginning or end of your journey.
Nizwa
Nizwa is one of Oman’s most important historic cities and an excellent base for exploring the country’s interior.
Visit the impressive Nizwa Fort and traditional souq before continuing into the Hajar Mountains.
Jabal Akhdar
Meaning “Green Mountain”, Jabal Akhdar is one of Oman’s most spectacular mountain regions.
The area is known for dramatic scenery, terraced farms, traditional villages and walking trails. The cooler temperatures also make it a welcome escape from the heat of the lowlands.
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams is home to some of Oman’s most dramatic mountain scenery and is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Oman.
The region is particularly rewarding for walkers and photographers.
Wahiba Sands
The vast dunes of Wahiba Sands offer one of Oman’s classic experiences.
Travel across the desert by 4×4, watch the sunset from the dunes and spend the night at a desert camp beneath a clear night sky.
Wadi Shab
Wadi Shab is one of Oman’s best-known natural attractions.
A short boat journey and walk lead into a dramatic canyon landscape where turquoise pools and rocky cliffs create one of the country’s most memorable outdoor experiences.
Musandam
At the northern tip of Oman, the Musandam Peninsula is famous for its dramatic coastline and fjord-like landscapes.
A private boat trip is an excellent way to explore the region, with opportunities to see dolphins and other marine life.
Salalah
Southern Oman feels very different from the rest of the country.
Salalah is particularly interesting during the Khareef season, from June to September, when the monsoon transforms the surrounding landscape into a lush green environment.
Things to Do in Oman
Oman is a destination where the journey between places can be just as rewarding as the destinations themselves.
Some of our favourite experiences include:
Exploring Muscat and Muttrah Souq
Visiting Nizwa Fort
Walking through mountain villages
Hiking in the Hajar Mountains
Swimming in Oman’s wadis
Crossing the dunes of Wahiba Sands
Spending a night in a desert camp
Discovering traditional Omani food
Exploring Oman’s historic forts and villages
Taking a boat trip around Musandam
Travelling along the coast towards Sur
Watching the sunset over the desert
Experiencing local culture and hospitality
If you would like to combine several of these experiences, take a look at our Oman Discovery itinerary. It can be adapted to create a completely personalised journey.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Oman?
For most travellers, October to April is the best time to explore Oman.
Temperatures are generally more comfortable for sightseeing, walking, exploring the desert and travelling through the mountains.
October to November
A good time to begin exploring Oman as temperatures become more comfortable after the summer.
December to February
These are among the most popular months for travelling around Oman, with generally pleasant conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
March to April
Spring can be an excellent time to visit the mountains and explore Oman’s landscapes before temperatures rise.
June to September
Summer is extremely hot in many parts of Oman. However, southern Oman experiences the Khareef monsoon, making this an interesting time to visit Salalah.
The best time for your trip ultimately depends on where you want to go and what you want to experience.
Speak to Aleem, our Oman specialist, for advice on the best time to travel.
How Long Do You Need in Oman?
For a first visit, we generally recommend 8–10 days to experience the main highlights without rushing.
A typical journey might combine:
Muscat → Nizwa → Jabal Akhdar → Wahiba Sands → Wadi Bani Khalid → Sur → Wadi Shab → Muscat
If you have more time, you could add Musandam, Salalah or spend longer exploring the mountains and coast.
Our Oman Discovery holiday is a useful starting point, but we can tailor the itinerary around your interests and available time.
Getting Around Oman
Oman is a large country, so journeys between destinations are an important part of planning your holiday.
For our tailor-made journeys, we can arrange private drivers and comfortable vehicles, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation.
Some desert and mountain routes require a 4×4, which can be arranged as part of your itinerary.
Private travel also gives you greater flexibility to stop for photographs, visit villages or spend longer at places that interest you.
Oman Travel Information
Do I Need a Visa for Oman?
British passport holders can currently visit Oman for up to 14 days without a visa, subject to the applicable entry requirements.
Your passport should have at least six months’ validity remaining when you arrive.
Entry requirements can change, so always check the latest UK Government travel advice for Oman before travelling.
What Should I Wear in Oman?
Oman is a relatively conservative country, and visitors should dress respectfully.
This is particularly important when visiting mosques, villages and religious or cultural sites.
We’ll advise you on local customs and practical considerations when planning your holiday.
What Currency Does Oman Use?
The currency is the Omani rial (OMR).
Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, although carrying some local currency is useful when visiting smaller towns and more rural areas.
What Language Is Spoken in Oman?
Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in hotels, tourist areas and many businesses.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
We recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, cancellation and the activities included in your itinerary.
Is Oman Suitable for Families?
Yes. Oman is an excellent destination for families who enjoy exploring the outdoors.
Children can discover forts, swim in wadis, experience the desert and learn about a very different culture.
We can adapt the pace of your itinerary, accommodation and activities around the ages and interests of your family.
Explore our family holidays for more inspiration.
Is Oman Good for a Luxury Holiday?
Absolutely.
Oman has a selection of excellent luxury hotels, mountain resorts, desert camps and coastal properties.
A luxury journey could combine exceptional accommodation with private guides, a desert experience and time in the mountains or on the coast.
Explore our luxury holidays or ask Aleem to create something specifically for you.
Oman Travel FAQs
Is Oman safe for tourists?
Oman is generally regarded as a safe destination for visitors. As with any international journey, we recommend checking the latest UK Government travel advice before travelling.
Can I drive myself around Oman?
Yes, self-drive travel is possible. However, many of our clients prefer private transport and a local driver, particularly when visiting the mountains, desert and more remote areas.
Do I need a 4×4 in Oman?
Not for the entire journey, but a 4×4 may be required for certain mountain and desert routes. We can arrange the appropriate vehicle and driver as part of your itinerary.
Can I swim in Oman’s wadis?
Swimming is possible at some wadis, depending on local conditions and safety considerations. Your guide will advise you on suitable locations.
Can I combine Oman with Dubai?
Yes. Oman and the UAE work particularly well together, allowing you to combine Oman’s mountains, desert and coastline with Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Can I combine Oman with Jordan?
Yes. Oman and Jordan offer very different experiences and can make an excellent longer Middle East journey.
Is Oman good for a honeymoon?
Oman is an excellent choice for couples looking for a combination of adventure, privacy and relaxation. A honeymoon could include a luxury mountain retreat, private desert camp and a beautiful coastal stay.
Plan Your Oman Holiday
Now that you’ve explored Oman, why not start planning your own journey?
Our tailor-made Oman holidays can be designed around the places and experiences that interest you most.
You can also explore our Oman Discovery itinerary for inspiration.
Or speak to Aleem, our Oman specialist and tell us what you’d like to experience.
020 8935 5685
info@earthtrip.co.uk
Preparing For A Trip To Oman?
Visa Information / Entry requirements to Oman
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Oman’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Oman set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Omani Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Oman, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Dual nationals
Oman does not recognise dual nationality. If you hold both British and Omani passports, the Omani authorities may confiscate one of your passports.
Visa requirements
You can visit Oman for up to 14 days without a visa.
If you overstay or do not extend your visa or residency, the Omani authorities may fine and detain you. Fines can be up to 10 Omani rials a day, with a total maximum fine of 500 rials.
Applying for a visa
To stay longer than 14 days or for work, study or other reasons, you must have a visa. To avoid the risk of refusal, it’s better to apply for a visa online before you travel – you can select the ‘unsponsored visit visa’ option if you’re a tourist.
You can also get a visit visa on arrival at an airport in Oman.
Checks at border control
At Omani border control, you must be able to show:
- a ticket for return or onward travel proof of your accommodation – for example, a hotel booking proof of your travel health insurance
Vaccine requirements
You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from Rwanda, Tanzania or a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Oman guide.
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Tourism Health Information – Oman
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 9999 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Oman
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Oman, including:
- dengue
- Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Oman. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Extreme heat has caused deaths in Oman due to dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Oman
The quality of healthcare facilities in Oman is similar to those in the UK.
British nationals must use the private healthcare system. Visitors who do not have travel insurance or the means to settle any charges may be stopped from leaving the country until the debt is paid. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Oman where some staff will speak English.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Oman.
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Weather & When To Go To Oman
- Oman experiences a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The weather can vary between the coastal areas, mountains, and deserts, offering different experiences throughout the year.
Seasons Overview:
- Summer (May – September):
- Extremely hot, particularly in the inland areas and deserts, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F).
- Coastal regions (Muscat, Salalah) are also hot, but the humidity makes it feel even warmer.
- Salalah in the south experiences the unique Khareef (monsoon) season from June to September, turning the region lush and green. This makes Salalah a popular destination in the otherwise hot summer.
- Winter (October – April):
- This is the best time to visit Oman, with mild and pleasant temperatures ranging from 17°C to 30°C (63°F to 86°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities like sightseeing, trekking, and desert camping.
- Muscat and the coastal regions are particularly comfortable during this period.
- The mountains, like Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams, offer cooler temperatures year-round, but winter provides the most enjoyable weather for hiking and exploring.
Best Time to Visit:
- October to April is the best time to visit Oman, offering comfortable weather for exploring cities, deserts, and mountains.
- June to September is a good time to visit Salalah during the Khareef season, when the region experiences monsoon rains and transforms into a green paradise, contrasting with the rest of the country’s dry heat.
- Summer (May – September):
Read More On Visas
Tailor-Made Luxury Tours with a Private Driver
Earth Trip designs exclusive, bespoke tours featuring private drivers and hand-picked luxury accommodations, built entirely around your personal preferences and travel style.
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Oman Travel Guide