Briefing d'orientation à Oman

The inhabitants of the area of present-day Oman have long prospered from Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, the nascent sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, although the sultanate never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al Said overthrew his father and ruled as sultan for the next five decades. His extensive modernization program opened the country to the outside world. He prioritized strategic ties to the UK and US, and his moderate, independent foreign policy allowed Oman to maintain good relations with its neighbors and avoid external entanglements.

In 2011, the popular uprisings that swept the Middle East and North Africa inspired demonstrations in Oman that called for more jobs and economic benefits and an end to corruption. In response, QABOOS implemented economic and political reforms such as granting Oman’s legislative body more power and authorizing direct elections for its lower house. Additionally, the sultan increased unemployment benefits and issued a royal directive mandating a national public- and private-sector job creation plan. As part of the government's efforts to decentralize authority and allow greater citizen participation in local governance, Oman successfully conducted its first municipal council elections in 2012. QABOOS, Oman's longest reigning monarch, died in 2020. His cousin, HAYTHAM bin Tariq Al Said, former Minister of Heritage and Culture, was sworn in as Oman's new sultan the same day.

Developments in the Middle East continue to affect public opinion in Oman. In October 2023, there was a small, peaceful demonstration outside the British Embassy. Further unannounced demonstrations are possible throughout the country. Stay alert and avoid large crowds.

Be aware of local sensitivities on these issues and follow the advice of the Omani authorities, including the Royal Oman Police. Follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.

Regional tensions

The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.

British nationals in, or planning to travel through, the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. You should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• follow advice from the local authorities
• monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice
• stay away from areas around security or military facilities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Oman

Terrorist attacks in Oman cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners.

Terrorists have threatened to carry out attacks in the Gulf region, including on:

• Residential compounds
• Military, oil, transport and aviation interests
• Public places, including restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping centres and places of worship

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports, including official messaging from Oman’s Government Communication Centre, and follow the advice of the local authorities, including the Royal Oman Police.

Examples of significant incidents include: 

• in July 2024, 6 people were killed and others injured in a shooting incident in the vicinity of a mosque, in the Wadi Kabir area of Muscat.

Political situation

Developments in the Middle East continue to affect public opinion in Oman. In October 2023, there was a small, peaceful demonstration outside the British Embassy. Further unannounced demonstrations are possible throughout the country. Stay alert and avoid large crowds.

Be aware of local sensitivities on these issues and follow the advice of the Omani authorities, including the Royal Oman Police. Follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.

Crime

Sexual assault

Personal attacks against foreign nationals, including sexual assault and rape, are relatively rare, but happen. Take care when walking or travelling alone, particularly at night. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the UK. See advice for women travelling abroad.

Laws and cultural differences

Oman’s laws and customs are very different to those in the UK and reflect the fact that Oman is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Make sure your actions do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you plan to visit religious areas.

Personal ID

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    

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

Alcohol laws

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.

E-cigarette and vape bans

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

Blood test following arrest

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.

Dress codes

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.

Unmarried couples 

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.

Illegal drugs penalties

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.

Public offences

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.

Pornography

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

Using cameras and binoculars

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.

Drones

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

LGBT+ travellers

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

Financial crimes and unpaid bills

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.

Child custody cases

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

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism     

Swimming safety

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Hiking and mountaineering

When hiking in Oman, be sure to follow marked hiking trails.  

Extreme heat has caused deaths in Oman due to dehydration and heat exhaustion – see advice for travellers affected by extreme heat.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Oman, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive a rental car in Oman for the first 6 weeks after you arrive. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

If you live in Oman or are staying longer than 6 weeks, you must get an Omani licence.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Oman. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.

Reporting traffic accidents

If you are involved in a serious traffic accident and do not need emergency treatment, you must stay with your vehicle and call the Royal Oman Police on 9999.

Serious accidents include those with:

• severe damage to vehicles
• injuries or deaths
• damage to public or private property
• drink-driving or drugs
• one or more drivers without a licence (or with a suspended licence)
• uninsured vehicles
• military or security vehicles

You may not need to call the police after a minor accident, but you must complete a minor road traffic accident form. You must keep a form in your car – you can get one from your insurance company and at a police station. Car rental companies are responsible for keeping forms in their cars.

In a minor accident there is generally:

• limited damage to vehicles
• no injury or death
• no damage to public or private property, apart from vehicles and property belonging to those involved

Rules of the road   

Rules of the road in Oman include:

• all passengers must wear seatbelts
• all children aged 3 and under must use child car seats
• it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving

The Omani authorities strictly enforce traffic laws. There are severe penalties for traffic offences, including fines of up to 3,000 Omani rials or prison sentences of up to 3 years.

Driving conditions

Driving can be dangerous outside Muscat. There is a risk of hitting wandering camels and goats on the road. Rainfall can cause sudden, severe floods in dry riverbeds and on roads that cross them.

The condition of Omani roads is generally good. Driving standards in Oman are not always as disciplined as those in the UK, and the rate of traffic accidents in Oman is significantly higher.

Desert and mountain travel

Road trips to the desert and mountains can be dangerous unless you’re in a well-equipped 4-wheel-drive vehicle. You should always:

• travel in convoy if possible
• take a supply of water
• take a mobile phone or satellite phone
• leave a copy of your travel plans with friends or relatives
• make sure you’re insured for this type of travel

Sea travel

The safety of tourist boats may not be up to UK standards. Make sure life jackets are available for all passengers.

Many areas of the Gulf of Aden are restricted. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected, sometimes resulting in arrests. You should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or visiting ports. Consider how regional tensions may affect your route.

Vessels may be at increased risk of maritime attack, including piracy, in:   

• the Gulf of Oman
• the Northern Arabian Sea
• the Gulf of Aden
• Bab El Mandeb

See piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. The threat assessment of the combined international naval counter-piracy forces is that sailing yachts should not enter the designated high-risk area, due to the risk of hijacking.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Tropical cyclones

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

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.

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.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.