General Information
 

Capital: Muscat
Time: : GMT + 4.
Tel. Code: 00 968 .
Official Language: : Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by the population from East Africa. German and French are spoken by some hotel staff.
Currency: : Omani Rial (OR) = 1000 baiza. Notes are in denominations of OR50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500, 250, 200 and 100 baiza. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10 and 5 baiza.
Electricity: : 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.
Religion: Predominantly Ibadi Muslim, with Shi’ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and Hindu minorities.

Climate: : The months between May and August are particularly hot. The climate is best from September through to April. Rainfall varies according to the region. During the period June to September there is a light monsoon rain in Salalah.
Required clothing: : Lightweights are worn throughout the year, with a warm wrap for cooler winter evenings. Light rainwear is advisable.

Airports
Muscat (MCT) (Seeb International), 40km (25 miles) west of the city (travel time - 15-30 minutes).
Departure tax: : 5OR for all departures (this has usually already been collected at ticket issuance). Children under two years old are exempt.

Internal Travel
Air and Road are the modes of transportation used within Oman

Passport/Visa

Passport:
Passport valid for at least 6 months required by all except the following:

• Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates holding national identity cards.

• Holders of Macau (SAR) Travel Permit

Visas :
Required by all except nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council States.

(a) 1. Nationals of the following countries may apply for a visa (at a cost of 6OR for single-entry visas and 10OR for multiple-entry visas) on arrival at Oman Seeb International Airport for a maximum stay of 14 days: Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalem, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Ecuador, EU nationals (except Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta and Slovenia), French Guiana, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Korea (Rep), Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Surinam, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, USA, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Note:

• Any visitor arriving in Oman without a tourist or a sponsored visa will be refused entry. Visitors are not allowed to enter Oman by road unless their visa states such validity and a designated point of entry. A sponsored visa is obtainable from the Royal Oman Police Immigration Department.

• Travellers who have resided in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for at least 1 year and who hold a valid residence permit and labour card may obtain a tourist visa on arrival, provided they meet certain conditions regarding professional status. Contact Embassy/Consulate for further details.

• For minors (under 18 years) travelling unaccompanied, a consent letter is required from one of their parents.