Oman

Singapore passport holders visiting the Sultanate of Oman can stay in the country for tourism purposes for up to 14 days visa-free if they possess the following: (a) confirmed hotel/accommodation reservation and (b) return tickets.

If you are not able to meet the above requirements, you will need to apply for a visa to enter the Sultanate of Oman. For more information, you may refer to https://evisa.rop.gov.om/.

The information here serves only as a guide. As visa requirements can change at short notice, you are advised to contact your travel agent, or the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Singapore, to ensure that you have the latest information for your specific purpose prior to departure.

Road travel: It is a legal requirement to have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent a car and legally drive in Oman. The IDP proves that you hold a valid driver’s licence in Singapore. Anyone applying for a residence visa for Oman may also drive with an International driving licence. However, once the residence visa is issued, Singapore nationals need an Omani driver’s licence. A Singapore driving licence is not deemed valid for insurance purposes if an accident occurs. There is also no conversion of Singaporean driving license into an Omani driving license. As such, Singaporeans need to take a driving test to pass before an Omani license is issued to them. Please visit the Royal Oman Police (ROP) website for details on how this could be done.

Unlike Singapore, road traffic drives on the right. If you are involved in a major road traffic accident you must stay with your vehicle and call the ROP on 9999. If you are involved in a minor accident, it may not be necessary to call the police, but you must follow the procedures set out on the ROP website. You must keep a Minor Road Traffic Accident form in your car. You can get one from the ROP website or from your insurance company. Car rental companies are responsible for keeping forms in their cars.

Driving can be dangerous outside Muscat. It is common for pedestrians to cut across highways instead of using overhead bridges. There is also a risk of hitting wandering camels and goats on the road. Rainfall can cause sudden and severe flooding in dry riverbeds and on roads that cross them.

The Omani authorities strictly enforce traffic laws, and there are strong punishments for traffic offences, including heavy fines or jail sentences of up to three years. You must wear a seat belt when in the front seat of a car, and it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. There is zero tolerance towards drink-driving. Speed limits are clearly posted on major roads. The standard of Omani roads is generally good. However, there are undisciplined drivers, and traffic accidents in Oman are common.

Excursions to the desert and mountains can be dangerous unless you are in an adequately equipped 4x4 vehicle. Always travel in convoy, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone (or satellite phone), and leave a copy of your travel plans with friends or relatives. You should also make sure you are adequately insured.

Local laws reflect the fact that Oman is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions at all times, and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, or if you intend to visit religious areas. Women should dress modestly in public areas. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs.

You should not wear swimming attire in public areas, except on tourist beaches or swimming pools. Women wearing shorts, or tight-fitting clothes, are likely to attract attention.

Reported cases of sexual assault against foreign women are low. However, female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in Singapore.

Hobbies that involve cameras and binoculars like bird watching and plane spotting may be misunderstood - particularly if you are near military sites, government buildings, and airports.

Always carry a copy of your passport, or your Omani ID if you are a resident, for identification, and keep the original document in a safe place.

If you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have unpaid debt or are a child subject to a custody dispute, you may be prevented from leaving the country. You could be fined and/or detained if you overstay or fail to extend your legal residency.

Foreign nationals must pay all traffic fines before leaving the country. If you have not paid fines before you leave you may experience delays or be prevented from leaving the country. You can pay fines at the airport.

Importing drugs and pornography into Oman is illegal and can lead to imprisonment. The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession, of even residual amounts, of drugs are severe. In some cases, the death penalty could apply. There is no distinction in Omani law between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ drugs; both are treated with equal severity.

Licensed hotels and restaurants sell alcohol. If you live in Oman, you can get a licence to drink alcohol at home from the Royal Oman police. It is an offence to drink, or be drunk, in public. The legal age for drinking alcohol is 21.

It is against the law for individuals of different genders who are not married or closely related to live together or share the same hotel room. Avoid physical contact or displays of affection in public.

The laws of Oman prohibit sexual acts between those of the same gender. Those convicted may face the death penalty.

It is illegal to use aggressive, obscene, or abusive language or gestures in public, including on social media. It is also illegal to make offensive remarks about, or insult, Oman, the royal family, the local government, or local officials. Penalties include imprisonment and deportation.

Natural disasters (Tropical storms): While Oman’s climate is generally dry, heavy rains do fall, usually in the winter. Flash floods can cause injuries and deaths. Cyclones from the Indian Ocean do occasionally make landfall in Oman in the summer months. Check local weather forecasts and seek advice about travelling conditions particularly if you are considering any off-road travel or adventure tourism, including to Wadi areas (dry riverbeds).

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 9999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. The heat can be extreme, and deaths have occurred due to dehydration and heat exhaustion. When hiking in Oman, be sure to follow marked hiking trails.

Health: You are encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you will be overseas, and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. The Singapore Government does not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas. Get vaccinated before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers; you may also refer to Travellers Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC) in Tan Tock Seng Hospital for useful information for travellers.

Health care in Oman is generally good, but can vary from region to region. Hospitals and clinics in the larger cities are better equipped. Costs can be expensive, depending on the procedure. For serious illnesses or complex medical procedures, travellers may wish to be medically evacuated to a destination with appropriate facilities.

Malaria is generally considered to be under control in Oman. However, given Oman’s high temperature and humidity that allows mosquitoes to breed, there is a low ongoing risk of malaria. Other insect-borne infections, including dengue fever also occur in Oman. Travellers should be particularly attentive to the risk of mosquito bites on the Musandam Peninsula. Take precautions against insect bites by using insect repellent, wearing long, loose-fitting, light coloured-clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.

The most common health hazard faced by travellers in Oman is dehydration and other problems relating to the high temperatures in summer months. It is advisable for travellers to be aware of the dangers of the sun, and to remain well hydrated. Boil all drinking water or drink bottled water. Avoid ice cubes, raw and undercooked food.

Please refer to MFA’s general travel advice for Singaporeans before you travel overseas.