Safety and Security

POTENTIAL FOR TERRORIST ACTIVITY: To date, there have been no terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens or facilities in Oman; however, we remain concerned about the possibility of such attacks in the region. Exercise caution at all times and monitor local news broadcasts and consular messages. Maintain an unpredictable schedule and vary travel routes and times whenever possible. If you have security concerns, contact local authorities and the U.S. Embassy.

According to the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. flag vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el Mandeb regions face an elevated risk of attacks by violent extremists. MARAD recommends U.S. flag vessels report suspicious activity to the COMUSNAVCENT battle watch captain at 011-973-1785-3879 and the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 (toll-free), 202-267-2675, or 202-267-4477 (TDD). See the complete advisory at the MARAD website.

POTENTIAL FOR CIVIL DISTURBANCES: Spontaneous and planned demonstrations occur. Monitor media coverage of local and regional events and avoid public demonstrations.

CRIME: There is minimal street crime in Oman, and violent crime is rare. Take normal safety precautions, such as avoiding travel after dark or in deserted/ unfamiliar areas.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: Report crimes to the local police at 9999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +968 2464-3400. U.S. citizen victims of rape should first contact the U.S. Embassy. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
•  provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.