Local Laws

You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Carry your passport at all times; otherwise, you may be detained.

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible. Omani authorities typically do not permit foreigners accused of crimes to leave the country while legal proceedings are ongoing.

If you are arrested or detained, see our webpage for further information.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:

Alcohol and Drugs: While drinking is permitted in hotels, bars, homes, and some restaurants, you may be arrested if you possess alcohol or drive under the influence (DUI). Penalties for public intoxication, driving under the influence, or possessing, using or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and/or heavy fines.

Personal Defamation charges: If you express frustration verbally or through hand gestures, you may face personal defamation charges. Such confrontations most often occur on Oman's roads or at airports with check-in and security staff. Anyone, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may file a personal defamation charge, and an accusation alone can initiate a legal process.

The number of U.S. citizens charged with personal defamation is on the rise; U.S. citizens normally can resolve these cases with a formal apology and paying damages to the aggrieved party.

Cultural Heritage Items: If you remove “cultural heritage items,” including archaeological artifacts, meteorites, rocks, and stones, you may be prosecuted. Check with Omani authorities before removing anything that may fall into this category.

Regardless of local law, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you:

• engage in sexual conduct with children or use/disseminate child pornography in a foreign country
• buy pirated goods

Notarials: Because Oman and the United States are signatories to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization of Foreign Public Documents, all foreign public documents (Birth, Marriage, Death, Divorce, academic records, etc.) from signatory states need to be apostilled for use in Oman. See the website for the Hague Conference on Private International Law for a list of designated authorities in the U.S. that can issue an apostille. The Attestation Office at the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the designated authority to apostille Omani public documents.

Employment in Oman: U.S. citizens are discouraged from giving their employer their U.S. passport for retention. While somewhat customary, this practice is contrary to Omani law. Such retention could delay your travel or grant undue leverage to your employer in case of a dispute. U.S. passports are the property of the U.S. government.

We cannot intervene in labor disputes. Avoid such disputes by establishing all terms and conditions of employment or sponsorship in the labor contract at the beginning of any employment. Try to resolve disputes privately with your employer. If this fails, the Consular Section can provide a list of lawyers.

Dress Code: Be sensitive to Islamic culture and refrain from wearing sleeveless shirts and blouses, halter-tops, or shorts. Only wear athletic clothing in public when you are obviously engaged in athletic activity. Western bathing attire is the norm at hotel pools and beaches.

Money: The exchange rate is constant to the U.S. dollar. Banks and ATM machines provide money exchanges. There is no black market for U.S. dollars, and no prohibition against exchanging money informally. Omani individuals and businesses may not accept U.S. bills printed before the year 2006.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.

Women Travelers: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT Travelers: According to Section 6 of the Department of State’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013, consensual same-sex sexual conduct is illegal and subject to a jail term of six months to three years. For further information, see our LGBT Travel page.

Persons with Mobility Issues: Accommodations are scarce for disabled persons taking public transportation, and there are few handicapped parking spaces.

Most public buildings in urban centers have wheelchair ramps and elevators. Outside of urban areas, access is greatly reduced. Medical facilities have good access, and you can find professionals with expertise in working with disabled persons in urban centers.

Omanis are generally very hospitable and will try to accommodate any reasonable request for assistance.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.