Oman

See the Sultanate's tourism web site and the Department of State Fact Sheet on Oman.

Transportation

Road Conditions: Road conditions, lighting, and traffic safety in cities and on major highways are good. The condition of rural roads varies from good to poor. Travel between cities, especially at night, may be dangerous due to poor or no lighting, wandering livestock, and speeding drivers.

Public Transportation: Public transportation is generally safe. Taxis, mini vans, and small buses may swerve to the side of the road to pick up passengers with little notice or regard for other vehicles.

Traffic Laws: Traffic laws are strictly enforced and carry heavy penalties. For example, if you run a red light, you face a mandatory 48-hour detention period and confiscation of your driver's license, vehicle registration, and car registration plate until the judiciary concludes its process. Other common traffic violations that carry strict penalties, including jail sentences, fines, and/or deportation, are:

• driving without a license
• driving under the influence of alcohol
• failure to wear a seat belt
• talking on cellular telephones (other than using hands-free technology) while driving
• excessive speeding
• overtaking another vehicle
• failing to keep the car clean

In the event of a traffic violation, cooperate with police officers and do not attempt to pay or negotiate payment when you are stopped. If involved in an accident, do not move your vehicle until the police give you permission. Moving your car may be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

For minor traffic accidents with no injuries, death, or material damage to vehicles, move your vehicle immediately to the side of the road.

For further information on minor traffic accidents, see that section on the Royal Oman Police website.

Traffic circles are common. The driver already in the circle always has priority.

Drivers flashing high beams are signaling that they want to pass.

Do not turn right on a red traffic signal.

You must have a driver’s license to drive. Short-term visitors with a U.S. driver’s license may drive rental vehicles, but not privately registered cars. Residents must have an Omani driver's license. To obtain an Omani license, you must have a U.S. license that has been valid at least one year or take a driving test. You will also have to take a vision test.

Be sure to adequately insure rental cars against death, injury, and loss or damage. Residents may insure their vehicles outside the Sultanate; however, third party liability insurance must be purchased locally.

Emergency Services: Ambulance service is generally adequate with varying response times and operates throughout most of the country. It is recommended that you go to the nearest hospital or clinic yourself, when possible. For all traffic-related emergencies, call the Royal Oman Police at "9999."

While English-speaking operators are usually available, have a native Arabic speaker call when giving detailed directions to a location.

For further information see:

• our Road Safety page
• Oman's national tourist office website
• the Royal Oman Police website

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Oman, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. See the FAA’s safety assessment page for further information.

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.