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.