Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu

Oman is a middle-income economy in the Middle East with notable oil and gas resources, a substantial trade surplus, and low inflation. With a population of 2.5 million, Oman has seen rapid economic and social development in the past three decades. The economy is largely dependent on the production and export of oil and, increasingly, natural gas.

Royal Omani Armed Forces: Royal Army of Oman, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Sultanat Oman, RAFO)

A valid passport and visa are required for entry into Oman.  Omani embassies and consulates issue multiple-entry tourist and/or business visas valid for up to two years.  Omani immigration officials at the port of entry determine the length of stay in Oman, which varies according to the purpose of travel.  Alternatively, U.S. citizens may obtain a 30-day visa by presenting their U.S. passports on arrival at all Oman land, sea, and air entry points.  Note: The validity period of the applicant's passport should not be less than six months.  Adequate funds and proof of an onward/return ticket, though not required, are strongly recommended.  The fee is Rials Omani 6.00 (approximately USD 16.00).  This visa can be extended for an extra 30 days only; a completed extension application form and the fee of Rials Omani 6.00 (USD 16.00) should be submitted to the Directorate General of Passports and Residence or to its branches at regional Royal Omani Police offices.  Other categories of short-term visit/business/work contract visas are available, but these must be arranged in advance through an Omani sponsor.  To obtain a visa or for details on entry and travel requirements, please contact the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, 2535 Belmont Road NW, Washington, DC  20008, telephone (202) 387-1980/2.  Evidence of yellow fever immunization is required if the traveler enters from an infected area.  Visit the Embassy of Oman web site  for the most current visa information.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Forbidden items:  The Sultanate prohibits pornographic materials and firearms from entering Oman.  Local law limits each traveler to two bottles of alcohol.  Items subject to confiscation at the airport due to content considered culturally inappropriate include, but are not limited to, compact discs, digital video discs, and video and audiocassettes.  Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.

Airports: 137, Airports w/paved runways: 6

Muscat International Airport (MCT/OOMS)Muscat Airport, Oman, PO Box 1, Seeb Airport, Muscat CPO 111, OMANTel: +968 (0)519210, +968 (0)519310Fax: +968 (0)510122, +968 (0)510707Customs, hours: 24 hoursTel: +968 (0)519528Fax: +968 (0)510163

There have been no instances in which US citizens or facilities in Oman have been subject to terrorist attacks. However, the Dept of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against US citizens and interests throughout the region. American citizens in Oman are urged to maintain a high level of security awareness. The State Dept suggests that all Americans in Oman maintain an unpredictable schedule and vary travel routes whenever possible. Americans are also urged to treat mail or packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. The incidence of street crime is low in Oman; violent crime is rare by US standards, but can occur. Common sense and caution are always the best methods for crime prevention.

Infant MR total: 18.89 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: TOTAL 73.37 years (male 71.14/female 75.72)

Required: NoneRecommended: Hep A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, boosters: tetanus-diptheria, measles and polio as needed

The Sultanate of Oman, a land of great natural beauty on the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula, has a long and proud heritage. With a population of 2.6 million, Oman has seen rapid economic and social development in the past three decades. A monarchy governed by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the country does not have political parties or a legislature, although a bicameral representative body (the lower house of which is directly elected) provides the government with advice and reviews draft legislation. While Oman is traditionally Islamic and Islam is the state religion, Omanis have for centuries lived with people of other faiths. Non-Muslims are free to worship at churches and temples built on land donated by the Sultan. The economy is largely dependent on the production and export of oil and natural gas, but is becoming increasingly more diversified. Excellent tourist facilities are available in the major cities of Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, and Nizwa and can increasingly be found elsewhere in the country. Travelers may wish to visit the Sultanate’s tourism web site at http://www.omantourism.gov.om/ for more information. Travelers may also wish to read the Department of State Background Notes on Oman for additional information.

The US Embassy is located on Jamiat A’Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair Area (Shatti Al-Qurum), in Muscat. The mailing address is: PO Box 202, Medinat Al Sultan Qaboos 115, Sultanate of Oman, tel: (968) 24-643-400, fax: (968) 24-643-535. The Embassy’s Consular e-mail address is ConsularMuscat@state.gov and the web site is http://oman.usembassy.gov.

In Oman, the risk of malaria is in the Musandam Province only; because the risk is very limited, no antimalarial drug is needed in this area.

Travelers’ diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout the Middle East and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting (E. coli, Salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage (hepatitis).

There are a number of modern medical facilities in Oman. Local medical treatment varies from quite good to inadequate, depending in large part on location. Many Western pharmaceuticals can be found in Oman. Hospital emergency treatment is available. Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services.

Country Code: +968 
Internet Code: .om