Trip Planner

Oman

Country Overview

Country Overview

All the facts you need to know about the country itself.

Full Country Name: Sultanate of Oman
Area: 309,500 sq km
Population: 4.7 million (UN 2015)
Capital: Muscat
Borders: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Religion: Predominantly Muslim, including Shi’ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and facilities for the worship of other religions
Time Zone: Standard time is four hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. Swahili is also spoken by Omani descendents from East Africa. German and French are spoken by some hotel staff while Urdu, Farsi, Hindi and Tagalog are widely spoken by Oman’s large expatriate workforce.
Country Dialling Code: +968
When to Travel
When to Travel

There is no right time to travel to Oman, just the right time for you!
CLIMATE
Oman’s climate is mainly hot and dry, particularly in the scorching barren interior where summer temperatures can soar to 54°C.

On the coast humidity can be high during the summer months.

Milder temperatures and a more temperate climate are found in the southern Dhofar region, which experiences heavy monsoon rains between June and September each year.
Visa Information
Visa Information

Here is the “need to know” information about visas for Oman.
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO Oman

At the time of writing, a visa for Oman, is required for Australian Passport Holders. The visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport.

You can also apply online for an E-Visa.

To complete the electronic visa application, the following steps must be followed:

– Go to https://evisa.rop.gov.om
– Click register as user
– Login with username (e-mail) & password
– Apply for visa
– Payment (20 Omani rials)

WHAT IS THE COST OF A OMAN VISA?
- Single Entry Visa: Oman Tourist Visa charge on arrival is OMR 20, approximately USD 53 per person on an Australian Passport (subject to change).
Money Matters
Money Matters

What you need to know about your finances for your holiday in Oman.
CURRENCY
The unit of currency in Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR), which is made up of 1,000 baisa.
YOU SHOULD KNOW...
- Full banking services are available in all the main cities and towns although a commission is normally charged.
Electricity
Electricity

Although electricity in Africa is a lot more reliable than it used to be, here’s what you need to be aware of.
VOLTAGE & FREQUENCY
In Oman the general voltage is 220-240 and the frequency is 50 Hz.
Top Tips
- As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended.
- Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown. It is useful to carry a torch
Recommended Reading
Recommended Reading

Here are our recommendations to thumb through either before you leave for your trip to Oman, or whilst on holiday.
The Sultan’s Shadow: Christiane Bird

Oman, Under Arabian Skies: Rory Patrick Allen
Tipping

Tipping

Tipping is a delicate and sensitive issue and many people ask us for tipping guidelines, here is all the information you should require.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is usually considered customary in Africa although not as widespread as the United States or Europe. It is always at your discretion. If you feel that someone has gone the extra mile to make your stay more enjoyable, a tip would be considered a nice way of saying thank you.

To help you budget for your trip, the following is given as a guideline only (shown in US Dollars):

Driver (per person per full day): $5.00
Guide (per person per full day): $10.00
Camp Staff (per person per full day): $5.00
Hotel Porter (per bag): $1.00
Restaurant (per person per meal): $1.00
A la Carte dining: 10% of the bill
Useful Numbers

Useful Numbers

Here are some numbers you might need.

Consulate General of the Sultanate of Oman

Suite 2, Level 4, 493 St. Kilda Road Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9820 4096

Australian Embassy, Saudi Arabia

Abdullah bin Hozafa Al-Sahimi Avenue Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
Tel: +966 1 488 7788

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Oman so we suggest you contact the Australia Embassy in Saudi Arabia.
Further Information

Further Information

Here is a little more information that we think you will find useful to know if you are travelling to Oman.

CUSTOMS & BELIEFS

Oman is a predominantly Muslim country and visitors should respect religious sensitivity, particularly in the matter of dress and public conduct. Women, in particular, should wear appropriate clothing. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Alcohol is available only at licensed hotels and restaurants.
Oman Travel Advisory

Oman Travel Advisory

Before travelling we recommend visiting the Smart Traveller website for the most up to date travel advice.

Smart Traveller advice on travel to Oman from Australia. Here you can find Oman’s most up to date COVID-19 health screening requirements for entry, exit and transit, which may include recent COVID-19 test results and/or vaccination requirements.

Subsequently we advise you to subscribe to Smartraveller for updates to stay informed if something changes.
COVID-19 Advisory

COVID-19 Advisory

Before booking your travel from Australia we recommend visiting the Smart Traveller website for the most up to date Global Health and Travel Advisory for Australians who are planning to travel internationally.

Smart Traveller’s Global Covid-19 Health and Travel Advisory.

Subsequently we advise you to subscribe to Smartraveller for updates to stay informed if something changes.

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Trip Planner

Oman

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2023/24 Brochure

Trip Planner

Oman

Country Overview

When to Travel

CLIMATE

Visa Information

DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO Oman

WHAT IS THE COST OF A OMAN VISA?

Money Matters

CURRENCY

YOU SHOULD KNOW...

Electricity

VOLTAGE & FREQUENCY

Top Tips

Recommended Reading

Tipping

Tipping Guidelines

Useful Numbers

Consulate General of the Sultanate of Oman

Australian Embassy, Saudi Arabia

Further Information

CUSTOMS & BELIEFS

Oman Travel Advisory

COVID-19 Advisory