Oman

Up until just 20 or so years ago the Sultanate of Oman, the second largest country in Arabia, was secretive and reclusive, its people kept from the modern world by on oppressive ruler to the point that the gates of the capital city Muscat were closed from dusk to dawn. The surly Sultan, however, was overthrown by his British-educated son in 1970, and since then Oman has been gradually gaining confidence and wealth, catching up with the times and welcoming expatriate workers and tourists alike at Seeb International Airport.

Oman occupies the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It's topography is varied and dramatic, with rocky mountains and deep water inlets in the north, rolling dunes and salt flats in the central interior, verdant green hills in the southern Dhofar province, and a coastline stretching thousands of miles with magnificent beaches and cosy coves.

Sultan Qaboos bin Said has realised that tourism is an integral part of his modernisation programme, but thus far it is the wealthy who are being urged to bring their holiday funds to spend in Oman. Sightseeing and activities are mainly restricted to Muscat and the southern town of Salalah, famed for its seafood, frankincense trees and the ruins of the palace of the Queen of Sheba. Accommodation is offered mainly in luxury resort hotels.

Making responsible use of oil revenue, Muscat has taken on the veneer of a prosperous modern Arab city without losing its old world charm and heritage. It features forts, palaces and other historic sites of interest to visitors, as well as an exciting traditional souq(bazaar) and some stunning long sandy beaches like Qurum, Bandar Al-Jissah and Yeti.

Climate

Oman's climate is mainly hot and dry, particularly in the scorching barren interior where summer temperatures can soar to 130°F (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. In general the rest of the country experiences low and irregular rainfall. The best time to visit Oman is from late September to early April, when daytime temperatures are not too scorching.

Money

The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR) divided into 1,000 baisa. Notes come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 rials, and 500, 250, 200 and 100 baiza. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaux, hotels and at the airport. Outside banking hours, moneychangers operate between 4pm and 7pm in the evenings and at weekends. US Dollars are recommended. American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are readily accepted in large shops and hotels and by an increasing number of traders in the souq. Most banks in cities and towns have ATMs.

Passport Visa

All visitors (except those with Gulf Co-Operation Council passports) require a visa to enter Oman. Visas can be obtained on arrival. All visitors require a passport with spare pages valid for six months (or a year for a multiple entry visa), onward or return tickets and all documents needed for the next destination. Gulf States nationals need only their National Identity Card for entry. Visitors with visas for Dubai and Qatar do not need a visa for Oman.

Entry Requirements

• A passport valid for six months is required. A one-month tourist visa or three-week business visa is obtainable on arrival for a fee of OMR 20 (OMR 50 for business visas). Extensions of up to one further month are possible for tourist visas.
• A passport valid for six months is required. A one-month tourist visa or three-week business visa is obtainable on arrival for a fee of OMR 20 (OMR 50 for business visas). Extensions of up to one further month are possible for tourist visas.
• A passport valid for six months is required. A one-month tourist visa or three-week business visa is obtainable on arrival for a fee of OMR 20 (OMR 50 for business visas). Extensions of up to one further month are possible for tourist visas.
• A passport valid for six months is required. A one-month tourist visa or three-week business visa is obtainable on arrival for a fee of OMR 20 (OMR 50 for business visas). Extensions of up to one further month are possible for tourist visas.
• A passport valid for six months is required. A one-month tourist visa or three-week business visa is obtainable on arrival for a fee of OMR 20 (OMR 50 for business visas). Extensions of up to one further month are possible for tourist visas.
• A passport valid for six months is required. A one-month tourist visa or three-week business visa is obtainable on arrival for a fee of OMR 20 (OMR 50 for business visas). Extensions of up to one further month are possible for tourist visas.
• A passport valid for six months is required. A one-month tourist visa or three-week business visa is obtainable on arrival for a fee of OMR 20 (OMR 50 for business visas). Extensions of up to one further month are possible for tourist visas.

Health

No vaccinations are required for entry to Oman, except for yellow fever for those entering within six days of having been in an infected area. Visitors should ensure they are up to date on all routine vaccinations. Avoid mosquito bites, as dengue fever may be a risk, and there is a small risk of malaria in remote areas. Brucellosis is reported, particularly in the south of the country. Health and medical services in the country, particularly Muscat, are of a high standard, but are expensive for foreigners (Oman nationals receive free treatment), so health insurance is recommended. Food and water in Muscat is considered safe, but bottled water and precautions with unpasteurised milk are advised outside of the city.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 387 1980.
• Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7225 0001, +44 (1)71 225 0001.
• Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, Tokyo, Japan (also responsible for Australia and New Zealand): +81 (0)3 5468 1088.
• Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346 4429.
• Consulate of the Sultanate of Oman, Auckland: +64 (0)9 921 8800.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Muscat: +968 246 43400.
• British Embassy, Muscat: +968 246 09000.
• Canadian Consulate, Muscat: +968 24 788 890.
• Australian Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabi: +966 (0)1 488 7788.
• South African Embassy, Muscat: +968 2469 4791.
• Irish Honorary Consul, Riyadh (also responsible for Oman): +968 24 701 282.
• New Zealand Consulate, Riyadh (also responsible for Oman: +966 1 488 7988.