Travel to Sultanate of Oman

Overview

Sultanate of Oman

Travel alert (FCO - last updated 4 January 2012):
Travellers are advised against all but essential travel by sea in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and part of the Indian Ocean, bounded by the following latitude and longitude: 15°N in the Red Sea, 23°N in the Arabian Sea, 78°E and 15°S in the Indian Ocean.

The well-kept secret of the Arabian Peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman is comprised of villages and mountain fortresses, palm groves (which grow at altitude), nomad camps within sand valleys, cities and towns, palaces and hotels. You would think that it had come straight out of a fairytale. Even though the country has Dubai for a neighbour, it has managed not to cover the land in skyscrapers, for the time being. On the tranquil beaches, tourists will be able to observe sea turtles, if it's the right season, digging in the sand and laying their eggs on the same beach where they were born.

An authentic, well-preserved destination.
Omanese people's sense of hospitality.
The luxury hotels are amazing.
A place where the desert, the mountains and the sea meet.
Absolutely no insecurity.
The country is ideal for 4x4 self-drive tours.
The cultural wealth and numerous forts.

cons

Distances are long from one site to another.
It is not a good idea to go in the summer, when it is far too hot.

Country Guide

Oman, All you need to know!

Our Editorial team's advice

Taking pictures in the cities is not a problem, as long as you don't aim the lens directly at people (men or women). In the villages, you must be even more discreet and avoid taking pictures of street activity, just stick to landscapes and monuments.
When visiting public places, wear decent clothing: women must avoid wearing short skirts and revealing cleavage. You should also refrain from kissing on the mouth in public (in Muscat, some visitors got into trouble with the police who judged their behaviour disrespectful and gave them a fine).