How to plan an OMAN VACATION

Heading to Oman? We share tips on how to plan an Oman vacation, including things to do in Oman and Oman travel tips. 

Travelling is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. It allows us to explore new countries, meet new people and experience different cultures.

But there are also many things that you need to do before embarking on a trip abroad, which may come stressful to some.

This is your ultimate guide to preparing for a trip to Oman. From the documents needed, to what to pack in your suitcase – we have it all!

Climate in Oman

Oman is a fascinating country located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Western Asia. Oman offers tourists everything from traditional culture to world-class beaches and resorts.

But what about its climate and the best time to visit? Oman has one of the hottest climates in the world, with temperatures averaging 30 to even 40 degrees Celsius in the northern parts of the country.

Some areas located throughout the country’s coastline may endure even higher temperatures going up to 54 degrees Celsius from May to September.

That is why it’s important to choose the time of your visit wisely, taking into consideration the particular area you’ll be staying in and its variation in climate.

Protection from the Sun

Make sure to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays while in Oman. Sunscreen is a must, but it’s not the only way to stay safe in the sun. Double-check if you have any head covering packed, e.g., a hat or a scarf.

Always take care of staying hydrated and cool yourself down by taking a swim whenever possible!

Documents for Oman

Which documents are needed to enter Oman? This depends on a few factors, such as your nationality, the intended length of the stay, or the current Covid-19 situation.

Visa: We can divide Oman’s visa policy into three main categories:

GCC countries: Citizens of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) have a Freedom of Movement agreement and can visit Oman without a visa on hand.

Visa-free stay for 14 days: Citizens of all European Union countries, as well as citizens of 75 other countries, can visit Oman on a visa-free basis provided that their stay won’t exceed 14 days.

eVisa for 30-day stays: Citizens of the EU countries plus 45 additional destinations that wish to visit Oman for more than 14 days (up to 30 days at a time) should apply for their Oman visa online.

TIP! The Oman visa application should be submitted at least 3 business days ahead of the planned arrival to receive the approved document via email on time.

Entry Requirements

There are a few additional documents to prepare before entering Oman that is obligatory due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

You may need:

• proof of vaccination
• a negative PCR test
• a confirmation of completing the Oman Traveler Registration Form.

Booking a flight to Oman

Book your flight to Oman at least 7 days ahead of the planned departure and make sure to compare the prices before booking anything.

Keep in mind that the high season in Oman lasts from November till January, which may result in a few percent increase in the flight prices.

Currency

The official currency of Oman is the Omani Rial. The Rial is divided into 1000 baisa, and notes come in various different denominations. Coins are available in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50.

1 Omani Rial currently amounts to 2,60 USD.

If you’re traveling to Oman, it’s helpful to know a little bit about the currency beforehand so you can be prepared when exchanging money or shopping.

What to pack for an Oman vacation?

Packing for a trip to Oman may seem confusing and stressful but this will actually be the most pleasant part of your preparations.

First, make sure that you have all of the required documents ready. Prepare a separate file for the needed documents that may be checked upon departure and arrival in Oman. They must be easily accessible.

Once that’s checked off the list, you can get onto packing your clothes. As was already mentioned, Oman has one of the hottest climates in the whole world. That is why no matter which clothes you plan on taking with you, make sure that they are made of natural and breathable materials.

It’s best to also take into consideration the Omani culture and be respectful of it with your clothing, especially when exploring mosques or other religiously important places.

TIP! Pack a scarf or two and keep it with you while exploring Oman to be able to cover up whenever necessary.

Long loose skirts/dresses will do just fine to go around Oman without catching any attention.

If you plan on exploring Oman more, make sure to also pack a pair of comfortable breathable shoes!

Things to do in Oman

Oman is a country in the Middle East that is full of natural and cultural attractions. From its beautiful coastline to its impressive mountains, there are plenty of places to explore in Oman. In addition, the country has a rich history and culture that visitors can discover.

Creating an itinerary depends on how much time you have to spend in Oman and what type of trip you plan on taking.

There is something for everyone whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, an exciting underwater adventure, hiking, history learning, or immersing in the Omani culture.

If you want to see as much as possible, plan ahead. Research the area you specifically want to explore and check which attractions are not to miss or which ones appeal most to you.