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Is Oman Safe to Visit in 2026?

Generally Safe

Generally Safe. Welcoming. Stunning landscapes. More authentic than UAE. Conservative but hospitable. Warnely's safety assessment for Oman is Low Risk (19/100). Last updated 10 May 2026

19 / 100

Low Risk
Reviewed Apr 2026 · how we score

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What Warnely Is Tracking

Real-time incidents pulled from the Warnely pipeline. The dashboard renders a richer feed.

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Official Travel Advisories

UK FCDO

See travel advice

Check current FCDO advice for latest information.

View full advisory →

US State Department

Exercise Normal Precautions

Check State Dept for current advisory level.

View full advisory →

Risk Breakdown

This is the static baseline rating across six dimensions. The Warnely dashboard adds a live 30-day signal alongside.

Crime1/5

Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment.

Natural Disasters2/5

Check local conditions.

Health2/5

Consult travel clinic before departure.

Terrorism1/5

Check current advisories.

Civil Unrest1/5

Monitor local situation.

Infrastructure2/5

Check transport options.

Quick Facts

Plug type	G
Voltage	240V/50Hz
Time zone	UTC+4
Driving side	Right
Tap water	Safe

Essential Phrases Arabic (Modern Standard)

Hello	مرحبا MAR-hah-bah (or As-salāmu ʿalaikum for Muslim greeting)
Thank you	شكراً SHOOK-rahn
Yes / No	نعم / لا NAH-am / LAH
Sorry / Excuse me	آسف (m) / آسفة (f) AH-sif (m) / AH-si-fah (f)
Help!	النجدة! an-NAJ-dah

Visa & Entry

Type	eVisa (apply online)
Length	10/30 days
Cost	OMR 5/20 (~$13/52)
Apply	Official portal →

eVisa: 10 days $13, 30 days $52. Apply online; approval typically 24-72h.

Verify on IATA Travel Centre →

Summary: e-Visa for most nationalities.

Passport: Valid 6+ months.

Customs: Alcohol: 2L permitted on arrival (keep receipt). No pork.

Prohibited: Drones require permit. No alcohol outside licensed hotels. Public displays of affection can offend. Drug laws extremely strict – death penalty possible.

Practical Tips

Oman is the safest and most welcoming country in the Gulf – understated compared to Dubai
Rent a 4x4 for Wadi Shab, Wahiba Sands, and Jebel Akhdar – worth the expense
Modest dress required – shoulders/knees covered especially outside Muscat hotels
Friday mornings everything closes – plan around prayer
Frankincense trail from Salalah is historically evocative

Common Scams & Practical Risks

Taxi overcharging: Use ride-hailing apps or agree on price before riding.
Carpet/souvenir pressure sales: Politely decline high-pressure sales tactics.
Fake guides: Use only officially licensed guides.

Solo & Women’s Safety

Solo Travellers

Solo travel possible but cultural awareness important.

Women’s Safety Exercise Caution

Conservative society. Dress modestly. Women generally safe but cultural norms differ from Western countries.

LGBTQ+ Travellers

Legal status	Criminalised
Social climate	Hostile

Up to 3yrs prison. No visible scene; PDA dangerous.

Verify current law on Equaldex →

Drug Laws

Severity	Severe (long sentences)
Cannabis	Severe penalties

Possession 6 months–3yrs + deportation. Death penalty on books for trafficking. Less hostile day-to-day than other Gulf states but enforcement still severe.

Verify on UK FCDO →

Emergency Numbers

police

9999

ambulance

9999

fire

9999

tourist

112

Data version v2 · Reviewed Apr 2026 · methodology · Found something out of date? Tell us.

Common questions about Oman

Is Oman safe for tourists in 2026?

Welcoming. Stunning landscapes. More authentic than UAE. Conservative but hospitable. Warnely's overall safety assessment for Oman is Low Risk (19/100), generally safe. Always check the latest UK FCDO and US State Department advisories before booking.

What's the crime risk in Oman?

Check FCDO/State Dept for current assessment. Crime category score: 1/5 (low).

Are there health risks travelling to Oman?

Consult travel clinic before departure. Health category score: 2/5. Consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for recommended vaccinations.

Is Oman safe for solo female travellers?

Exercise Caution. Conservative society. Dress modestly. Women generally safe but cultural norms differ from Western countries.

When is the best time to visit Oman?

Mild Winter (Nov-Mar). Pleasant (18-28°C), ideal for desert camping, Muscat sightseeing, wadis. Peak tourist season.

What are the drug laws in Oman?

Drug penalties: Severe (long sentences). Cannabis: Severe penalties. Possession 6 months–3yrs + deportation. Death penalty on books for trafficking. Less hostile day-to-day than other Gulf states but enforcement still severe.

Do I need a visa to visit Oman?

eVisa (apply online). Stay length: 10/30 days. eVisa: 10 days $13, 30 days $52. Apply online; approval typically 24-72h.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Oman?

Tap water in Oman is generally safe to drink. Most travellers should stick to bottled or filtered water for cooking, drinking and ice.

What do governments say about travel to Oman?

UK FCDO: See travel advice. US State Dept: Exercise Normal Precautions. Read the full advisories on the relevant government sites – links are inside the Official Travel Advisories section above.