Destination Guides
Oman

 
etting There
 
Getting There by Air

The national airlines of Oman are Gulf Air (GF) (website: www.gulfairco.com), and Oman Air (WY) (website: www.oman-air.com).

 
Departure Tax

OMR5 for all departures (this has usually already been collected at ticket issuance). Children under two years old are exempt.

 
Main Airports

Muscat (MCT) (Seeb International), 40km (25 miles) west of the city (journey time – 15 to 30 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis and buses to the city are available. Facilities: Bank/bureau de change, duty-free shops, bar and light refreshments, restaurants and tourist information as well as post office and car hire.

 
Getting There by Water

Main ports: Salalah (website: www.salalahport.com) and Sultan Qaboos. Traffic is mainly commercial.

 
Getting There by Road

Travel into Oman by land is only possible with prior Government permission. The best route is the north–south road from Muscat to Salalah, a journey of some 10 to 12 hours. Road travel through Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is extremely limited. There is no access from Yemen. The import (even temporary) of right-hand vehicles is not allowed.

 
 
 
etting Around
 
Getting Around By Air

Oman Air (WY) runs domestic flights to Salalah and Khasab from Seeb airport; the approximate flight time to Salalah is 1 hour 30 minutes.

 
Getting Around by Road

Traffic drives on the right. Principal routes run from east to west, connecting Muscat to Sohor, and from north to south. There are good roads in Muscat and between Muscat and other major towns in Oman. Driving at night can be dangerous because of the risk of hitting camels that stray on the roads outside Muscat. Whilst driving at night it is advised to keep doors locked and windows closed.

Bus: The state-owned Oman National Transport Company has been developing a network of services in Muscat and north Oman using modern, air-conditioned vehicles. There are daily departures from Ruwi (Muscat) to Nizwa, Bahla, Ibri, Dhank, Yanqui, Ibra, Sohar, Shinas, Buraimi, Fahud, Dubai, Abudhabi and Salalah. There is competition from taxis and pickup trucks converted for passenger service.

Taxi: Prices are low compared to Western Europe and other Gulf countries. Fares should be agreed in advance. Shared taxis are also available.

Car hire: Available from international firms which have offices at hotels throughout the country.

Regulations: Traffic laws are strictly imposed. Heavy penalties are imposed for drinking and driving; 48-hour prison sentences are imposed if traffic offences are caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. Seat belts should be worn at all times. On-the-spot fines are imposed if caught using a mobile phone whilst driving. It is also forbidden to drive on the beaches.

Documentation: A local licence must be obtained from the police by presenting a national driving licence or International Driving Permit. Police passes may be required if travelling via the United Arab Emirates.