Destination Guides
Oman

 
ravel - International
 
Air

The national airlines of Oman are Gulf Air (GF) (website: www.gulfairco.com), which it jointly owns with the governments of Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar; and Oman Air (WY) (website: www.oman-air.com).

 
Approximate flight times

From Muscat to London is nine hours (excluding stopover), to Singapore six hours 30 minutes and to Sydney 16 hours.

 
Main airports

Muscat (MCT) (Seeb International), 40km (25 miles) west of the city (travel 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.

 
Departure tax

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

 
Sea

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

 
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.

 
 
 
ravel - Internal
 
Air

Oman Air (WY) runs domestic flights to Salalah and Khasab from Seeb airport; the approximate flight time to Salalah is 90 minutes.

 
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. Seventeen long-distance routes now exist. 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 pick-up trucks converted for passenger service. Taxi: Prices are low compared to 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.