{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1710875595,"date":"2024-03-19 15:13:15"}},"data":{"country-iso":"OM","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Editorial change","eng":{"name":"Oman","url-slug":"oman","geo-group":"Middle East","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 13, 2024 15:12 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)","recent-updates":"Health \u2013 editorial update","advisories":"
Exercise a high degree of caution<\/a> in Oman due to the potential for violent demonstrations and the threat of terrorism.<\/p><\/div> Avoid non-essential travel<\/a> to the area within 10 km of the border with Yemen, due to the ongoing conflict in that country.<\/p><\/div>","security":" Avoid approaching the Yemeni border due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Crossing the Yemen–Oman border can be difficult and very dangerous. Houthi militias and other forces operating in Yemen do not normally engage in cross-border exercises. However, you should be extremely cautious near the border due to the potential spillover of violence.<\/p> There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include:<\/p> Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.<\/p> The crime rate is low and violence is rare. Robbery and auto theft occur. Do not show signs of affluence, and ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.<\/p> Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.<\/p> Mass gatherings (large-scale events)<\/a><\/p> Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.<\/p> Women have been detained when reporting sexual assault, as they must prove that the sex was not consensual to avoid being charged. Oman’s laws criminalize extramarital sex.<\/p> Advice for women travellers<\/a><\/p> Roads conditions in Oman are generally good. Exercise caution when driving in rural areas, especially after dark, because of roaming animals, insufficient lighting, speeding drivers and limited visibility.<\/p> Rainfall can cause significant flooding on roads, particularly during the rainy season.<\/p> Off-road driving can be hazardous. If engaging in off-road driving:<\/p> Cell phones may have limited or no service in remote areas, which can become especially dangerous if you experience vehicle problems while driving in desert areas.<\/p> Taxis are generally safe.<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p> Exercise caution if travelling by sea, including for recreational purposes, in the Gulf of Oman and the Northern Arabian Sea regions due to an increased risk of maritime attack.<\/p> Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and, in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.<\/p> Live piracy report<\/a> - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre<\/p> Only undertake adventure sports, such as zip-lining and rock climbing, with a well-established and reputable company that has insurance.<\/p> Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. If you have any doubt concerning the safety of the installation or equipment, refrain from using them. Ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance.<\/p> If engaging in adventure tourism:<\/p> Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from Omani authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> The Government of Canada can’t facilitate your entry into or exit from Oman.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.<\/p> Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry to Oman.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> The Omani authorities may deny you entry if your passport shows an X in the “sex” field or if it includes an observation to that effect.<\/p> Tourism visa: not required for stays up to 14 days You can obtain and pay for a visa upon arrival at Muscat International Airport. You can also apply for an e-visa before you travel through the Royal Oman Police portal.<\/p> Omani employers must obtain a work visa and a single-entry for you, either before or after you arrive. Omani employers often insist on retaining foreign employees’ passports as a condition of employment. This practice is illegal. Do not agree to this, as it could restrict your ability to travel and provide leverage to the employer in disputes.<\/p> Canadians have been denied entry into Oman because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp, or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate the traveler has been in Israel.<\/p> Some areas of the country are considered of strategic importance and cannot be visited without authorization from Omani authorities.<\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p> Learn more about travelling with children<\/a>.<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. <\/p> There is a risk of hepatitis A<\/a> in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Practise safe food and water precautions<\/a> and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. <\/p><\/details> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> Malaria <\/a>is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. If you develop symptoms<\/a> similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. <\/p><\/details> Yellow fever<\/a> <\/span>is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a> Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a> If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). <\/p><\/details> Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.<\/p>\n <\/p> Typhoid<\/a> <\/span>is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.<\/p>\n Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. <\/p><\/details> Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:<\/p>\n To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention<\/a> page.<\/p>\n Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.<\/p> There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya<\/a> is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.<\/p>\n Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.<\/p><\/details> Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever<\/a> is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin. In some cases, it can be fatal. It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock. There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.<\/p><\/details> Some infections, such as rabies<\/a> and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.<\/p>\n Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.<\/p>\n Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.<\/p>\n <\/p> Cases of locally-acquired <\/span>Middle East respiratory syndrome<\/a> (MERS) have been reported in this country.<\/p>\n MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).<\/p>\n Some people infected with MERS-CoV experience no symptoms, while others may experience mild flu-like or more severe pneumonia-like symptoms. About one-third of reported<\/span> cases have <\/span>resulted<\/span> in death.<\/p>\n Eat and drink safely<\/a>,<\/strong> <\/span>and <\/span><\/strong>avoid close contact with animals, especially camels. If you must visit a farm or market, make sure you practise good hygiene and wash your hands<\/a> before and after contact with animals.<\/p>\n There is currently no licensed vaccine to protect against MERS.<\/p><\/details> Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette<\/a>, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu<\/a> and other illnesses by:<\/p>\n Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a>, HIV<\/a>, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority<\/a> pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. <\/p> Modern medical care is available in main cities but could be inadequate in remote areas. Immediate cash payment is often required.<\/p> Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.<\/p> Travel health and safety<\/a><\/p> The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.<\/p>\n Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a <\/span>travel health kit<\/a>, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.<\/p>","laws-culture":" You must abide by local laws.<\/p> Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad<\/a>.<\/p> Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines. The death penalty could apply.<\/p> Respect restrictions concerning the consumption of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol outside licensed hotels. Public intoxication is an offence.<\/p> Drugs, alcohol and travel<\/a><\/p> Prescription or over-the-counter drugs that are legal in Canada, such as those containing codeine, may be restricted in Oman. Possession of such drugs could lead to a jail sentence. Carry your original prescription and keep prescription medications in their original container.<\/p> You should carry an international driving permit.<\/p> Drivers involved in an accident must move their vehicles to the side of the road to reduce congestion. Anyone deemed responsible for a motor vehicle accident may be detained for 48 hours. Consult the Royal Oman Police<\/a> for more information on traffic rules.<\/p> Follow traffic laws diligently. Penalties for violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speed, using a mobile phone, running a red light and failure to wear seat belts, are stringent. It is forbidden to use cellular phones while driving.<\/p> International Driving Permit<\/a><\/p> The laws of Oman prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Oman does not recognize same-sex marriages.<\/p> 2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Oman.<\/p><\/p> Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics<\/a><\/p> Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Oman.<\/p> If local authorities consider you a citizen of Oman, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.<\/p> Travellers with dual citizenship<\/a><\/p> Children of an Omani father automatically acquire Omani citizenship at birth and must enter and leave the country on an Omani passport.<\/p> The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Oman.<\/p> If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Oman by an abducting parent:<\/p> If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.<\/p> Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.<\/p> You must carry photo identification. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it’s lost or confiscated.<\/p> Do not take photographs of individuals without prior authorization. It is prohibited to photograph public buildings and military or police vehicles.<\/p> Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law (Sharia). It is difficult for a Western woman, even a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through a court decision. Minor children of an Omani-national father must have their father’s permission to leave the country.<\/p> Witnesses to incidents, as well as suspects, may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. If access is granted, it may be severely limited by the Omani authorities. Authorities may withhold the passport of an individual involved in a legal process, pending resolution of the case. This could result in the delay of a planned departure.<\/p> The country’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. It is prohibited to wear military or similar clothing and accessories. Certain public areas may be restricted to men or women only. The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.<\/p> Sex outside legal marriage is forbidden. It is against the law to live together or share the same hotel room with someone of the opposite sex to whom you aren’t married or closely related. Adultery and prostitution are illegal and are subject to severe punishment, including the death penalty. Avoid physical contact or displays of affection in public, including kissing and holding hands.<\/p> Omani authorities do not permit criticism of the government, the sultan or the society in general.<\/p> In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.<\/p> In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:<\/p> Exercise particular care in your behaviour with others, especially officials, to avoid offending local sensitivities. Do not use aggressive, vulgar or abusive language or gestures in public, including on social media. Verbal insults and obscene gestures may be considered a criminal act and, if found guilty, you could face deportation, fines and a prison sentence.<\/p> Books, videotapes and audio tapes may be reviewed by airport and other customs authorities prior to being released to the owner to ensure that their content is culturally acceptable<\/p> Possession of pornographic material is forbidden.<\/p> The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR).<\/p> Credit cards and U.S. dollar traveller’s cheques are widely accepted.<\/p>","disasters-climate":" The rainy season extends from May to September. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.<\/p> Flooding occurs in the far south during the rainy season. Heavy rains may cause wadis (dry riverbeds) to overflow, flooding underpasses and tunnels. Oman is subject to cyclones and tropical depressions, which are accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain. Flash floods and mudslides may occur.<\/p> Sand and dust storms occur during the dry season.<\/p>","offices-help-abroad":{"opening-text":"","closing-text":""},"offices-html":" Dial 9999 for emergency assistance.<\/p><\/div><\/details><\/section>Border with Yemen - AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL<\/h3>
Border with Yemen<\/h3>
Terrorism<\/h3>
Crime<\/h3>
Demonstrations<\/h3>
Women’s safety<\/h3>
Road safety<\/h3>
Public Transportation<\/h3>
Air travel<\/h3>
Sea travel<\/h3>
Piracy<\/h3>
Adventure tourism<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Business visa: required
Student visa: required<\/p>Useful links<\/h4>
Employment<\/h3>
Regional travel<\/h3>
Restricted zones<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Measles <\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
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COVID-19<\/summary>
Malaria <\/summary>
Limited malaria transmission may occur in this destination, but risk to travellers is very low. <\/strong>
Antimalarial medication is not recommended<\/a> for most travellers. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites<\/a> at all times: <\/p>\n\n
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
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* It is important to note that <\/span>country entry requirements<\/a> <\/span>may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest <\/span>diplomatic or consular office<\/a> <\/span>of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. <\/p><\/details>Rabies <\/summary>
In this destination, rabies<\/a> is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions<\/a>, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.<\/p>\nSafe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
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Typhoid <\/summary>
Insect bite prevention<\/h3>\n
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Chikungunya<\/summary>
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever<\/summary>
Dengue <\/summary>
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Animal precautions<\/h3>\n
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)<\/summary>
Person-to-person infections<\/h3>\n
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Medical services and facilities<\/h3>
Keep in Mind...<\/h3>\n
Drugs<\/h3>
Prescription drugs<\/h4>
Driving<\/h3>
2SLGBTQI+ travellers<\/h3>
Dual citizenship<\/h3>
International Child Abduction<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Identification<\/h3>
Photography<\/h3>
Child Custody<\/h3>
Legal process<\/i><\/h3>
Dress and behaviour<\/h3>
Ramadan<\/h3>
Offensive language<\/h3>
Culturally acceptable content<\/h3>
Money<\/h3>
Local services<\/h3>
Emergency services<\/summary>
Consular assistance<\/h3>
Muscat<\/strong> - Honorary consul of Canada<\/summary>