Luxury Oman Vacations & Tours

In Oman, adhering to local customs enhances cultural respect. Greet with a smile, eat using your right hand, and avoid offensive gestures. Use an open palm to indicate something, seek permission before photographing anyone, and refrain from capturing military facilities. As a general practice, members of the opposite sex don’t engage in physical contact, so men should wait for women to initiate a greeting. When dining out, accept the offered hot towel for hand cleaning. Leaving plates untouched is polite; stacking them is discouraged. If invited to a private home, bring a small gift, remove shoes at the door, and graciously accept offered food.

With warm dry summers and mild wet winters, temperatures and clothing needs can vary depending on when you are visiting Oman. With the hot, humid weather we recommend wearing lightweight, loose, breathable clothing. Athletic wear designed to absorb sweat is especially good. During cooler months, these items can be used to create layers, and a lightweight jumper or jacket would be advisable.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a time of reflection, prayer, and fasting for Muslims around the world. The month of Ramadan changes each year but usually occurs around April and May, sometimes into June. While most tourist sites will remain open during this time, you may notice reduced hours of working. More restaurants will be closed during the day as many Muslims will not eat during daylight hours. We would suggest being respectful of those fasting and avoiding as much as possible eating in public during Ramadan. The locals will appreciate it!

Citizens of many countries, including the UK, USA, and Australia can enter Oman for up to 14 days visa-free. For extended stays exceeding two weeks, you will need to apply for a 30-day tourist visa through the Oman eVisa website. These online visas must be used within 30 days of being granted.

Crime rates in Oman are generally lower compared to Western countries. Foreign visitors can ensure a stress-free trip by adopting a sensible, common-sense approach, much like they would when exploring any new city or country. Like in any part of the world, low-level petty crimes can occur in towns or cities. It is advisable to dress conservatively (as flaunting wealth is generally frowned upon) and leave any conspicuous items like large watches or flashy jewelry at home. Avoid openly displaying large amounts of cash; only withdraw what you anticipate needing for the day. The remainder can be securely stored in the hotel safe or withdrawn from ATMs as you move around.