5 reasons to travel to Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is located in the south of the Arabian peninsula. It is a safe destination in the Middle East that offers the traveller a diversity of landscapes: desert, mountains and sea. A visit to Oman means discovering the Omani capital, Muscat, going to the Jebel Akhdar mountain to contemplate the breathtaking view of the canyon, swimming and diving in the waters of the Musamdam region or travelling through the Wahiba desert to encounter the Omani Bedouins. The landscapes are so varied and surprising that they will certainly not leave you indifferent!
- 1A surprising cultural heritage
- 2Life's a beach in Oman!
- 3Live your own "Thousand and One Nights" experience
- 4An ideal destination in winter
- 5A guaranteed exotic experience
1. A surprising cultural heritage
For history lovers or simply the curious, Oman possesses many historical and cultural sites to discover: castles and fortresses, mosques and palaces, the four sites on UNESCO World Heritage list like beautiful Fort Bahla, without forgetting the cultural capital, Muscat, with its many museums, its walls and its old quarter.
2. Life's a beach in Oman!
With more than 1,700 km of coast on the Indian ocean, there are some beautiful places to the north of Muscat to swim in the emerald waters. The country offers a wide choice of swimming and water activities between Shinas and Barka: beaches and wild coves, fjords, including the sublime Khor al Sham, or even coral reefs for snorkelling enthusiasts.
3. Live your own "Thousand and One Nights" experience
An immersion in the heart of the Omani desert remains an extraordinary and memorable experience. The Wahiba desert is perfect for a night in one of the camps and to encounter the Bedouin, the camel herders of the desert. Oman has kept its authentic traditional atmosphere and the Omanis are truly hospitable.
4. An ideal destination in winter
The Sultanate of Oman is a sunny destination throughout the year. The ideal period to enjoy Oman at its best is in full winter with temperatures around 30 °C and a sea temperature of 25 °C. In the highlands and mountain region, the temperatures drop a little but always remain summery and pleasant.
5. A guaranteed exotic experience
Between the desert, mountain and sea, the Sultanate of Oman offers the traveller an exceptional, rich and diversified environment. 7 hours from London by plane, you will be quickly swept away by this safe destination in the Middle East, for travellers looking for the great outdoors, beaches and culture!
Discover the destination
Why travel in Oman
Are you dreaming of going to the Middle East but don't really know which destination to choose? A trip to Oman is just for you!
Between traditions and open-mindedness, the country will welcome you with a smile. You won't be disappointed by the Omani welcome, a very warming population who endeavours to do its best so that you have the fondest memories possible!
You should go if...
- You like meeting new people and wish to get to know the local population
- You are looking for a change of scene whilst remaining safe
- You can adapt to the local culture (especially for women outside of the large cities)
- You don't have to use sign language to be understood
- You are ready to receive numerous presents from people you are going to meet
- You have a tough stomach for "not too spicy" dishes!
You shouldn't go if...
- You aren't open-minded
- You want to travel in comfort
- You don't like communicating with strangers
- Eating with your hands gives you a mental block
When to go in Oman?
jan
feb
march
april
may
june
july
aug
sept
oct
nov
dec
The best time to discover Oman is between October and March. You can enjoy pleasant temperatures and won’t be too hot. Beware if you go to the Southern part of the country: avoid the monsoon months, from June through September. You should also pay attention to the dates of Ramadan, during which many businesses close and various activities are impossible.
Inspiration and advice from local experts to travel in Oman
Travel tips from our local agencies in Oman.
Family with children
What to see in Oman?
Top places to discover.
See all places
Prepare your trip in Oman
Some advice and practical ideas to prepare for a stress-free trip to Oman.
What documents to travel with in Oman?
Europeans and Canadians will need a visa for the entirety of the trip to the sultanate of Oman.
A single entry tourist visa allows you to have a trip lasting a maximum of 30 days. And costs 20 rials. From now on, you can apply for it online before your trip.
You can also obtain your visa directly upon your arrival at the airport but it's more sensible to apply for it before. For more information consult the government's website.
Health advise
No vaccinations are compulsory, but make sure you update your DTP before your trip to the sultanate of Oman. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever are recommended.
If you are planning hikes in mountainous regions, watch out for venomous species of animal such as snakes, or if you are in the sea, jellyfish and stingrays. So wear high-cut shoes when you are hiking, or plastic shoes when bathing to avoid being stung.
Language
The official language is Arabic, but English is also spoken by a large proportion of inhabitants.
Time difference
There are more than 2 or 3 hours between the UK and the Sultanate of Oman. When it's 12:00 in Paris, it's 14:00 or 15:00 in Oman.
Phone and internet connection
Telephone code: 968.
With regard to the Internet, all the hotels generally have an Internet connection or Wifi.
Electricity
The electric sockets are different in Oman than in the UK, so you will need an adaptor to plug in your devices.
English Embassy in Oman
British Embassy PO Box 185, Mina Al Fahal, 116 Muscat
Muscat
Oman Embassy in the UK
167 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5HE
Emergency: 9999
