Oman

The climate in Oman is generally warm and dry. It features a hot desert climate with little rainfall, hot summers, and pleasantly warm winters. Temperatures range from 15°C in the mountains during winter to 48°C in the summer in Muscat. In the desert, it can even reach 54°C during summer.

The climate can vary significantly across different regions. Along the coast, it becomes quite hot during the summer months due to high humidity levels. Inland, in the mountainous areas, it is relatively dry during the same period and enjoys a pleasant temperature. In the southern region of Dhofar, the climate remains fairly mild throughout the year.

In Dhofar, the annual monsoon from June to September causes a true transformation. The rainfall turns the landscape into a green oasis with lush vegetation and waterfalls. During this period, the region is very popular among travelers from the Arab Peninsula who are not accustomed to this unique natural phenomenon.

The best time to travel to Oman is generally during our winter months, from October to April. During this period, temperatures average between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius, and humidity levels are not too high. During our summer, the mountainous areas and the southern region of Dhofar are the most suitable to visit. If you wish to travel to both the north and south, it is best to plan your trip between October and December.

It is always recommended to seek advice well before your trip regarding the necessary vaccinations. Although there are officially no mandatory vaccinations for a visit to Oman, certain vaccinations are advised. It is recommended to get the D.T.P. (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio) and Hepatitis A vaccinations. Please contact Thuisvaccinaties.nl, your general practitioner, or the GGD for advice.

The sun in Oman is much stronger than in the Netherlands. We advise you to start gradually with sun exposure and to avoid the hottest hours of the day. It is important to thoroughly apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.

In the heat, you lose a lot of fluids. A deficiency in fluids can lead to severe headaches. We recommend drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in the shade regularly. Pay special attention to children, as their skin is still very sensitive. Don't forget to bring sunglasses, a hat, or a cap.

When it is daylight saving time in the Netherlands/Belgium, the time difference with Oman is 2 hours, and it is 2 hours later in Oman than in the Netherlands/Belgium. In winter, the time difference with Oman is 3 hours.

The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR). Money can be exchanged at the airport or at exchange offices. It is advisable to bring Euros in various denominations. Currency exchange at hotels is also possible, but the exchange rates tend to be less favorable.

Debit cards and credit cards can also be used quite well in Oman. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, cash payments are still preferred outside of these establishments. Many places in Oman have ATMs where you can withdraw money using your debit card with the Plus, Cirrus, or Maestro logo, and with your credit card (AMEX, VISA, Mastercard, and sometimes Diners Club). Don't forget to set your debit card to international coverage.

On important holidays in Oman, shops and businesses may be closed, and travel can sometimes be more difficult. However, it is a unique experience to celebrate such a day with the local population. Certain museums and government offices may be closed on holidays.

Since Oman is a predominantly Islamic country, the holidays there are also aligned with Islamic traditions. The exact date is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which is shorter than our solar calendar. As a result, the date of a holiday shifts approximately 10 days each year. These are the main Islamic holidays:

• Ramadan

Every year, Muslims around the world observe a fasting period during the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan. This means refraining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset for 30 days. Smoking, alcohol, and sex are also forbidden. Muslims commemorate in this month that Mohammed received his first message from God, which he recorded in the Quran, and they experience Ramadan as a time of spiritual cleansing. When the sun sets, the so-called Iftar meal is enjoyed, after which people visit each other or go to the mosque to gather together.

It is often thought that visiting Oman during Ramadan is not ideal for tourists, but this is not true. The streets are lively in the evenings and beautifully decorated. Some shops have limited hours, but most tourist attractions are accessible during Ramadan. As a non-Muslim, you are not required to participate in the fasting and can eat and drink during the day. However, it is highly appreciated not to do so in front of someone who is fasting. Public smoking or drinking alcohol is not appreciated, but in tourist hotels, these are generally not an issue.

• Eid al-Fitr (Sugar Feast)

This is the first major Islamic holiday and is also called the small festival. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan fasting. Many people visit family to celebrate the occasion together, causing public life to largely pause for about three days.

• Eid al-Adha (Sacrifice Feast)

The Sacrifice Feast is the largest Islamic holiday. Prior to Eid al-Adha, the Hajj pilgrimage takes place, which every Muslim with sufficient means must undertake at least once in their lifetime. It is customary to slaughter an animal on this day and share the meat with family, neighbors, friends, and the needy. It is a festival of gathering and sharing and holds great significance for all Muslims.

• Muharram (Islamic New Year)

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic year and coincides with the Hijra, the commemoration of the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD.

Like the surrounding countries in the Middle East, Oman is an Islamic State. However, unlike many other countries on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is an open country and in many ways one of the most progressive nations in the region.

Women in higher positions are quite common in Oman. Alcohol and most other Western customs are now considered fairly normal here. This also applies to Western clothing, but it is still advisable to be cautious with your clothing choices. Shorts above the knee, bare shoulders, tight clothing, and excessive exposure can be seen as offensive, and physical contact on the street between men and women is not appreciated.

If you wish to visit a mosque, you must adhere to the dress code (covering shoulders and legs, head covering for women). Swimwear is only allowed at the pool or on the beach. Sunbathing or swimming topless is strictly forbidden. During Ramadan, the rules are stricter, and there are tighter regulations regarding eating and drinking in public.

The stunning scenery and the remarkable people of Oman will surely be something you want to capture on camera. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. Permission is especially necessary for women and Bedouins.

Travelers to Oman need a valid Dutch passport/Belgian international travel document that is at least six months valid upon entry into Oman.

Prior to travel, an e-visa must be applied for through the online application system. A single-entry tourist visa for a stay of up to 30 days costs OMR 20 per person (approximately €50 per person). During the application process, you will need a digital passport photo and a credit card. The application must be completed at least one week before departure and is also valid for children. You will receive the visa application confirmation within 72 hours via email.

It is also possible to apply for the e-visa through our partner Visa4travel. In that case, additional processing fees apply. Payment can be made via credit card or iDEAL at Apply for Oman Visa.

Are you visiting Oman on a cruise? Specially for cruise passengers, visas are free for stays up to 48 hours. Passports with Israeli stamps are not recommended.

This information applies to travelers with Dutch/Belgian nationality. Please note that information regarding visa availability and the validity of passports and visas is subject to change.