Travel & Visa
Travel Information
Taxis
It’s relatively easy to find a taxi in Muscat, which are painted orange and white, but most are not metered. You will need to negotiate a price before setting off or you will find yourself with a hefty bill at the end, and even then you may find yourself paying more than you might if you were Omani.Uber and Careem are not available in Muscat, but you can download a number of apps which are similar. Mwasalat, which is government owned, is metered and works in a similar way. You’ll be connected with a driver and given an estimated arrival time, you can pay by cash or card and you’ll get a digital receipt at the end. OTaxi is also popular in Muscat, but you cannot use this at the airport, malls or major hotels as these areas are restricted to Mwasalat taxis only.
Buses
Muscat has a fairly extensive bus network which connects the major bus stations, the airport, and all the main tourist attractions. You pay for the distance traveled, with one zone costing 200 baisa, two zones priced at 300 baisa and three zones setting you back 500 baisa, and you will pay the driver once you get on. The routes from the airport can cost a little more at OMR1, depending on where you’re going.
There are also buses traveling between the major cities in Oman. For example, you can get from Muscat to Salalah for OMR7.5 one way, or OMR12 for a return trip. There is also a bus that runs from Muscat to Dubai in the UAE for OMR 5.5 one way, or OMR 9 for a return trip.
Mwasalat runs the bus network and you can find full details on bus routes and prices on mwasalat.om.
Driving
You drive on the right and the usual laws apply – you must wear a seatbelt, even if you’re a passenger, and you can’t use a mobile phone while driving. When driving through residential areas, the speed limit is 40 kph, rising to 90 kph on rural roads and 120 kph on highways. Petrol prices range between 211 and 240 per litre (a bargain 48p or 62 cents).
Rent a car
There are plenty of rental services in Muscat that can be found online usually ranging from RO 10 per day including 200 KM and 50 Baiza with additional KM. Minimum age of driving is 18 years old.
Tourist Spots
There is plenty to see in Muscat and Oman from natural wadis, mountains and long blue beaches; you can find more info here
Royal Opera House
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
National Museum and Oman Across Ages Museum (Manah)
Visa Requirements
Citizens from the 103 countries are allowed to enter Oman without securing a prior tourist visa and can stay for up to 14 days(Visa on Arrival).
For other nationalities: to apply for an e-Visa, applicants must hold a passport that’s valid for 6 months from the date of entry.
Keep in mind that 2 digital passport sized photos (on a white background) are required with the application. All visas must be applied for online at least 4 days before traveling to Oman.
Visa Charges: Depending on the nation of origin and whether a single entry or multiple visit visa is selected
Oman Tourist Visa( 10 day valid , single entry 12 OMR(30 USD) approx.
Oman Tourist e-Visa (30 days valid, single entry) 20 OMR (51.90 USD) approx.
Oman Tourist e-Visa (1 year valid, multiple entry) 50 OMR (129.90 USD)approx
More Information
How to apply
Office Hours
7:00 - 21:00 (+4 GMT)
Self-serve visa letter please send an email
Qasr Al Alam Palace
Mutrah and Nizwa Souqs
Weather
In February, temperatures in Oman vary depending on where you visit. On the north coast, the capital Muscat has an average daytime temperature of around 22°C at this time of year, with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C at night. Further south, the mountainous regions are usually cooler and wetter.
Power Supply
Power sockets in Oman, GENERALLY SPEAKING, are TYPE G. This is the rectangular, 3-pin socket. Oman operates between a 220V-240V supply voltage and 50Hz.