CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Oman

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 8 has been updated (removal of information on Ramadan).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Oman

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to Oman do not experience problems.

There is a constant and high terrorist threat throughout the Arabian Peninsula and Jordan. From time to time, reports emerge that terrorists plan to attack specific locations in one of these countries. Targets could include government buildings, public areas, tourist sites and Western interests. Heightened security measures are currently in place and may be reinforced upon short notice. Canadians are strongly advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Caution should be particularly exercised in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (commercial, public, touristic). Canadians should monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are also advised to register and keep in contact with the Consulate of Canada in Muscat or the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as well as to carefully follow messages issued through the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Regional developments and socio-economic conditions are usually the main causes of concern. Canadians are advised to avoid all political gatherings, crowds and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they will occur, as they might turn violent without warning.

Crime

The crime rate is low and violence is rare, including against foreigners. Robbery and auto theft can occur. To reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim, showing signs of affluence should be avoided and personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents should be secure at all times. Car doors should be locked and windows closed. It is advisable not to travel alone after dark.

There have been reports of individuals pretending to work for the Ministry of Health and offering vaccination against flu in private houses. This “vaccine” is in fact a drug that is used to sedate victims while they are being robbed.

Vehicles should not be left unattended. When doing so, both the exterior and interior should be carefully inspected upon return to detect any attached devices or suspect packages nearby. Mail and packages from unfamiliar sources should be treated with suspicion. If anything unusual is suspected, the sponsor should be contacted or the police. 

Women’s Safety

There have been reports of physical and verbal harassment towards women. They should exercise caution when travelling alone. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

General Safety Information

Dial 9999 for emergencies.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Omani authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman and its consulate for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Oman. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Oman. Whatever the purpose of their stay, Canadians must be in possession of a visa obtained at the nearest embassy or consulate of Oman, prior to departure. For detailed information on requirements related to each type of visa, Canadians should seek advice from Omani authorities. Those overstaying the duration of their visa should expect heavy penalties.

Yellow Fever

Travellers must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if they are entering Oman from an infected area.
 
Employment

Work visas must be obtained by your employer in Oman, either in advance or after your arrival on a single-entry visa. Omani employers often retain foreign employees' passports as a condition of employment, which is illegal. Canadians are advised to exercise caution in agreeing to this practice, which could restrict their ability to travel and provide undue leverage to the employer in disputes.

Regional Travel

Canadians have been denied entry into Oman because their passports bore: a) an Israeli visa; b) an Israeli border stamp; or c) an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate the traveller entered from Israel).

Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Oman - MUSCAT, Consulate of Canada
Address: Trade Links & Services Building, Building 1738, Way 2728, Plot 127 CBD, Ruwi, Muscat, Oman
Postal Address: P.O. Box 2901, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman, PC112
Tel.: 968 24 788 890
Fax: 968 24 788 826
E-Mail: canconoman84@yahoo.com

The Embassy of Canada in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, also has consular responsibility for Oman. The address is as follows:

Saudi Arabia - RIYADH, Embassy of Canada
Address: Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 94321, Riyadh, 11693, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966 (1) 488-2288
Fax: 966 (1) 488-1997
E-Mail: ryadh@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.saudiarabia.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Modern medical care is available in main cities, but could be inadequate in remote areas. Immediate cash payment is often required.

Prescription or over-the-counter drugs that are legal in Canada (e. g. codeine) may be restricted in Oman. Possession of such drugs could lead to a jail sentence. Canadians should carry their original prescription and the original container for prescription medications.

Drinking tap water outside Muscat is not recommended. Travellers should boil water or drink bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets.

Dehydration is a serious risk due to very high temperatures during the summer months. Preventive action includes ensuring protection from the sun and drinking plenty of water.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

The work week is from Saturday to Wednesday.

Religion

The country's customs, laws, and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Religious and social traditions should be respected in order to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Legal Process

Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents 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 legal processes, pending resolution of the case. This could result in the delay of a planned departure.

Identification Documents

Identification documents should be carried at all times. Visitors are advised to leave their passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes.
 
Dress and Behaviour

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Men and women should dress conservatively. The dress code tends to be more relaxed on beaches and at resorts/hotels.

All travellers should exercise particular care in their behaviour with others, especially officials, to avoid offending local sensitivities. Verbal insults and obscene gestures may be considered a criminal act and, if found guilty, the accused could face deportation, fines and/or a prison sentence.

Criticism of the government, the sultan, or the society in general is not permitted by Omani authorities.

Illegal and/or Restricted Activities

Common-law relationships, homosexual relations, adultery, and prostitution are illegal and are subject to severe punishment, including the death penalty.

In public, physical contact (e. g. holding hands) should be avoided.

Books, videotapes, and audio tapes may be reviewed prior to being released to the owner to ensure their content is culturally acceptable.

Possession of pornographic material is forbidden.

The use of drugs is prohibited, and restrictions concerning the consumption of alcohol must be respected. Visitors should not drink alcohol outside licensed hotels. Public intoxication is advised against.

Traffic laws have to be followed diligently. Penalties for violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speed, and failure to wear seat belts, are stringent. The use of cellular phones while driving is strictly prohibited. See Section 9 for more information.

Certain public areas may be restricted to men or women only.

It is forbidden to photograph certain government buildings and military installations. People should not be photographed without their permission.

Family

Children of an Omani-national father automatically acquire Omani citizenship at birth and must enter and leave the country on an Omani passport. Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is difficult for a Western woman, even a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through the Omani courts. Minor children of an Omani-national father must have their father's permission to leave the country.

Dual Nationality

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Dual citizens should travel on their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadians to foreign authorities at all times. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Restricted Zones

Some areas of the country are considered of strategic importance and require authorization by the Omani authorities.

Sea Travel

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

Road Travel

Caution should be exercised when driving in rural areas, especially after dark, because of roaming animals, insufficient lighting, and speeding drivers.

In the event of an accident, the vehicle should not be moved until the police have made an official report. In the Governorate of Muscat, however, drivers involved in an accident are now required to move their vehicles to the side of the road to reduce congestion. Traffic regulations specify that anyone deemed responsible for a motor vehicle accident may be held in jail for 48 hours. For more details on traffic rules, see the Royal Oman Police website.

Off-road driving can be hazardous and should only be undertaken in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide. A travel itinerary should be left with a third party. Travellers considering driving in the desert areas of Wahiba and Rub' Al Khali should be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food, and a cellular phone. Cellular phone coverage may not be available in some parts of the country.

Caution should be exercised if using taxis.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Air Travel

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Omani rial (OMR). Credit cards and U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are widely accepted.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from May to September in the far south, often resulting in flooding. Oman is subject to cyclones; a severe cyclone hit in 2007. Some areas are still being affected by the passing of this cyclone.

Sand and dust storms also occur.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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