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Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Oman...
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Oman because of the high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets which include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, restaurants, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.
The terrorist organisation Al Qaeda continues to publicly threaten to attack Westerners in the Arabian Peninsula. This is underscored by the March 2005 suicide bombing of a theatre frequented by Westerners in Doha and the attack on a residential compound in Saudi Arabia in 2004 that resulted in a number of deaths. Further attacks such as these against targets in the Arabian Peninsula, including Oman, cannot be ruled out.
Local Travel
Off-road driving is hazardous as is driving outside Muscat, particularly after dark. Road conditions in some parts of the country are poor and there is a risk of camels straying on to the roads. Authorisation from the Omani government is required for travel to some areas.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local
laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation
of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular
assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include the death penalty. Possession of even small amounts of so-called 'soft drugs' is punishable by prison sentences of at least 12 months.
Serious offences, such as murder, may attract the death penalty. Some offences may attract corporal punishment.
Homosexual acts are illegal and penalties include imprisonment.
It is illegal to use aggressive, obscene or abusive language or gestures in public and penalties include imprisonment and deportation.
Restrictions apply to the importation and consumption of alcohol and pork products.
Taking photographs of or near government buildings or other infrastructure, including oilfields, can lead to detention.
There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Oman and you should take care not to offend.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Oman for the most up to date information.
If you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic you will be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to be allowed entry into Oman. The World Health Organisation provides a list of countries endemic for yellow fever.
The importation of pornography is forbidden.
When in Oman, children born of an Omani father are considered to be Omani nationals and require their father's permission to depart the country.
Health Issues
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations
and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful
tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
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