Located on the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia, the Sultanate of Oman is one of the oldest independent states on the Asian continent. Bordered by more famous countries and destinations, Oman is sometimes overlooked as a tourist destination, but this country can offer a unique ad exciting experience for all tourists.
Oman has many exciting tourist spots for you to see on a trip here and if you’re looking for some great places to see, we’ve gathered a few here for you to see. To find out more about travelling to Oman as well as a few things you should know about a trip there, keep reading now.
Travelling To Oman
To be granted entry into Oman, most visitors will need a visa, including travellers from the UK, US, and South Africa, and for most, this will be in the format of an eVisa. There are some countries whose citizens do not need a visa to travel to Oman, including citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
You will also require a valid passport for entry into Oman, and may be subject to some extra regulations that have been put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about COVID-19 regulations in Oman, take a look at the next section.
COVID-19
To enter Oman, you will need to present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as well as proof of health or travel insurance that covers you for at least 30 days of COVID-19 treatment. If you are unvaccinated, you have to be able to prove you have a medical reason for not being vaccinated otherwise you will not be allowed entry to Oman.
Regulations on COVID-19 in Oman are subject to change at a moment’s notice, which means you will need to be prepared for this. To stay safe while travelling abroad, always follow all local COVID-19 regulations, wear masks when required to do so, and wash your hands more regularly.
What Is Oman Famous For?
Oman is well-known for being the longest independent state in Asia and has the longest-serving ruler in the Middle East. It is thought to have been inhabited for more than 106,000 years, making it one of the oldest inhabited countries on the planet.
Oman is a hub of shipbuilding. Being surrounded on three sides by water, and thus having miles and miles of coastline, the Omani people have absolutely perfected the art of shipbuilding. They are well-regarded around the world as the best shipbuilders on the planet.
Oman is also the sight of a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With five sites, including Bahla Fort, the Archeological Sites of Bat, Al Khutm, and Al Ayn, the irrigation systems of Al Aflaj, the ancient city of Qalhat, and the Land of Frankincense, the site of the ancient frankincense trade in Oman.
Traveling to Oman means being able to see some of the incredible cultural sites in this country. Places we recommend you see in Oman include:
- The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – A stunning edifice, this mosque is the country’s largest mosque and allows non-muslims to enter it too.
- The National Museum – Located in Muscat, the museum opened in 2015 and holds the story of Oman’s history and culture.
- Jebel Shams – An incredible mountain with some great hiking trails and even better sunsets.
- Bimmah Sinkhole – A natural sinkhole near Muscat, it is known for its turquoise waters and is a top attraction for tourists looking to swim in it.
- Muscat – The capital of Oman is known for its beautiful architecture and luscious beaches and is well worth a trip.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Oman
If it is your first time visiting Oman, there are a few things that you should know before you go. These include:
- Be prepared to spend some time outdoors on your visit – With so many of Oman’s attractions being located outside, you should pack for spending a lot of time in the outdoors.
- Language shouldn’t be an issue – While Arabic is the official language of Oman, you are likely to find that many people speak English well, however, it is still polite to learn a few phrases in the local language!
- Alcohol is a no-go in public – Alcohol is not widely consumed in the Muslim-majority of Oman meaning that most alcohol is sold in international bars and hotels. You cannot drink it in public and exhibiting loud and raucous behavior in public under the influence is punishable by law.
- Dress respectably – While visitors don’t have to wear a hijab, it is still recommended you dress modestly. Cover the shoulders and the legs as much as possible and cover-up, even for swimming, if you’re not in an international resort. When visiting mosques, women need to wear a headscarf and cover their ankles.
Conclusion: A Trip To Oman
Oman is sometimes forgotten as a tourist destination but it can offer a unique experience to its visitors. Ensure you have the correct travel documents for your visit and prepare before you go to ensure you have the best time possible.
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