Singapore passport holders visiting the Sultanate of Oman can stay in the country for tourism purposes for up to 14 days visa-free if they possess the following: (a) confirmed hotel/accommodation reservation and (b) return tickets.
If you are not able to meet the above requirements, you will need to apply for a visa to enter the Sultanate of Oman. For more information, you may refer to https://evisa.rop.gov.om/.
The information here serves only as a guide. As visa requirements can change at short notice, you are advised to contact your travel agent, or the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Singapore, to ensure that you have the latest information for your specific purpose prior to departure.
Road travel: It is a legal requirement to have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent a car and legally drive in Oman. The IDP proves that you hold a valid driver’s licence in Singapore. Anyone applying for a residence visa for Oman may also drive with an International driving licence. However, once the residence visa is issued, Singapore nationals need an Omani driver’s licence. A Singapore driving licence is not deemed valid for insurance purposes if an accident occurs. There is also no conversion of Singaporean driving license into an Omani driving license. As such, Singaporeans need to take a driving test to pass before an Omani license is issued to them. Please visit the Royal Oman Police (ROP) website for details on how this could be done.
Driving is on the right. If you are involved in a major road traffic accident you must stay with your vehicle and call the ROP on 9999. If you are involved in a minor accident, it may not be necessary to call the police, but you must follow the procedures set out on the ROP website. You must keep a Minor Road Traffic Accident form in your car. You can get one from the ROP website or from your insurance company. Car rental companies are responsible for keeping forms in their cars.
Driving can be dangerous outside Muscat. It is common for pedestrians to cut across highways instead of using overhead bridges. There is also a risk of hitting wandering camels and goats on the road. Rainfall can cause sudden and severe flooding in dry riverbeds and on roads that cross them.
The Omani authorities strictly enforce traffic laws, and there are strong punishments for traffic offences, including heavy fines or jail sentences of up to three years. You must wear a seat belt when in the front seat of a car, and it’s illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving. There’s zero tolerance towards drink-driving. Speed limits are clearly posted on major roads. The standard of Omani roads is generally good. However, there are undisciplined drivers, and traffic accidents in Oman are common.
Excursions to the desert and mountains can be dangerous unless you are in an adequately equipped 4x4 vehicle. Always travel in convoy, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone (or satellite phone) and leave a copy of your travel plans with friends or relatives. You should also make sure you are adequately insured.
Political situation: Developments in the Middle East continue to have an impact on local public opinion. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. Follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.
Local laws reflect the fact that Oman is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. Women should dress modestly in public areas. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs.
You should not wear swimming attire in public areas, except on tourist beaches or swimming pools. Women wearing shorts, or tight-fitting clothes, are likely to attract attention.
Reported cases of sexual assault against foreign women are low. However, female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the Singapore.
Hobbies that involve cameras and binoculars like bird watching and plane spotting may be misunderstood - particularly if you are near military sites, government buildings and airports.
Carry a copy of your passport, or your Omani ID if you are a resident, at all times for identification and keep the original document in a safe place.
If you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have unpaid debt or are a child subject to a custody dispute, you may be prevented from leaving the country. You could be fined and/or detained if you overstay or fail to extend your legal residency.
Foreign nationals must pay all traffic fines before leaving the country. If you haven’t paid fines before you leave you may experience delays or be prevented from leaving the country. You can pay fines at the airport.
Importing drugs and pornography into Oman is illegal and can lead to imprisonment. The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession, of even residual amounts, of drugs are severe. In some cases, the death penalty could apply. There is no distinction in Omani law between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ drugs; both are treated with equal severity.
Licensed hotels and restaurants sell alcohol. If you live in Oman, you can get a licence to drink alcohol at home from the Royal Oman police. It’s an offence to drink, or be drunk, in public. The legal age for drinking alcohol is 21.
It’s against the law to live together or share the same hotel room with someone of the opposite sex to whom you aren’t married or closely related. Avoid physical contact or displays of affection in public.
The laws of Oman prohibit sexual acts between the same genders. Those convicted can face the death penalty.
It is illegal to use aggressive, obscene or abusive language or gestures in public, including on social media. It is also illegal to make offensive remarks about, or insult, Oman, the royal family, the local government or local officials. Penalties include imprisonment and deportation.
Natural disasters (Tropical storms): While Oman’s climate is generally dry, heavy rains do fall, usually in the winter. Flash floods can cause injuries and deaths. Cyclones from the Indian Ocean do occasionally make landfall in Oman in the summer months. Check local weather forecasts and seek advice about travelling conditions particularly if you are considering any off-road travel or adventure tourism, including to Wadi areas (dry riverbeds).
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 9999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. The heat can be extreme and deaths have occurred due to dehydration and heat exhaustion. When hiking in Oman be sure to follow marked hiking trails.
Health: Take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you will be overseas and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. The Singapore Government does not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas. Get vaccinated before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and also refer to Travellers Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC) in Tan Tock Seng Hospital for useful information for travellers.
Health care in Oman is generally good, but can vary from region to region. Hospitals and clinics in the larger cities are better equipped. Costs can be expensive, depending on the procedure. For serious illnesses or complex medical procedures, travellers may wish to be medically evacuated to a destination with appropriate facilities.
Malaria is generally considered to be under control in Oman. However, given Oman’s high temperature and humidity that allows mosquitoes to breed, there is a low ongoing risk of malaria. Other insect-borne infections, including dengue fever also occur in Oman. Travellers should be particularly attentive to the risk of mosquito bites on the Musandam Peninsula. Take precautions against insect bites by using insect repellent, wearing long, loose-fitting, light coloured-clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.
The most common health hazard faced by travellers in Oman is dehydration and other problems relating to the high temperatures in summer months. It is advisable for travellers to be aware of the dangers of the sun, and to remain well hydrated. Boil all drinking water or drink bottled water. Avoid ice cubes, raw and undercooked food.
Cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been reported in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Countries outside the Middle East have also reported imported cases from returned travellers.
Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]
Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.
Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.
When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.
For those planning to travel, here are some tips:
Before travelling
While travelling
Advisory: Email Scams
There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.
MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.
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