Tips for Tourists
Located on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman borders the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Its 119,500 square miles include varied terrain from steep mountain peaks to pristine beaches, from vast deserts to fertile croplands.
The capital, Muscat, was designated the Cultural Capital for the Arab Region in 2006 by the UN and Arab League Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation. Located on the Sea of Oman, Muscat is the seat of government and the center of the nation’s administration. It is an important trade, finance and business center in the Sultanate due to its distinctive and significant strategic location. Muscat has had the honor of receiving the title of “cleanest Arab city” several times in succession.
Historically, the Sultanate has been a seafaring nation and overlooks three seas — the Arab Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. Throughout history, Omani ships have sailed to ports in India, Pakistan, China, and Africa, trading commercial goods, crafts, and cultural traditions.
Oman developed rapidly as a result of the country’s renaissance in the 1970’s under the wise leadership of the Late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said. Today, Oman is a modern monarchy led by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. Full suffrage is granted to all citizens over the age of 21, who elect one of two governing councils. Women play an active role in every facet of Omani life. Adult literacy exceeds 75% and although many languages are spoken, Arabic is the official language. Islam is the official state religion and source of legislation for the Basic Statute of the State.
Oil is Oman’s principal export, along with fish and agricultural products, liquid natural gas, and traditional crafts. Oman’s tourism industry plays a growing role in the economy, offering museums, sightseeing, shopping, and international style accommodations. From watersports to desert safaris, from camel races to sanctuaries for turtles, birds, Oryx, and Arabian tigers, Oman truly offers something for everyone.
Applying for Tourist Visa’s
There are 2 types of tourist visa’s, Sponsored and Unsponsored.An unsponsored visa allows a person to enter the country as a tourist without first having to secure permission from a local company.To find out if you are eligible for an unsponsored tourist visa, please go to this website: Click here
If you are eligible for the unsponsored tourist visa, you can apply for the visa online using the eVisa facility. Please find the link for the eVisa facility below: Click here
The application procedure is as follows:
- Register as a new user. Login.
- Fill in the form.
- Attach the necessary documents.
- Make your payment.
- Receive an email notification.
- Print out your email notification.
- Present your printed email notification to the border control office on arrival.
The price for the visa depends on the length of your visit and should range from USD 26 to USD 52 (as of the beginning of 2020).
If you are not eligible for an unsponsored tourist visa, please contact us, and we will inform you of your eligiblity for a sponsored tourist visa.
If you are eligible for a sponsored tourist visa, communicate your details to us, and we can make the necessary arrangements for you.Climate Considerations
Summer begins in mid-April and lasts until October. The highest temperatures are registered in the interior, where readings of more than 50° C in the shade are common. On the Al Batinah plain, summer temperatures seldom exceed 46° C, but, because of the low elevation, the humidity may be as high as 90 percent. The mean summer temperature in Muscat is 33° C, but the gharbi (literally, western), a strong wind that blows from the Rub al Khali, can raise temperatures from the towns on the Gulf of Oman by 6° C to 10° C.
Winter temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging between 15° C and 23° C.
Precipitation on the coasts and on the interior plains ranges from twenty to 100 millimeters a year and falls during mid and late winter. Rainfall in the mountains, particularly over Al Jabal al Akhdar, is much higher and may reach 700 millimeters.
Because the plateau of Al Jabal al Akhdar is porous limestone, rainfall seeps quickly through it, and the vegetation, which might be expected to be more lush, is meager. However, a huge reservoir under the plateau provides springs for low-lying areas. In addition, an enormous wadi channels water to these valleys, making the area agriculturally productive in years of good rainfall.
Dhofar, benefiting from a southwest monsoon between June and September, receives heavier rainfall and has constantly running streams, which make the region Oman’s most fertile area.
