Muscat Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Muscat

• Rent a car or hire a driver — Muscat's coastal sprawl makes taxis expensive for a full day.

• Fridays start slowly with Jumu'ah prayer — museums and souks open around 2 pm.

• Ramadan restricts daytime eating in public; hotel restaurants remain open behind screens.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 9999.

• Oman is consistently ranked one of the world's safest countries.

• Wadi flash-flood risk during winter rain — check forecasts before wadi hikes.

• Cyclone season (May–November) can affect Salalah and Musandam — monitor advisories.

Visas and entry

Entry policy: mixed, typically up to 30 days. Over 100 nationalities can obtain an Omani e-visa online (10-day or 30-day, single or multiple entry). GCC nationals and a short list of others enter visa-free.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Muscat. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.