Perched at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is a place that shares borders with Yemen, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The economy of Oman has developed leaps and bounds due to its oil wealth, much unlike the neighbouring country, UAE. Oman has stuck on to its Bedouin traditions that help the place retain its pride and identity.
Traveling to Oman will give you a rare opportunity to experience the naked Arab kingdom that is still not touched by modernization and wealth. Amidst the modern culture in other countries, the peaceful and mighty mountains, sleepy and calm fishing towns are still a part of the Omani spirit.
Obtaining a travel visa to Oman
It is rather easy to travel to Oman but majority of the nationalities like Canadians, Europeans, Australians and Americans need to get an Oman visa before they arrive at their respective airports.
In fact, there are certain nationalities that are eligible to get a visa on arrival. A tourist visa for staying at Oman for 10 days will cost you 5 rials (12USD)and for a month, it will cost you 20 rials (52USD). A multiple-entry visa will cost you around 50 rials (130USD) and this usually remains valid for a year.
Is Oman a safe destination to travel to?
Thanks to Oman’s oil wealth, Oman is a prosperous and upscale country that has highly developed infrastructure like cleanly paved roads, proper transport network and premium hotels. If you’re a well-heeled traveler, you wouldn’t have to compromise with any of your comforts while visiting Oman.
As long as safety is concerned, you don’t have to worry anything about Oman. In fact, travelers think that this is probably one of the most stable and safest states in the entire Middle East. Although Oman has no conflict with its neighbouring nations yet it is advised that you should avert the borders that are close to Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Language spoken in Oman
Oman’s official and national language is Arabic. However, another language called the Balochi is also spoken widely in Oman. In few areas of Muscat, the locals also speak English. The Omanis are highly educated people and they have knowledge of speaking multiple languages. Hence, if you’re traveling to Oman, you won’t face any language barriers.
When is the best time to travel to Oman?
Winter is undoubtedly the best time to travel to Oman and that includes the months from October to February. During these months, the temperature stays around 25 degree Celsius in the morning and 20 degree Celsius at night. These months also happen to be the wettest months and so you should be careful about rain in the mountains that may lead to heavy floods.
It is best to avoid the summer months, April to September, as the scorching heat may become intolerable for the tourists. Temperatures are unbearable in all places apart from Salalah.
Should you travel to Oman on a tour or independently?
If you can’t drive, it can be tough to roam around in Oman as there is lack of public transport. Buses will take you to the main city but not to the deserts, wadi and mountains. Hiring a car, especially when you’re a solo traveler can also get expensive. Hence, booking a multi-day tour can be an ideal option when you’re traveling to Oman. You can stay at Muscat and start your day tours from there.
Oman is a place that’s famous for frankincense trees and they even export to other countries of the world. The homes of Omanis are filled with the fragrance of frankincense and you’ll love this part of Oman if you are a sophisticated person.
Author Bio:
Susan Noel is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.
