Traveler Toolkit
04/25/2022 | Report
Oman Country Security Report
7/23/2026 |
Report
Oman Country Security Report
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Published: July 23, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Oman Travel Advisory and Oman Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
Jamiat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair Area (Shatti Al-Qurum), Muscat
Mailing address: PO Box 202, Medinat Al Sultan Qaboos 115
Tel: +968-2464-3400; Emergencies: +968-2464-3400
Hours of Operation: 0800-1700, Sunday to Thursday. Routine American Citizens Services are available by appointment every Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Oman has an active OSAC Country Chapter. Contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa team with any questions.
Oman Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication that travelers should reconsider travel to Oman due to terrorism and armed conflict. Do not travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Muscat as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Oman.
Crime: General Threat
While violent crime remains rare, non-violent property crime rates throughout Oman are comparable to rates in U.S. metropolitan areas. In general, crime in Oman is limited to crimes of opportunity and petty theft. High-value items that can be easily transported remain the most commonly stolen items.
Violent crimes, including assaults, rapes, and murder, are rare. There are other reports in Omani media outlets of occasional violent crimes; the victims and alleged suspects usually know each other. Such incidents do not demonstrate a pattern of targeting U.S. citizens or other Western interests.
Although Oman is a relatively safe environment, exercise personal security while traveling alone at night.
There have been isolated residential break-ins throughout Muscat. These do not appear to be part of larger organized criminality. Criminals target homes due to the opportunity the house poses.
Crime: Areas of Concern
There are no areas of the country more susceptible to criminality than others.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Oman.
Kidnapping is not a major threat in Oman.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Muscat as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Oman, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
Oman is an important regional counterterrorism partner and works actively to prevent terrorists from conducting attacks within the country, using it as a safe haven, or using it as a transit point for weapons and materiel. There are no domestic terrorist groups known to operate in Oman.
On July 15, 2024, three gunmen opened fire on worshippers at a religious event taking place at a Shi’ite mosque in the Wadi Al Kabir district of Oman's capital, Muscat, resulting in numerous casualties. The attack was the first attack ever claimed by ISIS in Oman, where the group does not maintain an organized presence.
The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the region by known terrorist groups or “lone wolf” attacks by individuals sympathetic to terrorist causes. Treat mail or packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. Leave unusual mail or packages unopened and report them to local authorities.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Muscat as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Oman. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The Sultanate of Oman is a hereditary monarchy, and the sultan has sole authority to enact laws through royal decree. Oman’s bicameral parliament is composed of the Majlis al-Dawla (upper house or State Council), whose 85 members are appointed by the sultan, and the elected 86-member Majlis al-Shura (lower house or Consultative Council). Organized political parties are prohibited in Oman.
Protests & Demonstrations
Spontaneous and/or planned public demonstrations can take place in response to world events or local developments. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful have the potential to escalate into violence. Those in Oman should remain attuned to available English and/or Arabic-language media outlets and social media to avoid public demonstrations. In the aftermath of October 7, 2023, Oman experienced regular peaceful protests in Muscat and throughout the country. In recent months, protest activity has significantly decreased. The police closely monitor these events.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Instances of anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment in Oman are rare, though observed at protests since October 7.
Law Enforcement
The emergency line in Oman is 9999. For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.
The Royal Office, Royal Oman Police (ROP), Internal Security Service, and Ministry of Defense comprise the security apparatus. The Royal Office is responsible for matters of foreign intelligence and security. The ROP, which includes Immigration, Customs, and the Coast Guard, performs regular police duties as well as many administrative functions like a Ministry of Interior in other countries. An inspector general serves as the head of the ROP, which is a ministerial-level position that reports directly to the sultan. An official with ministerial-level rank heads the Internal Security Service, which investigates matters related to domestic security.
Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority is now an independent entity and is no longer part of ROP. The Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority is responsible for emergency services including firefighting, search and rescue, and marine rescue.
Sultan Haitham’s brother – His Highness Shihab bin Tarik Al Said - serves as deputy prime minister for defense affairs, although the sultan remains the supreme commander of the armed forces. The sultan, as well as the senior civilian and military authorities who report to him, maintained effective control over the security forces.
Police Response
The ROP is a capable and well-equipped police force. It rarely provides the U.S. Embassy specific details regarding local criminal or investigative matters, unless they relate directly to the U.S. Embassy.
While some countries will automatically notify the Consular section of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested, that may not always be the case in Oman. Anyone arrested may have limited opportunities to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance; do not consider it an automatic process. To ensure that the U.S. Government is aware of your arrest or detention, request that Omani police and prison officials notify the U.S. Embassy immediately after arrest or detention. For Consular assistance in Oman, contact +968 2464-3400 or ConsularMuscat@state.gov.
Armed Conflict
Recent hostilities between the U.S. and Iran have impacted Oman. Targeted attacks primarily affect infrastructure supporting U.S. military logistics; however other areas of the country could be unpredictably affected by failed and crash-landing ordnance.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Call the ROP at 9999 for all traffic-related emergencies.
Road conditions, lighting, and traffic safety in cities and on major highways in populated areas are good. The condition of rural roads varies from good to poor. Travel between cities, especially at night, may be dangerous because of poor lighting, weather conditions (rain can wash out roadways), wandering livestock, pedestrians crossing highways, slow-moving cargo vehicles, and speeding drivers.
Police generally enforce traffic laws; the consequences for violating them may be severe by U.S. standards. For example, running a red-light results in mandatory detention without bail for 48 hours, followed by confiscation of the offender’s license, vehicle registration, and car registration plate until the judicial process concludes, which may take several months.
Other common traffic violations that carry strict penalties, up to and including jail sentences, fines, and/or deportation, to include driving without a license; driving under the influence of alcohol; failure to wear a seat belt; talking on cellular telephones (other than using hands-free technology) while driving; speeding excessively; overtaking (passing) another vehicle from the right lane vs. the left lane; screeching a car’s tires; or failing to keep one’s car clean.
Roadway monitoring in Oman includes traffic light and speed-detection cameras. Traffic light cameras are installed at nearly every intersection in the country and speed-detection cameras are omnipresent. ROP still performs in-person traffic enforcement using manned radars and traffic stops. In the event of a traffic violation and fine, cooperate with police officers, remain respectful, and do not attempt to pay or negotiate payment during a traffic stop.
Those considering driving should familiarize themselves with police procedures for handling road and traffic accidents to reduce traffic jams. These procedures are available on the ROP website under “Minor Road Traffic Accidents.” Minor accidents are those causing minor damage to one or more vehicles that do not result in injuries, deaths, or material damage to public/private property. Parties involved in minor accidents in Muscat should immediately move their vehicles to the side of the road. Those involved in accidents outside the Muscat area should not move their vehicles from the accident location until the ROP gives them permission; police may interpret moving a vehicle as an admission of guilt.
Traffic circles are ubiquitous. The driver on the inside lane has the right of way, including exiting out of the traffic circle with a higher priority than vehicles in the outside lane. A driver flashing high beams is generally asking for a chance to pass. Turning right on a red traffic signal is illegal. A drive holding out their hand palm up with the four fingers and thumb pointed up creating a tear drop shape is saying “slow down” or “wait.” Do not use profane hand gestures.
Do not drive without a valid license. Short-term visitors in possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license may drive rental vehicles, but residents must have an Omani driver’s license. Residents may insure their vehicles outside the Sultanate; however, they must purchase local third-party liability insurance.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Public transportation is generally safe, however, many women avoid public shared vans. Taxis, minivans, and small buses may swerve suddenly to the side of the road without signaling to pick up passengers with little regard for other vehicles. Many persons patronizing taxis negotiate rates for transportation prior to embarking to avoid disagreements for payment at conclusion of the trip.
Aviation Concerns
Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information, consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
All airports in Oman adhere to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines on safety and security.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
Recent tensions in the region pose an increased threat to maritime security in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz. Western-linked ships have been the subject of maritime harassment at the hands of Iranian security forces and Iran-backed proxy groups in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. The maritime attacks against Western-linked ships began a year after the U.S. withdrew from the U.S.-Iran nuclear agreement.
Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Oman, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Oman.
The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, and the government generally implements these laws effectively. There have been reports of government corruption, including government procurement offices and state-owned enterprises. Political and social favoritism are widespread in public and private institutions. The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention. The government generally observes these requirements. Persons arrested or detained are entitled to challenge the legal basis of their detention in court.
Health Concerns
For emergency medical services in Oman, dial 9999.
Modern medical facilities and Western-style pharmacies are available. Local medical treatment varies from average to inadequate, depending on location. Hospital emergency treatment is available.
Ambulance service is generally adequate, with varying response times, and operates throughout most of the country. Ambulances are generally more responsive to road crashes, but less responsive to incidents at private residences and hotels. Go to the nearest hospital or clinic yourself, when possible.
Consider purchasing travel insurance, including medical evacuation (medevac) coverage. Many hospitals may not accept international travel insurance and will require payment up front. Most major hospitals accept common credit cards.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Oman. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccinations are required if you are coming from a country with yellow fever outbreaks.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Oman to ensure the medication is legal.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Tap water from modern facilities in Muscat is potable. If you are unsure of the quality of the water source, drink bottled water.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Oman.
Severe weather conditions, such as cyclones and flash floods may occur. Flash floods are more common and can be fatal, especially in the wadis which are frequent tourist destinations. Locals living at the mouth of a wadi may fire guns in the air to warn neighbors and visitors of impending rains or flooding. Close attention should be paid to the forecast, especially when traveling into the mountains or wadis. Infrequent inclement weather, including rain and sandstorms, can cause traffic delays, flooding, and accidents.
Oman’s approximately 1,300-kilometer eastern coastline borders the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Tidal currents between the calmer Gulf of Oman and the larger, more turbulent Arabian Sea cause strong rip tides; undertows make swimming in open water dangerous. Public beaches in naturally occurring alcoves along Oman’s coast tend to offer safer swimming conditions than areas with direct exposure to the Arabian Sea. Oman does not post lifeguards, nor does it post signs warning of dangerous sea conditions.
Cybersecurity
Cybercrime is on the rise due to common scams requesting money upfront for promised services or chances to obtain more money with a down payment. There have also been reports of ATM/credit card fraud. Additionally, the Omani security services have reported an increase in WhatsApp message scams that attempt to blackmail the recipient.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
Omani security agencies maintain a robust ability to control and remotely monitor mobile phones and internet. There is no reasonable expectation of privacy when using mobile data or WiFi while in Oman.
Import/Export Restrictions
Any items construed as intelligence-gathering equipment, military gear, or electronics that are not off-the-shelf commercial items run the risk of confiscation. In all reported cases, the items were eventually released to their owners. Satellite phones are permitted but may cause difficulty with authorities at airport. Drones are illegal.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.