Is Oman Safe to Travel? Latest Safety Insights

Oman, a beautiful country situated on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East. The country also ranks consistently high in global safety indexes. You must have the question: Is Oman safe to travel? It is popular for its low crime rate and strict rules and punishments. This country also has high levels of social and religious tolerance. 

The people of Oman are so open-hearted and welcoming that they won’t let you feel you are an outsider. Tourists often describe their experiences as relaxed, respectful, and deeply enriching. Whether you are an Indian, American, female, or Western traveller, Oman is a really amazing and safe place for you. So, in this blog, we will answer all your questions, including whether Oman is safe to visit. 

Safety Precautions for Oman Travelers

Some crucial safety precautions that everyone must follow: 

• As the temperature soars over 40 degrees, it is necessary to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
• Do not go to dark or quiet areas at night, especially when traveling solo. 
• In crowded places, keep your luggage or valuable items with proper security. 
• Avoid asking for lifts from strangers; instead, use official taxis or ride-hailing apps like Otaxi.
• If you are going to explore the desert or mountains, it is better to go with a 4WD. 
• Keep enough water and some packaged food with you, in case you don’t find anything good. 
• Tell about your travel plan to someone you know, either your family or friends. 
• Know and learn the emergency numbers of Oman, such as police, fire, or ambulance. 
• If it is raining in Oman, avoid visiting valleys or riverbeds, as there might be chances of flash floods. 

Safety in Oman in Public Places

Some safety rules in Oman that you have to follow in public places: 

• However, protests in Oman are safe and peaceful, but it is advised to avoid public demonstrations or protests. 
• Be mindful of public behaviours and local laws, including dress codes, public intoxication, and public displays of affection. 
• Don’t take photos of people, restricted areas, or government buildings without permission. 
• However, there is no violent crime, but robbery or assault has been reported sometimes, especially in remote areas. So be careful while roaming in such areas. 

Inoffensive Outfits In Oman

Outfits are also the most important thing to consider in Oman. Make sure your outfit is not offensive and as per the rules of Oman. Here are some points you must remember related to inoffensive outfits in Oman: 

• Avoid wearing outfits that don’t cover your body properly in public areas, whether you are a male or female. 
• Wearing modest clothes is recommended in Oman to not hurt the Omani citizens’ sentiments. 
• Make sure your chest, thighs, midriff, and shoulders are covered in public areas. 
• While going to any religious place, you must cover your head with a scarf. 
• Don’t wear ripped jeans, t-shirts, or clothes with offensive or provocative slogans or images. 
• You can wear two-piece swimsuits in the private beach area, but you have to remove them as soon as you leave. So, it is advised to have full-length swimming attire. 

Road Safety in Oman

As other safety measures are important, you must be aware of the road safety in Oman also.

• There are long roads and highways in deserted areas, where you will find no help in between, so keep spare tires and other supplies handy.  
• Keep extra bottles of water and plenty of packed food for long travels, majorly if you are traveling to a deserted area. 
• Avoid going anywhere during the rains in Oman, as the rains might cause flash floods. Due to this, many people get lost in deserts.
• In Omani cities, roads, traffic rules, and lighting are in condition, but you have to be cautious in the rural areas. 

Is Oman Safe for Female Travellers​?

Females can travel alone in Oman, as it is considered a safe destination for women. But there are some points that females must keep in mind in Oman. 

• Females are advised not to be too smily or too close to the opposite gender. 
• Avoid sitting next to male co-passengers in public transport. 
• Women should wear modest clothes in public and cover their heads while visiting religious sites. 
• A female should opt for public transportation rather than private taxis, especially when they are alone. 
• Don’t go to isolated, less crowded, unfamiliar, or poorly lit areas alone. 

Safety in Oman for LGBTQ Travellers

Oman, like other Middle Eastern countries, doesn’t accept same-sex relationships and considers them a punishable offence with imprisonment. As per Article 33 of the Omani Penal Code, the relationship and erotic acts between people of the same sex are punishable. They will get a minimum of 6 months and up to 3 years of jail as punishment. Generally, tourists hardly get punished for same sex acts if they are private about being homosexual. So, if you are an LGBTQ traveller, keep a few points in mind: 

• Maintain distance and don’t show public displays of affection with your partner. 
• Respect Omani laws, traditions, and cultures. 
• You should not discuss or be open about your LGBTQ identity in public. 
• Be prepared for social and legal issues if you can’t maintain your true identity privately in Oman. 

Comparing Safety in Oman to Other Middle Eastern Countries

While comparing other Middle Eastern countries to Oman, we must tell you that Oman is more safer country. Apart from being the safest, it is also a stable country among all. Oman is a popular country as it has a low crime rate, a stable political environment, and minimal threat of terrorism. While countries like Yemen, Syria, and Iraq counter civil and political issues. Also, you will get to see stricter societal rules and occasional tensions in border areas in Saudi Arabia. 

As compared to other countries in the Middle East, Oman sustains a neutral foreign policy and has no involvement in regional disputes. Oman can be a really welcoming destination for travellers because of the warm hospitality of its people. This country focuses on strengthening social harmony, making it a safe country that other Middle Eastern countries. 

FAQs About Is Oman Safe to Travel

Q1. How safe is Oman for Americans?

Ans. Oman is considered one of the safest countries to stay or travel in for Americans. However, some basic safety measures must be followed by everyone from any country. 

Q2. Is Oman safe for UK tourists?

Ans. Yes, Oman is a safe country for UK tourists. Its welcoming people, low crime rate, and political stability make it safer and great to explore. 

Q3. Do and don'ts in Oman?

Ans. In Oman, you should wear modest and unrevealing outfits, respect local culture, ask for permission before clicking someone’s picture, remove shoes before entering someone’s house, etc. In Oman, you shouldn’t display affection publicly, use vulgar language, display homosexuality openly, make rude gestures, etc. 

Q4. Is Oman safe for ladies?

Ans. Yes, Oman is a safe country for ladies, whether they are staying or travelling to Oman solo. They have strict laws and punishments for crimes against women. 

Q5. Is Oman safe for Indian tourists?

Ans. Yes, Oman is a safe country for Indian tourists to visit, stay, and explore. This country also has a significant and well-integrated Indian community.

Q6. Is Oman friendly to foreigners?

Ans. Yes, Oman is friendly to foreigners because this nation is popular for its amazing and heartwarming hospitality. 

Q6. Can ladies wear shorts in Oman?

Ans. No, women are not allowed to wear shorts in public, as Oman has strict rules of wearing modest clothing that covers your knees, cleavage, and shoulders. 

Q7. Is Oman safe for single women?

Ans. Yes, Oman is considered one of the safest Middle Eastern countries for solo female travelers.