Car on a road in Musandam, Oman

How to Prepare Your Journey to Oman: a Step by Step Guide

How to prepare your Journey to Oman: A step by Step Guide

Getting set up properly gives you the confidence to experience your journey fully once you arrive.

Here is everything you need to prepare a trip to Oman in 2026 — clearly laid out, up to date, and grounded in real experience, from entry requirements and transport to timing, costs, and orientation.

This guide is written specially for first time visitors and is Stage 1 of the 4-step Joussour Framework

Let’s get into it…

Table of Contents

1. The #1 Secret to a Creative Journey

2. Oman Myths and Mental Roadblocks

3. Check Your Passport and Visa Requirements

4. Choose the Best Time to Travel (seasons and weather)

5. Map your Path (Itinerary & Duration)

6. Book your Flight

7. Find your Base (Accommodation Styles)

8. Plan your Transport within Oman 

9. Protect your Experience (Travel Insurance)

10. Pack for Presence (The Ultimate Packing List)

11. Stay Connected (SIM Cards & VPNs)

12. Change Currency (Money & Daily Costs)

13. Deepen your Knowledge (Books & Resources)

The #1 Secret to a Meaningful Journey: Why Preparation is Your Foundation to In-depth Discovery

When I talk to people about travelling to Oman, I usually see the same look in their eyes. It’s a mix of curiosity and a very real, underlying question: “Is it actually safe?”
 
I get it. After travelling to over 30 countries and living in the Middle East for more than eight years—from Jordan to Dubai and now my home here in Oman — I’ve seen how easy it is to lump this entire region into one category.
 
But here is the truth I’ve discovered living here for the last five years: Oman is one of the safest, most welcoming places on Earth.
 
When you aren’t looking over your shoulder or second-guessing your every move, something incredible happens. Your mind finally quietens down. You stop being a “tourist” and you start being a traveller who is ready to observe, connect, and create.
 
That is why I am so passionate about this first stage of the Joussour Framework.
 
I’ve spent years refining how to navigate this beautiful country so that you don’t have to. By getting these 11 steps right, you aren’t just “planning a trip.” You are clearing the path so that when you finally stand in the Hajar Mountains or walk through a souq, you can be completely present.
 
Preparation is the gift you give to your future, creative self.
Let’s build that foundation together.
 
Photo of Christine, the creator of Joussour to Oman, overlooking Jebel Akhdar

Oman Myths and Mental Roadblocks

Before diving into the practical preparation steps, it helps to clear a few common misconceptions. These are the doubts I hear most often from people considering a journey to Oman.

Myth #1: Oman is in the Middle East, so it isn’t safe to travel independently.

The Reality: Not only is it safe, but Oman is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Whether you are driving through the mountains or walking through Muscat at night, the sense of security is profound. My five years of living here have shown me a culture built on deep respect and hospitality.

Myth #2: “I need to drive myself everywhere — including the desert and mountains.

The Reality:

Oman’s main roads are excellent and easy to navigate. But some landscapes — high mountain tracks or deep desert routes — do require experience, preparation, and local knowledge.

You don’t need to be a “survivalist” to explore these places. The key is choosing the right approach. For more demanding terrain, I often travel with an experienced local driver or an Omani friend who knows the area well. That choice isn’t a loss of independence — it’s what allows you to stay relaxed, safe, and fully present instead of focused on navigating every turn.

Myth #3: "I won't be able to connect with locals if I don't speak Arabic"

The Reality: While Arabic is at the heart of the culture, English is widely spoken, and the Omani people are famously helpful. You’ll find that a smile and a few basic phrases (which I’ll share later) open doors to conversations and coffee invitations you never expected.

3 kinds of dates on a tray

With those mental roadblocks out of the way, it’s time to get practical. Here are the 11 steps to follow to plan a memorable journey to Oman.

11 essential steps to plan your trip

1. Check Your Passport and Visa Requirements

Resources to plan a trip

Before you do anything, make sure your travel documents are ready so you have no bad surprises upon entry. Here’s a general overview of what you need to know. Check the links for the latest information, starting with the official government’s website: www.fm.gov.om/visitors/entry-visas/

14-day visa-free entry for Visitors

Good news if you’re planning independently: Oman offers 14-day visa-free entry for travellers from over 100 countries — including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. 

There’s also a useful exception worth knowing: travellers from certain countries — including India and Egypt — may still enter Oman without a visa if they already hold a valid visa or residence permit for places like the US, UK, Schengen area, Canada, Australia, or another GCC country. In some cases, GCC residents are also eligible based on their profession. It’s one of those details that can quietly make planning much easier if it applies to you.

You can check eligibility by country using the IATA travel centre: IATA’s global visa database

Requirements for the 14-day visa-free entry

  • A passport with at least six months’ validity from your arrival date

  • A confirmed return or onward ticket, showing you’ll leave Oman within 14 days

  • A booked place to stay, such as a hotel or guesthouse

  • Valid travel health insurance covering your time in Oman

Staying longer? Plan this part ahead

If you think you’ll want to stay in Oman for more than 14 days, this is one part you need to plan before you arrive. The free 14-day visa-free entry can’t be extended once you’re in the country. Instead, you’ll need to apply in advance for a paid 30-day (or longer) visa through the Royal Oman Police eVisa system.

That 30-day visa can usually be extended once — either online or at a SANAD office — for another 30 days, at a cost of around 20 OMR plus fees. For stays beyond that, the usual solution is to leave the country and re-enter on a new visa.

Traveller’s Tip: make a photocopy of page 2 in your passport (the page with your photo) and bring it with you. You can carry this with you throughout your trip. You should also take a photo of this page and keep it on your phone.

2. Choose the Best Time to Travel (seasons and weather)

Desert camp set among rolling sand dunes in Oman, photographed in soft winter light with tents pitched
Winter: Crisp mornings and golden light at a traditional desert camp in Sharqiya Sands.
“Hands gently holding a pink rose in Jabal Akhdar, Oman, representing deep travel, culture, and human connection.
Spring: The delicate harvest of roses on the terraces of Jebel Akhdar.
Waterfall flowing into a turquoise pool surrounded by lush green vegetation in Salalah
Khareef season (summer) transforms Salalah into a green landscape.
sunset in Muscat
Autumn brings warm seas and softer light along Muscat’s coast.

In general, the best time to visit Oman is winter (November to March) and the shoulder seasons (April–May or late September–October).

Oman is one of the hottest countries in the world. It actually doesn’t follow the four-season pattern many travellers are used to. Instead, the year is shaped by a long hot period and a shorter, genuinely comfortable season.

That said, Oman doesn’t have one single “perfect” travel season. Conditions change noticeably between the coast, the mountains, the desert, and the south, and timing affects not just temperatures but what kind of journey you can have.

average monthly temperatures in Muscat

Source: www.holiday-weather.com/muscat/averages/

OMAN IN WINTER (November to March)

Good for: Comfortable temperatures, outdoor exploration, and travelling widely across the country.

For most of Oman, I would definitely recommend for you to visit during the ‘winter’ season which starts in November and goes until end of March or April. The average temperature in Muscat in December is 23° and in January is 21° which are perfect if you want to do some hiking.

It’s the season when you can move through Oman without constantly negotiating the heat.

While higher mountain areas can feel chilly after sunset and the sea is cooler for swimming, travel is straightforward. Winter is also the busiest time of year, but it’s busy for a reason: this is when Oman offers the widest range of experiences with the least physical strain.

Despite the drier landscape, winter days are often clear and bright, making it an especially pleasant time for a Muscat stay or a multi-region itinerary.

OMAN IN SUMMER (June to September)

Good for: Salalah’s green season, quieter travel elsewhere, and slower-paced itineraries.

Summer — especially June to August — is Oman’s hottest and least visited season. Much of the country slows down as temperatures rise sharply inland and in the desert, making outdoor sightseeing difficult during the day. Cities like Muscat grow quieter as daily life shifts indoors and activities move to early mornings and evenings.

The major exception is Salalah and southern Dhofar, which come alive during the khareef (monsoon season). Mist, green hills, and seasonal waterfalls draw visitors from across the Gulf, and the region operates at full capacity during this period. Outside Dhofar, many travellers avoid summer altogether.

This is not the season for hiking or long road trips, but it can suit travellers who plan carefully and focus on culture, short outings, and rest. Accommodation prices are often lower and bookings easier outside Salalah, though travel in peak khareef weeks can be more expensive and require advance planning.

Want to explore more about what to expect, what you can do, and why each season matters? 

Dive in deeper with the following posts:

Waterfall flowing into a turquoise pool surrounded by lush green vegetation in Salalah

15 Best things to Do in Summer in Oman (that will actually keep you cool)

Two men admiring the views over the canyons of Jabel Shams in Oman

Best Time to Visit Oman (By Season & Experience) — Practical Weather + Culture Guide 2026

3. Map your Path (Itinerary & Duration)

When planning a trip to Oman, the next real decision is usually the duration. For most first-time visitors, around a week gives you an introduction to the country — it allows you to experience different regions without turning the journey into a checklist. I’ve shared my recommended 7-day Oman itinerary as a practical base that many travellers find easy to adapt.

From there, the route can shift depending on what draws you in most and how much time you have. Some people prioritise souqs, forts, and traditional villages; others are pulled toward wadis, mountain roads, desert landscapes, or long coastal drives. You might want quiet places to sketch, photograph, or journal — or more time in one location to slow down and settle in. The paths below show how you can shape it into a journey that reflects your interests.

WHERE TO START YOUR TRIP IN OMAN

Ultimate guide to living in Oman Muscat landskape
In general, starting off your trip in Muscat is both practical and interesting.

For most travellers, I recommend starting your journey in Muscat. It’s where the main international airport is, flights are easiest to find, and it gives you a gentle landing into the country. Muscat lets you get your bearings before hitting the road — picking up a rental car, adjusting to the climate, and easing into daily life without feeling overwhelmed. It also works brilliantly as a launch point for a road trip, whether you’re heading toward the mountains, the coast, or inland villages. 

There are alternative starting points, and in some cases they make sense. If your main focus is the green season in the south, flying directly into Salalah during khareef (the monsoon season) can be a smart choice. A small number of travellers also enter Oman overland from Dubai or head straight toward desert regions, but these options tend to suit people who already know the country or have a very specific plan in mind. For a first visit, though, Muscat remains the most straightforward and flexible place to begin. Starting there keeps the logistics simple — and that simplicity gives you more space to enjoy what comes next.

 
 

Packing

Get ready for your Oman adventure with this essential packing list! Learn what to bring for every activity and season, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.

get the Packing list
suitcases next to a man at the airport

Transport for Oman

Hotels and Cafes

Contact
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