Foreign Affairs Canada publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Children of an Omani-national father automatically acquire Omani citizenship at birth and must enter and leave the country on an Omani passport. Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is difficult for a Western woman, even a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through the Omani courts. Minor children of an Omani-national father must have their father's permission to leave the country. Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 23, 2006.

The use of drugs is prohibited, and restrictions concerning the consumption of alcohol must be respected. Visitors should not drink alcohol outside licensed hotels. Penalties for violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speed, and failure to wear seat belts, are stringent.

The use of cellular phones while driving is strictly prohibited.

It is illegal to use aggressive, obscene, or abusive language or gestures in public. Penalties for such offenses can range from deportation or fines to imprisonment.

Books, videotapes, and audio tapes may be reviewed prior to being released to the owner. Possession of pornographic material is forbidden.

BACK TO TOP

7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian Government Office in Oman. You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Saudi Arabia - RIYADH, Embassy of Canada
Address: Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 94321, Riyadh, 11693, Saudi Arabia
Tel.: 966 (1) 488-2288
Fax: 966 (1) 488-1997
E-mail: ryadh@international.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Omani authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on February 20, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Oman. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. A single entry business/tourist visa valid for one month may be obtained from an Omani diplomatic mission prior to departure or upon arrival in Oman at any point of entry. The single entry visa may be extended for a period of one month. A multiple entry visa valid for one year may likewise be obtained in advance or upon arrival. The multiple entry visa allows the holder to stay in Oman for up to 3 weeks at a time, with a minimum of 3 weeks between each visit. Visitors who remain in Oman past the validity of their visa will be fined. Work visas must be obtained by your employer in Oman, either in advance or after your arrival on a single entry visa. Student visas must be arranged by the school and obtained from an Omani diplomatic mission before arrival.

Canadian passport holders are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian mission or Foreign Affairs Canada for advice and assistance.

As a condition of employment, Omani employers often retain foreign employees' passports. Although customary, this practice is not a legal requirement. Foreign employees are advised to exercise caution in agreeing to this practice, which could restrict their ability to travel and provide undue leverage to the employer in disputes.

Tourist Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Work Visa: Required

Travellers must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if they are entering Oman from an infected area.

____________________________________________________________

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

9. MONEY

The currency is the Omani Rial (OMR). Credit cards and U.S. dollar travellers cheques are readily accepted. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

BACK TO TOP

10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Sultanate of Oman (capital: Muscat) is located in the Middle East, bordered by the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. Tourist facilities are available in Muscat, Nizwa, Salalah, and Suhar and are expanding elsewhere. The official language is Arabic.

Radio Canada International (RCI) broadcasts on shortwave to this country. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI Web site. You may also e-mail RCI at info@rcinet.ca or call 514-597-7500.

BACK TO TOP

11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Emergency hospital care is available to travellers. However, medical care may be unsatisfactory in some areas, and there is no ambulance service. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Water outside the capital area should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, or washing fruits and vegetables should first be boiled or otherwise sterilized. Travellers should drink bottled water. Milk may also be unpasteurized outside the capital area. If so, it should be boiled.

BACK TO TOP

13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

BACK TO TOP

15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

BACK TO TOP

16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

BACK TO TOP

17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

BACK TO TOP

18. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP