Last Updated:
August 20, 2007 14:00
EDT
Still Valid:
November 15, 2007 22:53
EST
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1. INTRODUCTION AND GEOGRAPHY
Sections 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 of this Travel Report have been updated.
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. The official language is Arabic. Tourist facilities are available in Muscat, Nizwa, Salalah, and Sohar and are expanding elsewhere.
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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
There is no Official Warning for this country.
Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, put Canadians at greater risk. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, as the security situation could deteriorate without warning. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial, public, and tourist areas frequented by foreigners. Canadians should monitor local developments and avoid crowds and demonstrations.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.
The crime rate is low and violent crimes are rare. However, foreigners are occasionally victims of robbery, auto theft, and violence. Remain vigilant and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secured. Do not show signs of affluence. Do not travel alone after dark. Some areas of the country are considered of strategic importance and require pre-authorized permission to enter from the Omani government.
Avoid leaving vehicles unattended. When doing so, upon return, carefully inspect both the exterior and interior to detect any attached devices or suspicious packages nearby. Treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. If you notice anything unusual, contact your sponsor or call the Omani police immediately. Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. If access is granted, it may be severely limited by the Omani authorities.
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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Omani authorities and was valid on August 20, 2007. 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 and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman and its consulate, 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.
Tourist Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Work Visa: Required
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 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.
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.
Travellers must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if they are entering Oman from an infected area.
Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.
A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada.
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.
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5. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:
Oman - MUSCAT, Consulate of Canada
Address: Trade Links Building, Building 1738, Way 2728, Plot 127 CBD, Ruwi, Muscat
Tel.: 968 24 788 890
Fax: 968 24 788 826
Internet: canconoman@gmail.com
The Embassy of Canada in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, also has consular responsibility for Oman. The address is as follows:
Saudi Arabia - RIYADH, Embassy of Canada
Address: Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh
Postal Address: P.O. Box 94321, Riyadh, 11693
Tel.: 966 (1) 488-2288
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 800-814-0139
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 and International Trade Canada in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.
Islamic practices and beliefs form the basis of the country's customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Visitors should dress conservatively. The dress code tends to be more relaxed on beaches and at resorts/hotels. Certain public areas may be restricted to men or women only.
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 13, 2007.
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 offences can range from deportation or fines to imprisonment.
Homosexuality is illegal and convicted offenders may face jail sentences.
Books, videotapes, and audio tapes may be reviewed prior to being released to the owner. Possession of pornographic material is forbidden.
Dual nationality
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.
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.
The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.
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7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY
Poor road conditions, non-existent lighting, wandering animals, and speeding drivers create hazards. Travel is more dangerous after dark. When renting a vehicle, appropriate insurance coverage should be purchased in case of loss, accident, or a major rescue operation. In the event of an accident, the vehicle should not be moved until the police have made an official report. Traffic regulations specify that anyone deemed responsible for a motor vehicle accident may be held in jail for 48 hours. Local authorities can be contacted at 999.
Off-road driving can be hazardous and should only be undertaken in a convoy with an experienced guide. A travel itinerary should be left with a third party. Travellers considering driving in the desert areas of Wahiba and Rub' Al Khali should be well prepared and ensure they are equipped with an emergency roadside kit, road maps, compass, buoys, flares, GPS, cellular phone, and sufficient supplies of gasoline, water, and food. Cellular phone coverage may not be available in some parts of the country.
Oman's international airport is located at Seeb, approximately 40 kilometres west of Muscat. Buses, taxis, and car rentals are available in major cities.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
The currency is the Omani rial (OMR). Credit cards and U. S. dollar traveller’s cheques are readily accepted. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine (ABM) services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs 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. ABMs 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.
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8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The rainy season extends from May to September in the far south, often resulting in flooding. Travellers to the region should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
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9. 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.
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10. 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.
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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Returning to Canada
Traveller's Checklist
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. See Canada's Health Portal.
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.
Adoption: 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.
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12. ANNEX
N/A
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