woman travel oman

Tips on traveling to Oman as a woman

By Joan Torres 5 Comments Last updated on April 5, 2024

Oman is, by far, the most charming and welcoming country in the Middle East, but we can’t forget that it is also one of the most conservative. This means that traveling to Oman as a woman will always be different than as a man and, for this reason, I decided to contact Katie Silcox, an expert female traveler who has traveled around Oman extensively. 

According to Katie, Oman is a safe place for a solo female traveler , but it won’t be always easy to navigate.

In today’s guest post, she will walk us through all her tips and advice on visiting Oman as a woman .

First things first – Oman is safe for solo female travelers .

I’ve visited a fair amount of countries and continents as a solo female, within the Middle East , as well as within Europe, Africa, and Asia.

I can honestly say that Oman is where I’ve felt safest.

The reason for this is a combination of things which we’ll explore throughout this article including the country’s attitude towards women, the friendly-nature of locals, and the safety of the country overall.

If you’re are considering traveling to Oman as a solo female traveler, you should absolutely go ahead.

It’s one of the safest places to do so.

After receiving so many emails from really kick-ass female travelers who want to wander around some of the most off the beaten track countries in the world, I decided to open a  Solo Female Traveling  section on my blog, to help women get to know the reality of traveling solo in these countries. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you think you have a nice experience to tell!

Oman is a safe country overall, including for solo women travelers

If you’re  well-traveled in the Middle East , you’ll no doubt know that the reality of safety issues in many countries located there – or certainly specific regions of many countries – is not what’s portrayed in the western media.

If you’re new to travel in the Middle East and don’t yet know what’s what, that’s ok too. Indeed, if this is the case then Oman would be a great starting point as a solo female traveler in the Middle East.

In fact, in a 2018 report from the World Economic Forum, Oman is listed as the 4th safest country in the world . This safety rating is in part because of the country’s little-to-no crime rate, but also due to Oman’s overall stability as a county, thanks in part to the importance it places on cultural and religious tolerance, and on education.

For more information about safety, read this comprehensive analysis: Is Oman safe?

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Attitudes to women in Oman

The Omani people generally have a lot of respect for one another, and towards tourists.

No, it doesn’t matter if you’re female – please forget all misconceptions about attitudes towards women in a Muslim country. The Omani population respect each other, and this includes women.

With regards to tourism, Oman does however, see a relatively small amount so there may be some curiosity towards you – particularly in more remote areas. But unlike other countries I’ve been to, this curiosity didn’t equal hassle .

Standing out as a tourist didn’t mean I was seen as an easy target for scams, it didn’t mean I was regarded in a negative manner, and it certainly didn’t mean I was cat-called.

In fact, quite the opposite – for most of my time spend in Oman, across Muscat , Salalah , Jebal Akhdar and Wahiba Sands, I was treated just like any other local – often without any outward recognition of my being a tourist at all.

On the odd occasion when I was treated differently, it was with incredibly positive intentions.

For all the practical information, including all my personal tips, cultural facts and top experiences, don’t forget to check my ultimate guide to Oman

The people in Oman are friendly and will want to help you

Those positive intentions?

I’m talking about my interactions with locals and how they simply wanted to help me and make sure I was ok in their country.

On my first trip to Oman as a solo woman; I clearly remember keeping my head down as much as possible and trying not to engage in any interactions with males on the street.

Then one day, as I was parking up a car, I noticed a man outside the window trying to help by giving guidance. Naively I ran through my head what his possible intentions might be, and what he might want from me after I left the safety of my car.

Did he want money? Would he try to take my phone number? Ask me to go and see his shop? Try to take me for coffee?

I braced myself and stepped out of the car – he smiled kindly, nodded his head, and walked away. That was it; he just wanted to help.

It was at this point I both let my guard down , and started to see what the country really was rather than through the sometimes guarded lens of a solo female traveler.

What to wear in Oman as a woman

As with many Muslim countries, you should consider what you wear in Oman.

The country is tolerant, but abiding by local norms is both respectful and will help ensure you stay safe, avoiding any chance of unwanted attention from locals and/or authorities.

Situated in the Arabian Gulf, the weather in Oman can get very hot, which can make it difficult for a traveler who is not used to walking around in such climates.

In most areas, I’d advise wearing linen trousers and a loose-fitting top that covers your shoulders.

If you’re visiting mosques, you’ll also need to cover your hair.

All of this said, there are caveats – Oman boasts many luxury hotels and private beaches and if you’re visiting one of these the rules are entirely relaxed; swimsuits at the pool or beach are ok, and almost anything goes within the hotels themselves.

Best places to stay in Oman as a solo female

Speaking of hotels, let’s discuss where to stay when traveling to Oman as a woman.

This is where things get slightly trickier.

As a solo female traveler , there is no problem at all staying in a room alone, but Oman is not easy for the budget traveler . Oman doesn’t have the concept of hostels, and many of its hotels tend to be on the pricier side [read: 5 star].

If you’re willing to splash out for a 5 star hotel there are plenty of options. Otherwise, you’ll find some decent mid-range hotels in Oman’s capital city, Muscat , but will probably struggle outside of it.

Airbnb options are available and – remember we talked about how safe Oman is as a country – there is no need to worry about staying alone in a rented room or house. A few small and charming guesthouses are also scattered throughout the country.

Lastly, many visitors to Oman also opt to pack a tent into the boot of their vehicle and to camp up under the stars at night. While it’s legal to wild camp in Oman, it’s not something I have ever tried a solo female traveler. If you’re considering it, keep in mind that Oman is safe vs your comfort levels, for a balanced view.

Getting around Oman as a solo female traveler

In order to effectively move around Oman, you’re going to need to hire a car, and we suggest a 4×4.

Public transport is not effective in Oman, particularly outside of Muscat.

Women are absolutely OK to drive solo in Oman, and there are plenty of places to hire a car in Oman, including at the airport. In Oman, they drive on the right-hand side of the road, and many of the key connection roads across the country are very decently paved.

However, a 4×4 is your best car hire option as the off-road terrain can be more difficult to handle, particularly in the desert and the mountain areas. It should be obvious, but Oman has a zero tolerance on alcohol when driving – just don’t do it.

Exploring the culture

Oman has a rich and beautiful culture, and I guarantee that taking the time to get to know some of the locals will leave you with very fond memories.

As a solo female traveler in Oman, I appreciate that striking up conversations with locals is not always easy and can sometimes seem intimidating. I know I often ask myself the usual questions, particularly when starting a conversation with a man.

Will he get the wrong impression? What if he tries to get me alone? What if he follows me?

Of course, I cannot vouch for every person in Oman, but I have felt safer here than in most countries; it’s more than likely you’ll simply have an interesting conversation and learn some new things.

As with all solo travel, stay aware of your surrounding and read the signs you’re being given; if you feel like someone is getting the wrong impression, or if you’re not comfortable for any reason – walk away.

In rural areas, many locals don’t speak much English, so try learning a few words in Arabic before you travel. A simple hello, ( marhaba ), how are you ( kefak/ek ) and thank you ( shokran ) will most definitely be appreciated!

The advantage of being a solo female in Oman vs being a man

Traveling in Oman as a solo woman can actually come with advantages.

By the very nature of your gender, the chances are you’ll get to see a side of the country that male tourists can’t.

Omani’s are very welcoming, so if you’re lucky you’ll be invited to the home of an Omani family in order to dine with family or friends. If you’re male this will mean that you get to dine on some delicious cuisine and experience the culture of food and hospitality in Oman, but you’ll be expected to stay in the guest room.

If you’re female, the chances are you’ll get to experience much more – you may get a chance to explore more than just the guest room and gain an insight into the day-to-day life at an Omani’s home.

Outside of the guest room, females will take off the abaya as they prepare dishes for dinner or tend to their children. A female visitor is far more likely to be invited to experience all of this – and if you are, be sure to watch carefully and pick up some delicious Middle Eastern cooking tips too!

More information for solo female travel in Oman

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

More solo female travel guides

• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraq
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iraqi Kurdistan
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Jordan
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Lebanon
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Iran
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Pakistan
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Sudan

More guides to Oman

• Travel Guide to Oman
• Travel Guide to Musandam
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Muscat
• Best Activities, Tours and Excursion in Oman
• A City Guide to Salalah Dhofar
• Oman Budget Guide
• Is Oman Safe?

Thanks for your article. I noticed on your pictures you dressed less conservative: head is uncovered, part of chest, collar area and neck are showing, elbows to fire arms showing and leg area below knees are showing. Traditional advice for females (tourists or not) has always been to be modestly covered with only face showing. Could you perhaps offer a clarification? Thanks.

Hello there Kris! sorry for being four months late as i just saw this article. Well, its not necessary to only show your face nor to wear in full modest in fact most female tourists and expats here in Oman wear tank tops or T-shirts and nothing is wrong with that but the point is to stay simple and not too showy. By the way have you been to Oman? if not please give it a chance and thank you 😉

Good day, please can woman go to Omar country for work or business

Informative blog, is there any good hostel in Oman for girls?

Would you say it is safe for solo females to hitchhike in Oman?

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Girl about the Globe

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Solo Travel in Oman

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Desert, Historical, Nature, Ocean GatG

Oman in the Middle East is one of my favourite countries! It is really safe, the scenery is mind-blowing and the hospitality is outstanding. Tour guides and staff in accommodations speak English and the country is easy to navigate its way around. If you’re planning a solo trip to Oman, this guide covers what to see and do in Oman and how to get around Oman.

N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping to make a difference to their lives. 

Muscat is the capital of Oman and an ideal place to begin exploring the country. The capital has been designed to retain its connection to the desert and nature. No building in Muscat is more than a few stories high so you can see the deserts or the sea with minarets from the mosque piercing the sky.  

Muscat has manicured lawns, bright flowerbeds and fountains along the roadside. You honestly feel as though you have stepped into another world especially if you’re down by the port.  

If you start at the port, you can watch the fishermen as they bring in the local catch for the day at Muttrah Fish Market. Inside this white covered market you can find all types of fish from red mullet to kingfish and tuna. There are even live crabs! Plus you get to buy any types of dates that you can imagine within the fruit and vegetable section.  

Just a few steps from the fish market along the Mutrah corniche (the waterside area) is the Mutrah Souk, one of the oldest souks in the Arab world (it dates back 200 years). It is one of the attractions in Oman with its winding alleyways of gold and silver and traditional garments and trinkets from Oman. Its within this inside market that you can buy Omani silver, incense and Arabian scents. You don’t get hassled either. Local sellers may say hi or try to get you to into their shops but it’s all friendly so keep walking by if you don’t intend to buy anything.  

If you keep following the corniche along the promenade you’ll reach the giant Frankincense Monument on the hillside, representing the Frankincense history of Oman that is an integral part of its heritage.  

You can learn more about Oman’s history at the Bait Al Zubair Museum. Oman is ruled by one of the oldest dynasties in the Middle East and displays its cultural heritage within this museum that was opened in 1998. Inside you’ll find weaponry, old costumes, jewellery and coins from the past. It’s an interesting insight into the culture.  

Also along the coastline are two of the forts in Oman. Al-Mirani Fort and Al-Jalali Fort are two forts that look out over the Gulf of Oman. Both of these forts were built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.  

One of the biggest Muscat attractions is one of the most important Oman places in the city. The Qaboos Grand Mosque is open to visitors and is free to enter. Inside you’ll find marble courtyards and a women’s and men’s prayer hall. The men’s section has intricate musical art with a Persian carpet that took several years to complete. It really is breathtaking inside and be sure to look up at the giant crystal chandelier. Remember to take your shoes off before entering.  

In the evenings, one of the places to visit in Muscat is the stunning Opera House. Located on Sultan Qaboos Street, the Royal Opera House Muscat was the first Opera House in Arabia. Inside it contains the largest mobile pipe organ in the world. You can take tours or watch an opera or a concert. Even the exterior is beautifully lit up at night.

From Muscat, you can take a day trip to Nizwa. Nizwa is an ancient city that used to be Oman’s capital during the 6th and 7th centuries. The Nizwa Fort is one of the oldest forts in the country and one of the places to see in Oman.  

Inside you can learn more about the history of the fort, watch traditional crafts, buy pottery, coffee and dates and climb the steps to the top for a spectacular view of Nizwa. Visit here on a Friday morning and you can witness the cattle market too.  

Jebel Shams

Jebel Shams is Oman’s highest peak. At more than 3000 metres high, it is described as Oman’s Grand Canyon. Jebel Shams is one of the Oman tourist attractions you really shouldn’t miss. You can just visit it for a day or arrange hikes into the canyon, stopping at local villages along the way. If you do a day tour here from Muscat you’ll stop at Al Hambra, an abandoned village which dates back to 400 years old. Some of the locals still live here and you can visit the local museum to find out more.  

Wadi Shab & The Bimmah Sinkhole

If you are travelling onto Sur, you can visit two other Oman famous places that are both reachable on a day tour from Muscat. Wadi Shab and the Bimmah Sinkhole are both stunning.  

Wadi Shab is an impressive canyon with crystal clear water that you can swim in. When you arrive at the entrance of the Wadi, you take a short boat ride across the water to begin the hike (less than a minute’s ride!) If you’re brave enough there’s a small gap when you reach the end of the hike that takes you into a beautiful cave. This area is so safe that you can even leave your valuables outside the cave.

Bimmah Sinkhole

When you see the Bimmah Sinkhole you’re sure to say “wow.” This natural wonder is a 65-foot deep natural sinkhole situated just off the road in between Dihab and Bimmah (hence the name). You can walk down the steps to get there and swim in its waters to cool off from the midday heat. If you’re lucky you may see other swimmers jumping from the cliffs into the sinkhole. The sinkhole resembles a cenote in Mexico.  

Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid is another must-see and one of the most beautiful places in Oman. This oasis is dotted with palm trees and it’s easy to see why it’s the most visited wadi in the country. When you’re swimming here you do need to keep your clothes on as swimwear isn’t acceptable. Swim in a t-shirt and leggings if you can as you need to be covered from your neck to your knees. You soon dry off afterwards.  

Wadi Bani Khalid is also near Wahiba Sands. This stunning reddish desert is home to Oman’s Bedouin heritage and you can stay overnight in a desert camp or go dune bashing in a 4×4.  

If you’re into maritime history, Sur should be on your Oman itinerary. This port city was once famous for dhow-building and you can visit the Dhow factory and see workers building dhows. Even if you’re not a boat lover, it’s worth a visit as it’s only 2 Omani Rials to enter. Like everywhere in Oman, Sur has a charm to it. You can walk along the Sur corniche and admire the murals that the locals create along its wall.  

Al Ayjah is a lovely area too. This traditional neighbourhood was once cut off from Sur but is now connected by the suspension bridge. Walk up the steps of the Al Ayjah lighthouse for good views or for an even better vantage point of the surrounding area, the watch tower of Al Ayjah is the perfect place to climb for dusk.  

Oman is home to several turtle species and one of the places to see them is at Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, visitable from Sur. If you love wildlife this reserve offers turtle viewing at night. July to October is the best time to see the Green Turtle that migrates through this area. Ras Al Jinz beach is renown for watching the nesting process of the turtles and is only a 45 minute drive from Sur.  

Everywhere in Oman is stunning but there is something so special about the city of Salalah, the capital of the country’s Dhofar province. Located in the south, this area is the greenest area in the country.

Every year the monsoon turns it into lush terrain meaning that it attracts visitors from the Middle East who come to escape the desert heat and enjoy the cooler temperatures that it offers. It also has a historical significance being home of the Frankincense tree and you can learn more and see one of the trees at the Frankincense Museum.  

Just a 35 minute drive from Salalah is Khor Rori. The ancient city of Sumhuram was once part of the Frankincense route and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city overlooks a lagoon and was enclosed by city walls. The ruins date back to the 4th century BC and you can wander around the old city to see the Temple of Sin, one of the important structures here. Take a look inside the museum to see artefacts that were excavated from this region. The entrance fee is 2 Omani Rials. 

Because of the monsoon, depending on which time of year you travel here, you can see many waterfalls. Wadi Darbat waterfalls are easy to see any time of the year and are on the way to Darbat. Other waterfalls are Ayn Khor, and Ayn Athum.   Darbat Park is near Salalah and is popular on the weekends. You can take a boat ride along the canal of the Wadi Darbat for 3 Omani Rial for a 30 minute ride. On the way to Darbat Park you pass donkeys and goats too!

Being on the coast means that Salalah also has beaches and one of the most popular in the city is A’Dahariz Beach (especially on Fridays). On this beautiful stretch of sandy beach you’ll find coffee shops and restaurants. Walk along the white sands or go horse riding at dusk along the water’s edge. As well as having an abundance of wildlife you can also spot flamingos here too.  

Salalah Gardens is a lovely place to spend the evenings. The fountain lights up and you can sit at one of the cafes or restaurants and people watch or venture inside the mall and window shop. Make sure to look at the gold souk which is down a small corridor.

Oman is one of my favourite countries. If you were feeling apprehensive about travelling here, I hope that this guide has reassured you how safe and beautiful this destination is. It really is a mystical place to visit and an ideal starting place for solo female travellers who want to see the Middle East.  

Tours in Oman

Unless you have a car and can drive yourself around the sites, taking tours in Oman can be expensive especially if you are solo travelling here and have to book tours for one person. Even though the country is incredibly safe, it can be easier for solos to take group tours especially if you don’t drive. That way you can really explore the country instead of having to take day tours from different cities and travel with like-minded others too.  

G Adventures offer group tours to Oman. Their 8-day Highlights of Oman tour starts and ends in Muscat. You stay overnight in the Wahiba Sands and visit the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve and Grand Canyon of Oman. The tour is a mix of public and private transport. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female friendly company. 

* Check G Adventures Oman tour itinerary, prices and start dates  

Day Tours – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in Oman and they use local companies. Although some of the tours require a minimum of two people, there are several to choose from where you can join as one person, including a day trip from Muscat to Wadi Shab & the Bimmah Sinkhole, and a Dimaniyat Islands snorkelling tour. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online.  

* Check all Oman day tours and prices here  

Accommodation in Oman

Oman doesn’t really do budget accommodation. You can camp here if you’re here on a budget as it is safe but if you don’t feel comfortable you can choose from one of the hotels instead. Hotels generally have a gym and a pool and some have a sauna and steam room too.  

When you book accommodation in Oman, bear in mind that the accommodation prices you see may not reflect the actual price. Several taxes are added to the accommodation so it isn’t the price that it is advertised at. But, the level of accommodation is superb. A 3-star property feels like a 4-star and the hospitality is fantastic here. 

In the Middle East, it also seems customary to play music on the floors of the hotel from the morning to the evening. Ask for a room away from the elevator if you are a light sleeper. To find the best accommodation for solos, click on the link below and read the reviews from solo travellers.  

* Check all Oman accommodations, prices and availability

Muscat – Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat

For those looking for an apartment within the capital, the Citadines are an ideal option. I loved the design of this aparthotel and my room had everything I needed including a desk and a kitchenette. The staff are really welcoming and friendly too. There’s a pool and a gym and a good restaurant on site and they also arrange airport transfers. Plus the supermarket is a 10-minute walk away (with an ATM). Tours can pick you up from here. Choose from a studio deluxe, a studio premier or a one-bedroom executive or premier.  

• Prices from £92 / $115 per night for a studio deluxe
• To book, check prices or availability for Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat

Muscat – Swiss-Belinn Muscat Oman  

The Swiss-Belinn is a new hotel in Oman. If you don’t have a car, this 3-star hotel is perfect. I love this place, especially the motivational messages around the hotel and in the rooms. The interior design is stunning, the rooms are spacious with lots of light and the view is fab too. There are cafes and restaurants walking distance away and a public beach just 15 minutes on foot. The staff are amazing and the food in the restaurant is fantastic quality. The hotel is nearer the airport than the port. Choose from a superior or deluxe king room or a king room with a sea view. You can even upgrade to a suite.  

• Prices from £50 / $63 per night for a deluxe room
• To book, check prices or availability for Swiss-Belinn Muscat Oman

Salalah – Salalah Gardens Hotel

I love this hotel! The customer service is amazing and the hotel is just stunning. Salalah Gardens Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Salalah that is set in its own complex. There’s a large pool with a separate sauna and steam room for women and the breakfast hall is just stunning. Dinner is served in the ‘Waves’ restaurant and there is a supermarket and huge mall just steps away from the hotel. The gardens are beautiful with a colourful fountain at night and you’ll find the ‘Salalah’ sign here too! Choose from a deluxe room or an executive suite  

• Prices from £63 / $79 per night for a deluxe room
• To book, check prices or availability for Salalah Gardens Hotel  

Sur – Sur Hotel

Sur Hotel is a good hotel centrally located in Sur. The staff here were really welcoming and friendly and even met me from the bus stop when my bus arrived (less than 5 minutes walk away). Reception is open 24 hours and there are restaurants nearby. It is a one-star hotel and the rooms are a bit outdated so don’t expect too much but the staff definitely make up for it.  

• To book, check prices or availability for Sur Hotel

Travelling Around Oman

Travelling around Oman is easy if you hire a car but there is public transport if you don’t want to drive yourself around. The infrastructure is good to drive but you may need a 4×4 to drive off-road to certain destinations such as the road to Jebel Shams. You also need to be careful of camels crossing the road in Salalah.

Intercity buses run from Muscat to other cities. You can take the bus from Muscat to Sur in less than 5 hours. Bear in mind that the buses are cold with air-conditioning so take a cardigan or fleece with you on the bus.  

Buses leave from Burj Sahwa Bus Station, near the roundabout with the big clock. I took the number 36 bus which left Muscat at 14:30 and arrived in Sur at 18:50. The cost was only 4.50 Omani rial. There are USB chargers on the bus.  

From Sur to Muscat my bus was due to leave at 8:30 am but it came at 9 am so expect them to be a bit late. Buses also leave from Mwasalat and then go to Burj Sahwa before heading to Sur.  

Orange and white taxis operate in the country and apparently by the port, they will ask you if you need a taxi. They also honk at you if you’re walking along the road so it’s easy to flag one down. For an easier way to use taxis, there is an app called oTaxi. It’s really easy to use (similar to Uber) and it’s also cheap. You can’t use it from a 4 or 5-star hotel as they expect you to use the hotel taxi instead.  

• Can I drink the water? Yes, it’s drinkable but you may prefer to take a water filter with you. 
• Is tipping expected? Tipping is always appreciated here. The customer service and hospitality are amazing. Tip at least 10% if you can.  
• Fixed price or barter? You can barter in the souks.
• Any ATMs? Yes, you’ll find them in the main areas such as Muscat, Salalah and Sur. Look for them at the banks and supermarkets.
• Which side of the road do they drive? The right-hand side.
• Good for vegetarians? Yes. You can find vegetarian restaurants in Muscat, Sohar, Salalah and Sur. Muscat has the greatest number of vegetarian restaurants . 
• Any Seven Wonders of the World? No, but Oman has stunning places to visit!

Map of Oman

Plan a Trip To Oman

If you are ready to solo travel Oman here are some useful links to help you to travel Oman alone including airlines which fly there, vaccinations required and events and festivals.

Current Time in Muscat

Budget – £125+ a day

Capital – Muscat

Population – 5.107 million

Language spoken – Arabic but English is also spoken.

Local Currency – Omani rial

Do I need a visa? For British Citizens, you receive a visa on arrival for 14 days

Vaccinations Required  

Useful Info

Flights to Oman

The Best Time to Go to Oman – December, January and February 

Plugs For Oman  

UNESCO Sites in Oman  

Events and Festivals in Oman

Local Cost Guide  

Local Customs & Etiquette  

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The World Through a Lens

A Woman Alone in Oman: Three Weeks Along the Arabian Coast

In December, a photographer set off on a 2,600-mile road trip, traveling from the Yemeni border to the Strait of Hormuz. Here’s what she saw.

Dromedaries graze in the marsh where fresh water from Wadi Ashawq meets the Arabian Sea. Credit...

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Photographs and Text by Noa Avishag Schnall

• Published May 9, 2022 Updated May 21, 2022

I could barely tell where the salt ended and the sky began.

I was on my way to Masirah, Oman’s largest island, when the surrounding terrain turned into a massive salt flat. At its edge, near the road, two Bangladeshi workers were up to their ankles in the mixture of liquid and minerals, pushing the salt flakes into pyramid-shaped piles. I, too, waded in, the horizon blurred by an orange-pink haze.

Finally I reached the ferry and, after more than an hour at sea, arrived at Masirah. I began driving down the west coast of the bowtie-shaped island, hoping to make it to its southern point by sundown, a distance of some 40 miles. The farther I got from the port, the fewer people I saw — until, pulling onto the sand of Bu Rasas Beach , there was no one. With the trunk of my S.U.V. open to the sea, emitting the only light for miles, I could hear the small shore creatures scuttling near the water’s edge.

Alone, skirting the boundaries between sand and sea, I’d reached the midpoint of my trek.

This past December, three months after the Sultanate of Oman lifted its Covid-19 travel restrictions, I flew from my home in Paris to the southern city of Salalah, intending to explore the entirety of Oman’s coastline from south to north.

For the next three weeks, I would be traveling solo across the edge of the Arabian Peninsula, clocking more than 2,600 miles, improvising campsites, off-roading with middling success, loading my rental car onto ferries to reach remote islands, passing military checkpoints and, finally, reaching the northern tip of Oman and the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most geopolitically contentious and carefully monitored waterways in the world.

When you conjure images of the Arabian Peninsula, whose inhabitants go by the pan-Arab term “khaleeji,” the Sultanate of Oman is perhaps not the first country that comes to mind. Saudi Arabia’s presence on the world stage has been dominant in recent years; both the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have made political and cultural impressions internationally; and the entire world has watched in horror at the ongoing civil war in Yemen .

And yet Oman has nurtured its reputation as a neutral and often tranquil place, even serving during the Obama administration as a conduit for nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. The country has made few ripples on the international front since the British-backed coup in the 1970s, when a reformist son deposed his father to become the new sultan. The leader — Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman, who died in 2020 — subsequently transformed Oman, catalyzing mass modernization while maintaining the absolute monarchy.

For me, that relative calm was one of its most attractive features. That and its unique climate. Because of its location, Oman is one of the rare countries in the Arab world that experiences a khareef (monsoon) season, which turns the landscape a lush green, floods mountains with waterfalls, fills the wadis (valleys or riverbeds) with fresh water and brings a thick fog to rest on the southern governorates of the country. Oman doesn’t really have an off-season. The khareef is popular with khaleejis, and during winter months the sultanate receives more European and Indian tourists. As I’d missed the khareef, it was the ideal time for a beach-bound adventure.

In my dedication to traveling the entirety of the Omani coastline, I’d be foregoing inland Oman, famed for the Rub al Khali, or the Empty Quarter, considered the world’s largest continuous sand desert and made up of approximately 250,000 square miles of uninterrupted sand dunes, spanning across Oman, Yemen, the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia. And, in a stubborn commitment to driving the entire coastline, I drove some three hours west of Salalah to the border of Yemen to officially begin the trip.

The route to the border was treacherous, full of repeating switchbacks as the road ascended into the Dhofar Mountains. And the quality of the roadway significantly deteriorated the closer I got to Yemen.

The border crossing near the town of Sarfayt wasn’t very imposing: a makeshift hut of corrugated iron paneling — covered in camouflage netting and yellowed by the sun — with a sand-colored SUV in its shade. Disappointingly, there was no signage. This was the closest I’d been to Yemen since December 2013, not long before the civil war began. After conferring with his colleagues in the hut, the guard allowed me to complete a U-turn in the no man’s land between Oman and Yemen. And with that, my journey had officially begun.

The first thing I did on my expedition north was pull up for a warm cup of sweet milk tea called karak — an Omani favorite, made with spices — at the nearest place I could find. It was significantly colder and windier here in the mountains.

By nightfall I’d reached Fazayah Beach, some 65 miles from the border. Wild camping is legal in Oman; one has the right to pitch a tent on any public land. Before picking up my car rental, I requested that the rear rows be removed, which would give me the option of sleeping in back. That night, I kept the trunk open, tucked into my sleeping bag, listening to the waves. In the morning, cows walked the beach while I swam; later I waited as they blocked the mountain road until I could pull back out onto Highway 47.

My trip progressed in undulating chapters: Periods of isolation and contemplation were followed by moments of extreme focus in precarious situations, which then swung into generous cultural exchanges.

At Mughsail Beach, with Mount Qamar looming in the distance, the shallow pools of light green and blue water gathered in pockets in the sand, as dromedaries, or one-humped Arabian camels, walked along the shore, silhouetted by an orange sun. Ropes of a vine called goat’s foot crisscrossed the beach, with their pink flowers dotting the sand.

Just as the sun was fading into a fuzzy haze, a traditionally dressed couple walked barefoot along the shoreline, the man in a dishdasha (an ankle-length collarless tunic) and kuma (a rounded embroidered cap), and the woman in an abaya (a long black cloak) and hijab.

At the Khor Rori archaeological site , I met a man who looked to be in his mid-40s. We struck up a conversation, and when he found out I have Yemeni ancestry, he warmed to me. I sat with him through a few of his cigarettes.

He was fascinated by my Jewish heritage, saying I was the first Jew he had ever met and asking to take a photograph together. Then, as though he needed proof of my Jewishness, he asked that I write out several names in Hebrew, which I did. We exchanged numbers and planned to meet that evening for dinner.

After visiting Wadi Darbat , famous for its plateau of waterfalls, I drove to Mirbat, where my new friend had dropped a pin on my phone to share the exact location. He had ordered takeout, and we took the bags to the beach, where he laid out a mat and we sat eating cross-legged using our right hands in place of utensils, in the traditional manner. Having finished our meal of chicken biryani, we stepped out onto the rocks where the ocean lapped onto the stones. We went as far as we could without getting wet, finding a place to lean back comfortably. And then, as if old friends, we had a long talk about a range of topics, including religion, while staring up at the sky.

The next day, I stopped to have coffee in the bustling village of Sadah. As soon as I sat down, the neighborhood children playing at a nearby table were intrigued — likely with my unruly (and uncovered) hair, western (though modest) clothes and vaguely familiar features. The girls waved at me, while the boys made faces and loud jokes, clearly having a cheeky laugh at my expense. These exchanges are among my favorite moments on the road: no common language, no inherent gain for either party, just a bit of wonder on all sides, full of hand signals and carefree laughter.

A man in western clothes and his young daughter joined our interaction. He introduced himself as a native of Sadah and suggested a restaurant with the best view in town. Requesting that I refer to him as Ali, he later said he was a member of an elite military unit in Oman.

Ali proposed a drive to Natef Falls , where, as one local described, the “water comes from the mountains like tears.” I bathed in the freshwater, which felt noticeably distinct from mornings spent in the brine.

Drying off, I recalled the conversation we had shared earlier in the day. “I’m crazy, you’re crazy,” he’d said, as both of us laughed. What Ali had meant, restricted by the limits of our common language skills, was that I was a woman traveling by herself, an idea that to him was absolutely mad — and yet also brave. He was likening it to his métier: high-altitude military parachuting, which he knew was both courageous and a bit unhinged. (I’d seen videos of his jumps.)

In other words: This was Ali, paying me a compliment.

A couple days later I was off-roading in the Sugar Dunes of Al Khaluf in an attempt to reach Bar al Hikman before sunrise . Suddenly, my S.U.V. ceased moving forward; the wheels rotated in place, sending sand in all directions. The car sank into the white lumps. I tried in vain to dig myself out, but it was futile. I hesitated before calling Ali. Within 30 minutes of dropping him a pin, two friends from Ali’s unit pulled up — barefoot, wearing dishdashas and massars (embroidered headscarves) — in a beat-up ’90s truck the color of sand.

Ten minutes later, employing the practiced skill of people who had clearly done this many times before, they yanked my much larger vehicle out of its pit, and drove it back to the blacktop. They offered me a place to stay at their camp for the night, but I had taken up enough of their time. We said our goodbyes and, my hands pressed together in supplication uttering profuse shukrans (thank yous), they sent me on my way. Feeling inordinately lucky, I found an easily accessible nearby beach, splayed out in the trunk, and passed out.

The following morning, I walked across the stunning white sand beach, sat in the water feeling grateful for it all, and looked back at the dunes that had nearly devoured me the night before.

The farther north I traveled, the craggier the terrain became — stonier, less smooth. An hour north from the port city of Sur, I was enchanted by the many smaller coves that broke up the long stretch of beach near Bimmah Sinkhole . Weaving among them, I admired the massive chunks of brain coral and the way the morning sun reflected pastel highlights onto the stones.

Exactly two weeks into my trip, with only brief interludes from the intermittently unforgiving coastal terrain, I pulled into a parking spot on a perfectly manicured street — lined with elegant palm trees — in a swanky corner of Muscat, Oman’s capital, and walked my weary self into an international coffee chain.

Hoping to visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, I missed the window for non-Muslim visitors. Instead, I walked through the surrounding gardens. Evening had fallen by the time I departed Muscat for Shinas, a coastal town near the border with U.A.E. I counted the gas flares that dotted the coastline as I continued my drive.

The following morning, I found a small unassuming cafe for breakfast. The corner shop, open on two sides, let in a much-appreciated breeze. I joined a morning crowd of South Asian workers, silently drinking their chais and munching their chapatis , transfixed by the overhead TV, a few flies resting on the plastic tables we all shared. I saw one of the men dip his chapati in his tea, and I did the same. Not half bad. After their meal, men would approach the sink in the middle of the shop and wash their hands and mouth, then use the thin waxy paper, provided by the shop, to dry themselves off. I followed suit.

These types of shops can be found all over the sultanate, a staple of communities in a country where foreign workers — mostly from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan — make up a significant portion of the population. (In Oman and many of its neighbors, the pandemic led to a reckoning about the many inequalities that exist in the Gulf states, which rely heavily on migrant labor.)

I was finally ready to head to Musandam, the northernmost of Oman’s 11 governorates, which borders the Strait of Hormuz and is separated from the rest of the country by a spit of Emirati land. Musandam has beautifully barren fjords hugging green-blue bays, jagged mountain ranges , and inlets that reveal small villages accessible only by boat. The port city of Khasab is a four-hour ferry ride from Shinas, north along the edge of the Arabian Peninsula and around the cape into the Strait of Hormuz.

I drove off the ferry into town and let curiosity lead me along the Khasab Coastal Road, gradually nearing my ultimate destination. The Musandam mountain scapes were intimidating, dwarfing the few homes that were built right up against them. One road appeared to turn into the mountains, and I decided to see where it led.

After about five minutes, the paved road gave way to dirt. I got out of the car to take some photos when I heard a man’s voice call and echo to me from across the valley. Looking in the direction of the sound, I discerned a figure waving me over. It turned out to be a group of young Omani men, who went on to invite me to join their breakfast, revealing a spread of coffee, karak, tanoor bread (baked in an underground clay oven), honey and cheese. The home, land, and surrounding flock of goats belonged to a family member, and they were all visiting from their respective homes in the nearby Emirates.

That afternoon, I made my way to the northernmost point of Oman — or as far as I could go without risking further off-roading high jinks — and gazed out over the coast. The waters were deceptively serene. I found a place to rest among the rocks and contemplated the historic nature of the sea passage. Only 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, the Strait of Hormuz has been essential for trade between civilizations for thousands of years.

Recently, some 20 percent of the global oil supply has flowed through the strait, which is the only way for oil tankers and cargo ships to reach the Indian Ocean for maritime trade. Tensions at this chokepoint have led (and continue to lead) to numerous conflicts .

Taking in the sea view from a small park just southwest of the horn, I waved to a group of women walking in the sand; they waved back. I longed for interactions with Omani women but had experienced very few throughout the journey — partly a result of my limited language skills and the solitary nature of my trip, and partly because of the complicated gender dynamics in a country with a spectrum of conservativeness.

I’d spoken briefly with a young doctor on the ferry to Masirah, on the deck reserved for families (the other side was reserved for single men), where we were both trying to get a good picture of the sunset and joked at our unsuccessful attempts. The conversation trailed off, and she returned to sit with her two friends.

At a generic food stand in Khasab, a group of young girls approached me, admiring my camera. I let them hold it and play, which drew the attention of some teenage girls who wanted to practice their English. “You’re cute!” they said to me, giggling.

Reflecting back on these fleeting moments, I was thankful to have had them.

I left Musandam the following morning and headed back to mainland Oman, where I booked a hotel in Muscat and, for the first night in weeks, slept in a bed. When I awoke, the city had flooded, limiting the options for my final day. I lay back down on the bed. I could still smell the smoke emanating from burned frankincense resin, could feel the air from Jabal Samhan on my skin, could hear the batting of green sea turtle flippers in the sand.

Noa Avishag Schnall , is a visual journalist based in Paris. You can follow her work on Instagram .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2022 .

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First Timer’s Travel Guide To Visiting Oman

Planning to visit Oman for the first time? Find out all the information you could need to make the most of your trip in this Oman travel guide.

I’ve just got back from the most incredible trip to Oman. It was my first time visiting the country, and excitement levels were high! Before leaving I found myself clicking on endless pretty photos of the country, saving locations, and wondering whether it would really look as pretty as the pictures.

With expectations flying high, was I setting myself up to be disappointed? I arrived in Muscat with six days ahead of me and a mission to see and do as much as possible.

I decided to pop together a huge travel guide to Oman, with lots of tips and advice for anyone visiting for the first time. So along with a few must-sees, you’ll find info below on safety, sim cards, wild camping, drone laws and more. It’s everything I wanted to know before I visited, and more! 

If there’s something in particular you’re looking for, click on the contents below, otherwise strap yourself in for a whistle-stop tour of my new favourite country in the Middle East! 

Is It Worth Visiting Oman?

Yes, 100%. That was easy. Next question?

Oman has a lot to shout about, but I feel its biggest selling point is the fact you can see such diverse landscapes in just a few days. One day I was on the beach, the next in the sand dunes in the desert, the next at altitudes of 2000m in the mountains. Culturally and historically there’s a lot to take in too, from ancient forts and stunning mosques, to bustling souks.

If you’ve never visited the Middle East before, I think Oman offers one of the best introductions to the culture, climate and landscapes. The people are really friendly too, and a lot of people speak some English, making it a lot easier to travel around than some of its neighbours.

How To Get To Oman

I flew direct from London to Muscat with Oman Air . The airline flies direct from London Heathrow to Muscat twice a day (and once a day from Manchester).  The flight takes just over 7 hours. If you book well in advance, you can find return flights from as little as £320 return.

From Muscat airport I’d recommend hiring a car (more on that coming up) or booking a guide for your trip. It depends on what you want to see and do, but there are some treacherous, off-road drives like Wadi Bani Awf, where I was relieved we were in the care of Ahmed from Desert Camels Adventure Tours .

Best Time To Visit Oman

Oman has a warm climate all year round. It gets seriously hot in the summer months, so unless you’re a fan of 40+ degrees, I’d avoid June, July and August.

The best time to visit Oman is between October and April. It’s still lovely and warm, but temperatures are a lot more bearable, peaking around 30 degrees. I visited in November and thought it was perfect. It was warm and sunny during the day. Temperatures in Muscat were around 28 degrees, while up in the mountains (at altitudes of 2000m) it dropped as low as 8 degrees at night.

One of the biggest surprises during my trip was that it rained. In Oman! WOW – I was not expecting that at all. It was only fleeting, but pretty torrential! We were based in northern Oman, but I read that the south of the country has a monsoon season which runs from June to September. It’s great for the area though, as it helps the region’s fruit trees and vegetables flourish.

Is Oman Safe?

I travelled with my fiancé and a local tour guide, and felt very safe in Oman. If I’d been travelling solo, I also think I would have felt pretty safe, but it’s hard for me to judge. Oman is rated as one of the safest countries to visit in the world right now. Major crimes carry strict penalties, but as with any country there are occasional petty crimes. Just be alert, don’t put yourself in obvious dangers and stick to areas you where you feel safe.

Top Things To Do In Oman  

Oman is the perfect destination for adventure lovers and culture seekers. Coming up are my must-dos… from deserts and beaches, to wadis and epic mountains, you’ll want to pack a lot in! 

Visit A Wadi In Oman

A wadi is a valley or canyon, often created through epic mountains by a dried-up river. Some are fed by natural springs, which lead to incredible emerald green rock pools, surrounded by palm trees. There are also a few stunning wadis on Oman with waterfalls cascading through the landscape. As the country is so dry, they’re always a surprising sight – a bit of a desert oasis!

Wadis are great for hiking, canyoning, swimming or driving through on a road trip. The most famous wadis in Oman are Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Al Arbeieen, Wadi Al Hawqayn and Wadi Tiwi.

I headed to Wadi Bani Awf in the north of the country, a few hours’ drive from Muscat. The most famous spot within this wadi is Snake Canyon, a huge gorge which divides the impressive rocks. Adventure lovers can hike, climb and abseil their way through. I, however enjoyed a bumpy 4×4 ride through the landscapes, hopping out every now and then to take photos.

This is 4×4 off-road territory, and with extremely windy, cliff-edge roads with sheer drops below. Unless you’re really experienced at this sort of driving, I’d recommend hiring a guide to drive the route for you.

The views were utterly spectacular, with huge mountain backdrops and beautiful valleys below. There was barely any water in the wadi when we visited, but this isn’t always the case and we spotted one pool where a few people had stopped for a swim. 

Head Up To Oman’s Mountains

I was awestruck by the epic mountain views as we drove through Wadi Bani Awf . They included Oman’s most impressive mountain range, the Al Hajar Mountains. They’re the highest mountains in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, with Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain) being the highest peak at just over 3,000m.

I’d recommend visiting Jebel Akhdar, known as the Green Mountain, as it receives more rain and enjoys cooler temperatures – perfect for growing crops. One of the best spots to see the panoramic views of the mountains and canyon is  Diana’s Point within Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort . Sunsets are particularly spectacular from there too!

If you’re visiting other areas of Oman, and craving some mountain time, check out Samhan Mountain, Lion’s Jaws Gate and Jabal Al Qamar (Moon Mountain).

Explore An Ancient Omani Fort

You won’t drive far in Oman before spotting a fort or watchtower. I read there are over 1,000 in the country, and while some have been left in ruins, others have been beautifully restored to their former glory.

Spend a few hours at Rustaq Fort , one of the largest and most important forts in Oman’s history. Originally constructed in the 12 th Century, it was restored and added to in the 16 th Century when Rustaq was the capital of Oman.

It costs just £1 (500 baisas) to enter, and there’s lots to see. Climb up one of the four towers, venture inside armouries and libraries, peer over the turrets and take in the landscape below. It’s somewhere you’ll find yourself reaching for your camera over and over!

Others to add to your list are Nizwa Fort, which dates back to the 12 th Century and Bahla Fort, which underwent a big restoration a few years ago.

Sample Some Local Omani Food  

It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what Omani food is as the cuisine features influences from the Mediterranean, India and parts of Africa. However, I thought the food was delicious, blending a variety of tasty spices and a nice bit of chilli. If I had to compare to foods I’d eaten before I’d say most of the dishes were reminiscent of Indian or Turkish dishes.

Expect to eat lots of rice (usually seasoned with saffron, cumin, cloves, cardamom and onion), accompanied by grilled meat (lamb, chicken, goat). Towards the coast you’ll be able to find great fish and seafood too.

One of the most traditional Omani dishes is shuwa. It’s made by covering meat in a marinade of spices, then wrapping in banana leaves and baking in an underground oven. I tried it with lamb, and the meat just fell away; it was so tender. I also had lots of tasty curries throughout my trip. If you’re not keen on spicy food, I’d suggest you ask for it mild as some of the Omani food I ate had a serious chilli kick.

One of the most popular fish eaten in Oman is hamour. It’s a type of grouper, and when cooked correctly, the white fish flakes away delicately. 

Dates are a popular snack or sweet in Oman, often served alongside a cup of coffee. If you want to try coffee with a twist, order kahwa. It’s the Omani style of coffee, usually spiced with cardamom and cloves. Yummy!

It’s worth noting that food is extremely affordable in local restaurants, but pricey in hotels. I loved the local food experiences I had, and would definitely recommend getting out of tourist restaurants and resorts and trying some traditional dishes. Omanis tend to eat with their right hand rather than use cutlery, but it’s not frowned upon to ask for a spoon or fork if you’d find it easier. I did! 

Stay In Some Unique Accommodation

There are plenty of incredible places to stay in Oman, with views that will seriously amaze you.

For something extra special, spend a night or two at the luxurious Dunes by Al Nadha , right in the sand dunes and only a one hour drive from Muscat. Accommodation is in large tent-style houses, with chic bathrooms, colourful fabrics and hanging lanterns. Think of high-end glamping, and then raise it up a few levels.

Start your day watching the sunrise over the sand, splash around in the infinity pool, hire quad bikes to reach the summit of the dunes, and enjoy a sand spa – a bizarre spa treatment that’s great for relieving aches and pains. This special resort definitely ticks the unique box.

Explore Muscat

Muscat isn’t like most capital cities. You won’t find skyscrapers or glitzy commercial buildings. In the centre you’ll find a few busy roads, but nothing on the level of Dubai. It feels like it has a clear identity, and flies the flag for Omani culture.

Start with a wander along the Corniche, enjoying views of minarets, ancient forts, super yachts and bright turquoise water.

Pay a visit to the Sultan’s Palace to see the pretty gardens and grandeur for yourself. Then head inside Oman’s National Museum to learn more about the country’s past.

My favourite spots? Along with the pretty corniche with that bright turquoise water, I enjoyed ambling through Mutrah Souq, where you can buy everything from pashminas and silver teapots to spices and incense. Don’t miss Mutrah Fish Market for a real flavour of daily life in Muscat. You can watch the fishermen arriving with their latest catch, locals haggling for their dinner and weird and wonderful creatures from the abyss.

Take In Oman’s Spectacular Beach Views

Before visiting Oman I’d seen photos of stunning beaches, but as our trip was coming to an end, I felt like we were going to go home a little disappointed. That was until we took a drive south from Muscat and followed the coast. These views were close to the entrance of the Shangri-La Hotel – just WOW! Look at that view!

If you’re not spending much time in Muscat, you’ll find great beaches all over Oman. Check out the beaches at Al Mughsayl, Bandar Jissah, Khassab and Tiwi, along with those on the stunning island of Masirah. That’s somewhere I’d love to visit on a return trip.

Visit A Mosque In Oman

Oman is a Muslim country, so you’ll see mosques everywhere you go, even in the most remote areas. I’d recommend visiting Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. It’s free to enter, and is open to visitors from 8 – 11am each day.

It’s absolutely stunning, and an incredible feat of architecture, with its 50m tall tower and five minarets to represent the five pillars of Islam.

The inside is just as impressive as the outside, with one of the biggest chandeliers and handwoven carpets in the world. The extravagant chandelier in the men’s prayer hall contains 600,000 Swarovski crystals and weighs over 8 tonnes!

N.B. You’ll need to adhere to a strict dress code in order to enter the mosque, which you can find out all about in my guide to what to wear in Oman .

Try An Adrenaline Activity In Oman

Oman is a great destination for adventure lovers and adrenaline addicts. From quad biking, sand boarding and dune bashing in the desert, to climbing, abseiling, cliff jumping and canyoning in the mountains and wadis, and scuba diving and water sports on the coast, there’s something to suit everyone. 

I tried quad biking for the first time while staying at Dunes by Al Nadha . It was the perfect way to get to the top of the sand dunes and see our amazing desert resort from a different perspective.

If you’re looking for a real thrill, head to Jabal Akhdar and enjoy Oman’s highest via ferrata , which includes abseiling, zip-lining and manoeuvring along some sheer drops.      

Relax With Some Luxury  

The Middle East is home to some of the world’s most glamorous hotels. In Oman, resorts like the Kempinski Hotel Muscat offer 5-star luxury right on the beach. Enjoy dining at one of four restaurants (which includes excellent Thai restaurant Soi Soi), or enjoy cocktails and light bites at Zale Beach Club, right on the sand. You can read my guide to the best luxury hotels in Oman here. 

Meanwhile, 2000m up at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort , you can wake up to impressive canyon views, enjoy premium middle eastern cuisine at Al Qalaa, and relax in the spa.

Get To Know Oman’s Wildlife

I’ll admit right now, that I didn’t see a lot of wildlife on this trip, but I do think it’s a big reason to visit. During my trip we spotted lots of mountain goats, donkeys, a camel, a mountain fox, a small gecko and lots of birds.

However, there’s plenty more wildlife in Oman, particularly if you’re heading to these specific regions…

You can spot dolphins along Oman’s coast, with large pods of humpback dolphins often seen in the Musandam Peninsula. 

Oman is famous for its green turtles which nest along the shore each year. Head to Ras Al Jinz or the Dimaniyat Islands to see the babies racing towards the sea between May and September.

In the south, head to the Jabal Samhan Reserve near Salalah and you could spot one of the country’s endangered Arabian leopards.

Meanwhile, bird lovers should head to Masirah Island, where more than 328 species have been spotted.

Go Wild Camping In Oman

I’ve mentioned a few of the most luxurious places to stay in Oman, and now it’s time to tell you about the other end of the scale. Did you know you can camp ANYWHERE in Oman? Well, pretty much anyway. Wild camping is legal in Oman, so you really can find a bit of public land you like and pitch your tent for the night.

That means you can venture to the most beautiful spots in Oman’s mountains, kayak to a secret beach or even fall asleep under the stars in the desert at Wahiba Sands. I enjoyed reading this account of wild camping in Oman, as it really paints a picture of what it’s like, especially for a family!

Not only is it the most affordable way to explore Oman, you’ll have access to some of the country’s most stunning morning views. If you don’t fancy lugging tents and equipment from home, there are plenty of local companies offering camping rental, or tours that take care of everything for you.

Enjoy A Road Trip Across Oman

Honestly, just hop in the car and DRIVE! As you’ve heard, I just loved the variety of landscapes we saw during our week in Oman. Sometimes we were driving along a road and I’d shout STOPPPPP! Then I’d hop out of the car, take a few photos, then we’d continue onwards.

One of my favourite spots was Birkat Al Mouz, where if you look beyond the beautiful rows of palm trees you can spot ancient villages built into the rugged mountains.

From the rugged terrain in the wadis and mountains, to the stunning beaches, it’s such a beautiful country to drive around. Make a playlist, stock up on some tasty snacks and enjoy the views. 

What To Pack For Oman

With a range of temperatures and activities to think about, packing for Oman isn’t the simplest process. It’s especially important for women to consider the Arabic culture before visiting, as on the whole, it’s recommended to cover up shoulders, chests and wear something that covers below the knee.

Before my visit, I searched for information on what to wear in Oman as a woman, and didn’t find much that was useful… so I’ve popped together a handy guide to what to wear in Oman . It includes a packing list, and includes a few helpful tips for men too.

Useful Travel Tips And Information For Visiting Oman  

From whether to buy a sim card, to how to apply for a tourist visa, here are a few extra tips for first time visitors to Oman.

Sim Cards In Oman

My phone network charged high prices for data usage in Oman, so I decided it was best to buy a sim card on arrival. That way I’d be able to do research on the go, plan routes and update my social media channels.

As you come out of departures at Muscat Airport you’ll see several phone stores, including Omantel, Ooredoo and Renna. Our guide recommended we use Omantel, so we popped to the store, gave our passports (to register the sim) and paid on credit card. We went for a sim with 2GB of data, which cost 3 Rial (£6). It was more than enough data for a short trip, especially as most hotels had good WiFi. 

What To Wear In Oman

Oman is a lot less conservative than other places in the Middle East, but you should still dress appropriately and adhere to some basic etiquette. I’d recommend reading my post on What To Wear In Oman , which has lots of detailed info on what clothing to pack for different regions and experiences.

WiFi In Oman

All the hotels we stayed at had WiFi. It was a little slow in the desert areas, but worked well in Muscat and the mountains. As I had data via my sim card I didn’t try to connect to public WiFi in Oman, however I did see that some required an Omani phone number or address in order to register. 

It’s also worth noting that at Muscat Airport you’ll need a local phone number or a wifi code from customer services in order to connect to the public WiFi. This could make things a little complicated when you land, so I’d recommend downloading or printing all the info you need to get to your first hotel, before boarding your flight to Oman.  

Tourist Visas For Oman

To visit Oman, you’ll need to apply for a visa via the Royal Oman Police website. I applied for a 10-day tourist e-visa online, which was a reasonably simple process. I had to upload a copy of my passport and a recent photo, along with typing in my basic information. It was granted within 48-hours and cost 5 Rials (£10). If you’re staying a bit longer there’s also a 30-day visa available.

Car Rental In Oman

Renting a car in Oman is pretty straightforward, and we found the roads to be excellent. Thankfully there weren’t too many crazy drivers around either! To rent a car in Oman, you need to be over 25, possess an international driving license and have had your license for a minimum of one year. If you’re under 25, it may be possible, but check with the company first.

Due to the rugged terrain in some areas, I’d recommend renting a 4×4. There are some beautiful off-road areas in the wadis, mountains and deserts, so that extra control is really important.

I read that some car rental agencies don’t allow you to pass between Oman and the United Arab Emirates, so if you’re planning a day trip to Dubai or a visit to Abu Dhabi, definitely check out the rules before you book your vehicle. 

Drone Laws In Oman

Thinking of flying your drone in Oman? Think again! You can only fly a drone in Oman if it’s for a commercial shoot, for which you need to obtain a permit before arriving in the country. If you arrive in Oman without a permit for your drone, then sadly it may be confiscated by airport security. For me, that was too much of a risk so I left mine at home.

Laws like this are reviewed regularly, so it’s worth double checking the latest news before you travel. If in doubt though, leave it at home. Nobody wants to get held up at customs at the start of a holiday!

I hope this first timer’s travel guide to Oman is helpful in planning your holiday. Let me know if you have any questions below! Don’t forget to read my guide to What To Wear In Oman and my pick of the best luxury hotels in Muscat too.

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

3 thoughts on “First Timer’s Travel Guide To Visiting Oman”

Great guide Chloe, it answered a fair few of my Qs before i head to Oman.. in 2 days! Excited 😀

It looked like you had an amazing time too Scott!

Nizwa is a fort city surrounded by a palm oasis near the foot of the Western Hajar Mountains. One of Oman’s oldest cities, it was once the country’s capital and a vital hub of Islamic learning for centuries. The city is still somewhat conservative, you just have to dress correctly so you stay out in trouble. But I found it very welcoming. Missing my travel there way back in 2004. Thank you for sharing your memories!

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The Ultimate Oman Travel Guide

Updated March 2024,  The Ultimate Oman Travel Guide was originally written in April 2018

Oh Oman, the gem of the Arabian Peninsula. Easy to travel, overwhelmingly safe, absolutely beautiful sceneries, and a strong culture. Oman is often overlooked by most travelers to the region who typically head to more glitzy destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

For those that have never visited a country in the Middle East, I highly recommend Oman as it’s clean, safe, friendly, and gorgeous. As many of you know, I traveled in  Yemen  and fell in love with the country in 2014 (and again in 2019 and 2020) which was what initially sparked my interest in visiting Oman.

The countries are drastically different, yet share many similarities, so for those interested in getting to Yemen (I get several emails about it per week), and have concerns about safety, I highly recommend travel in Oman for the time being.

If you’re starting to plan your Oman travels, I recommend picking up a copy of Bradt’s Oman guidebook .

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The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial. The current exchange rate is 1 OMR = $2.60 USD as of February 2024 .

The official language of Oman is Arabic. With that said English speaking travelers will have no problem getting around the country without knowledge of Arabic as many Omanis speak English quite well. Many road signs are written in English and Arabic.

The government of Oman doesn’t keep official stats on religion in the country. With that said most Omanis follow the Ibadi sect of Islam. The remaining population is mostly Muslim of Sunni or Shia sects with a small number of Hindus and Christians.

What To Wear In Oman

Conservative dress is recommended out of respect to the locals.

Women : Long trousers and shirts that at least cover the shoulders are recommended. Always carry a headscarf with you for the impromptu mosque visit. If you want to swim somewhere, swimming in clothing is what local women do. Of course, if staying at a western resort anything goes.

Men : Long trousers and covered shoulders are best. Make sure knees and shoulders are covered when entering mosques.

View this post on Instagram Some photos don’t need too many words, but if you have a spare 1000 read on … I’ve teamed up as a judge with @TravelexUK and @PenguinBooksUK as they hunt out the ‘Next Great Travel Writer’ – Do you have an awesome travel tale? Enter in the bio link and you could win £1500 + a mentoring session *UK/USA only #NGTW A post shared by Daniel James (@danflyingsolo) on Jan 22, 2017 at 1:51am PST

How Long To Visit Oman

1-2 weeks is a common amount of time to visit the country for travelers. 2 weeks is a good amount of time for those wanting to quickly explore both the north and south of the country. A month will offer you the flexibility to hit the highlights and see some off the beaten path destinations in Oman. 

Check out my one week in Oman itinerary and travel guide

When To Visit Oman

Oman can get unbearably hot in summer. It is not recommended to visit in June, July, and August. The best months for visiting are November-April.

Getting around in Oman is easiest by renting a car and self-driving. Driving in Oman is quite easy unless you want to go off the beaten path which will involve off-roading. For those wanting to explore the Wahiba Sands and the mountain roads of the country, you should rent a 4×4.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

• It is illegal to drive around with a dirty car in Oman. Fines are 10 OMR, but usually police will just tell you to get it washed.
• There are speed cameras all over the place. Always try to stay at or under posted speed limits.
• Public buses connect most major cities in the country. Those wanting to travel by bus will have difficulty reaching most places of interest for visitors.
• You can get around in cities by taxi.

You can enter Oman by flight or by road.

Flights : Most international flights arrive in Muscat. There are a few international flights that arrive at Salalah Airport as well.

Road : There are several border crossings with the UAE which is how virtually all tourists arriving by road will come from.

There is a border crossing with Yemen in western Oman. It is difficult to get across, and you’ll need to arrange this trip well in advance and it is not unheard of for border officials will turn you around, even if you have a valid visa.

Travel to Yemen is not recommended right now for obvious reasons at this time. There are intrepid travelers that have managed to cross here more recently. Note that solo females travelers have been denied to cross this border in the past.

Oman does share a long border with Saudi Arabia. There are no official crossings and it’s not advisable to enter Saudi Arabia from Oman as it requires you to cross the Empty Quarter.

• Leave your drugs, guns, and porn at home- they’re all prohibited in Oman.
• You can bring in 2 liters of alcohol per person if flying into the country, though you cannot bring in alcohol if you enter the country by road.

Several countries are now eligible for an e-visa to enter Oman. You can apply for your e-visa  here . Most single entry, 30-day e-visas will cost 20 OMR.

There is a loophole to get into Oman for free without a visa, it’s called the  Dubai-Oman Common Visa . You will be eligible to travel in Oman for up to 21 days so long as you have a valid visa or stamp from the Dubai Airport in your passport and are one of the eligible nationalities.

You must travel directly from Dubai to Oman via Al-Wajajah land crossing, Muscat airport, or a seaport. It will not work with other border crossings or at other (Salalah) airports. Read more about to Dubai-Oman Common Visa  here .

Note that Israeli passport holders will be denied entry.

Omani food has a lot of Arabic influence from its neighbors, however, it is a lot less spicy. Thanks to Oman’s long coastline there’s plenty of seafood to eat.

The dates in Oman are among the best in the world and Omani halwa (a delicious sweet) is one of their best-known sweets. With that all said, Omani food is hard to come by in restaurants but if you look hard enough you’ll find it. Some local dishes to try are:

Otherwise, you’ll find dishes served up from other parts of the Arabian Peninsula, Lebanon, Turkey, India, and Pakistan. In bigger cities, you’ll be able to find the typical American fast-food restaurants.

Omani Qahwa ( coffee ) and sweetened shai ( tea ) accompany most meals.

Accommodation

This is where you’ll either blow your budget or save heaps. Most accommodations geared toward tourists are high-end and come with a high price tag. With that said you can find budget-friendly options around the country. Better yet- you can camp freely in many parts of Oman.

If you’re planning to free camp in Oman, don’t f*** it up for everyone else. Don’t leave waste behind ( human, rubbish, or otherwise ), and do not camp in places where it is prohibited such as Ras al-Jinz.

Use the search box below to find accommodations in Oman!

Things To Do In Oman

Oman is blessed with rugged mountains, massive sand dunes, stunning coastline, historic fortresses, and a vibrant culture.  Click here to check out my One Week In Oman Roadtrip Itinerary  for ideas. Here are just a few highlights of the country:

Bustling City Souks : Souks are a great place to head to get a taste of Omani culture, and get some shopping done as well. Spice souks are always a fave with the exotic smells filling the air. Nizwa Souk, Muttrah Souk in Old Muscat, and Ibri Souks are some of the most well-known and interesting ones.

Trekking In The Jebel Shams : Jebel Shams is a 3,009m peak situated in the Al-Hajar Mountain Range, located about 240km from Muscat. There are a number of treks that can be done in the area, and it’s spectacular at sunrise.

View this post on Instagram ‘Camping on top of Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in #Oman was an adventure in itself. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Arabia, this popular destination sits within the Al Hajar Mountains range. As soon as we arrived local campers called us to join them for fresh fruit, dates and coffee as goats milled around by the cliff edge precariously. The hospitality, warmth and kindness we experienced that day summarises the Omani people and culture to me; it was one of the safest and most welcoming countries I have visited.’ – @danflyingsolo, #lpInstaTakeover. #travel #BestinTravel A post shared by Lonely Planet (@lonelyplanet) on May 28, 2017 at 3:08am PDT

Cruise The Musandam Fjords : The word  fjord  doesn’t usually come to mind when you think of a country on the Arabian Peninsula. Sure enough, Oman has fjords! At the northern end of the Oman Peninsula, not far from the UAE exists such a place. Take a dhow boat and go explore the beautiful landscapes for a day or three.

Visit The Desolate Masirah Island : With a desolate interior and a rugged coastline, Masirah Island is begging to be explored. It’s only recently been open to tourists, and in the few short years, it’s attracted mainly kitesurfers. Reach the island by ferry from Shannah, check out the ferry schedule  here .

Get Historical At Fortresses & Ruins : If you manage to visit Oman without seeing a single fortress I’d be impressed, but more confused than anything else. There are heaps of historic fortresses scattered all over the country. Some well maintained, and some in ruin, but either way they’re completely fascinating. Some will have entrance fees while others do not.

Explore The Wadis : Oman is home to more wadis than you’ll know what to do with. To fill you in- wadi is the Arabic word for canyon. Some of Oman’s most beautiful wadis are filled with crystal clear turquoise water and the occasional palm tree oasis.

Experience The Hospitality That Knows No Bounds : I know I say this about many places in the Middle East and Central Asia, but I wouldn’t keep repeating it if it wasn’t true. Omani people are incredibly welcoming and friendly. From the group of coworkers out enjoying an afternoon at Wadi Ghul inviting us for qawa and snacks, the troop of friends having lunch on a beach who completely took over our tire change and sent us for a swim, halwa, tahini & date given to us Nizwa Souk, a keffiyeh wrapping lesson in the middle of a busy market, to those Bedouin ladies who stopped to make sure we were okay and to offer us sweet shai in the Wahiba Sands- Omanis will be the biggest and best-lasting impression of your trip.

Where To Go In Oman

Northern Oman

Delightfully authentic for a change from the over-the-top capital cities of its gulf neighbors. Muscat is the capital of Oman and likely your first stop in the country.

With a backdrop of rocky slopes and buildings required to reflect traditional Arabian architecture you really feel you’re in Arabia. Muscat is actually three towns that seem to have overgrown and connected over time.

The area referred to as Old Muscat is the walled city, home to the royal palaces. Mutrah, which is home to the famed Mutrah Souk and was originally a fishing village. And finally, Ruwi which is where commercial things go on, and is the main transport hub for the city.

With that said, Ruwi is a good area to head for cheaper eats and shopping.

Top sights recommend to visit in Muscat

• Sultan Qaboos Mosque
• Mutrah Souk
• Muscat Royal Opera House
• Al-Jalali Fort & Al-Mirani Fort
• Mohammed Al-Amin Mosque
• Sultan’s (Al-Alam) Palace
• Oman National Museum

Where To Sleep In Muscat

• Budget:  Mutrah Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Levatio Hotel Muscat |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Shangr-La Al-Husn Resort & Spa |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Muscat Tours

Check out this  half-day guided tour of Muscat . Want to see the city by night? Have a look at this  Muscat by Night tour . Want to see both Muscat and the surrounding areas such as Seeb and Quriyat?  Click here  to read about this full-day tour.

If you want to experience an Omani town without trailing too far from Muscat, head to Seeb. It’s about a 30 minute drive northwest of Muscat, not far from the airport. There isn’t much in way of attractions in Seeb, but for those looking to get a feel for Omani culture without much travel time, this is the place to go.

View this post on Instagram The past weekend I took over the @LonelyPlanet Instagram account to share some of my favourite times in #Oman – if you haven’t considered visiting head over and take a look, I think it will surprise you… Have you been? #BestInTravel #arabia #Mosque A post shared by Daniel James (@danflyingsolo) on May 30, 2017 at 2:06pm PDT

Recommended Sights In Seeb

• Al-Zulfa Mosque
• Seeb Beach & Cornich Park

Where To Sleep In Seeb

• Budget:  Muscat Royal Suites |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Remas Hotel Suites | Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  There are no luxury hotels in Seeb, but you can head to Muscat for them.

A lovely little fishing village an hour’s drive headed east from Muscat. Quriyat was once an important Omani port but now is just a sleepy village. Makes for a great day trip from Muscat with a stop at Mazara to check out the Wadi Dayqat Dam. There are no accommodations in Quriyat.

Sights To See In Quriyat

• Quriyat Fort
• Quriyat Beach
• Quriyat Watchtower

Bandar Khayran

Bandar Khayran also makes for a good day trip from Muscat, or as a stop for those headed south along the coast. Comprised of a series of Khors ( inlets ) it’s a great place to check out beaches, snorkel, watch fisherman casting for catches, and watch the sandstone reflections in the water in the late afternoon. There are currently no accommodations in Bandar Khayran, there are places you could wild camp.

Bandar Khayran Tours

Take a day trip from  Muscat by boat to explore the Bandar Kharyan area  and to view wild dolphins.

The gateway to the Jebel Shams, Wadi Ghul, and Jebel Akhdar, and home to one of Oman’s best fortresses and souks. During the 6th and 7th centuries Nizwa was the capital of Oman.

Make sure to tour around the Nizwa Fort ( 0.500 OMR admission ) and make a lap around the Nizwa souk in search of antiques and delicious halwa.

What To See In Nizwa

Where to sleep in nizwa.

• Budget:  Bait al Aqr |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Midrange:  Nizwa Heritage Inn |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Luxury:  Sama Hotel Jabal Al Akhdar |  Booking.com  |

Tours In Nizwa

There are a number of tours in and around Nizwa, and even ones that include surrounding areas such as Jebel Shams, Bahla, and Jebel Akhdar.  Click here to shop tours to Nizwa .

Jebel Shams, Wadi Ghul & The Al-Hajar Mountains

Jebel Shams is Oman’s Highest Mountain at 3,075 meters situated in the Al-Hajar Mountain Range. With that said, Jebel Shams isn’t well known for the peak itself, but the sometimes nerve-wracking views down into Wadi Ghul. Wadi Ghul is known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia.

Several treks can be done in the mountains and wadis, but do come prepared with enough water. Jebel Shams can be visited as a day trip from Nizwa or even Muscat, but it’s highly recommended to camp up here for a night especially for those wanting to catch the sunrise over the rugged landscape.

What To Do At Jebel Shams

• Purchase a locally made carpet

Where To Sleep In Jebel Shams

Sleeping up in Jebel Shams itself is not a cheap endeavor if looking to stay at a hotel. I highly recommend wild camping at Jebel Shams. Sama Heights Resort has a great lunch buffet available for a fee to those not staying there.

• Sama Heights Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Jebel Shams Villa |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Jebel Shams Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Sunrise Camp |  Booking,com  |  Hotels.com  |
• There are more and cheaper accommodation in nearby Al-Hamra,  shop rooms here

Jebel Shams Tours

For those not wanting to drive themselves and dedicate a night out in the mountains, you can take day tours to Jebel Shams from Muscat. Check out this Jebel Shams day tour  here .

Jebel Akhdar

The ‘Green Mountain’. This area isn’t known for the mountain itself but for the plateaus around it. With cooler weather and more rainfall its home to fruit gardens all over the upper and lower plateaus. You’re only allowed to make your way to Jebel Akhdar in a 4×4.

What To Do At Jebel Akhdar

• Diana’s View Point
• Wadi Bani Habib

Where To Sleep

• Budget:  Salassel Al-Jebel Al-Akhdar Guesthouse |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Midrange:  Jebel Akhdar Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Alilia Jebel Akhdar |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Tours To Jebel Akhdar

Click here  to book a tour of Jebel Akhdar and Nizwa in one day.

Bahla & Jabrin

Known for it’s fort of the same name and it’s pottery. The Bahla Fort is one of the best walled cities in the world to explore. You can combine a visit to Bahla with nearby Jabrin to explore the less impressive yet well preserved fort. Admission to both Bahla Fort and Jabrin Castle is 0.500 OMR.

What To Do In Bahla

• Shop For Pottery
• Visit The Old Souk
• Jabrin Castle

Where To Sleep in Bahla

• Budget:  Jibreen Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Bahla Hotel Apartments |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Luxury:  Go to Nizwa

Bat & Al-Ayn

Nearby to the Buraimi border crossing with the UAE and worthy of a stop for those entering or exiting Oman here. Bat and Al-Ayn are home to strange beehive tombs that dot the hilltops.

What To See in Bat & Al-Ayn

• Check out the beehive tombs
• Go off-roading to the nearby mountain villages

Search Al-Buraimi Hotels here

Musandam Peninsula

The Norway of Arabia because of its stunning Khors ( fjords or inlets ). Separated from the remainder of Oman by the UAE.

Khasab is the capital of the tiny province and exclave. Khasab is where you’ll want to base yourself for trips around the Musandam Peninsula. Be sure to explore the Khasab Fort, Khmazera Castle, and souk while back in the city.

What To See Around Khasab

• Khasab Fort
• Khasab Souk
• Khmazera Castle
• Organize dhow boats to explore the Khors

Where To Sleep In Khasab

• Midrange:  Khasab Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Atana Musandam Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Khasab & Musandam Peninsula Tours

From city tours in Khasab to dhow boat trips around the khors, there’s probably a tour to suit just about everyone.  Click here  to check out Khasab city tours and dhow trips.

The Musandam Khors

Hop on a dhow boat or organize a tour of the Musandam Khors and explore this fascinating area. Visit the fishing villages with inhabitants so remote that they speak a dialect that those from Muscat cannot understand, eat freshly caught seafood cooked up on your dhow, and take in the amazing scenery.

What To See & Do In The Musandam Khors

• Visit Telegraph Island & Khor Ash-Sham
• Camp on the bay of Khor An-Najd
• Cruise the sea by dhow boat
• See wild dolphins
• Visit remote villages

Musandam Peninsula Tours

Check out this  2 day tour of the Musandam Khors  including a night on a dhow boat. Just looking for day tours? Shop dhow day trips from Khasab  here . You can also book a 4×4 day trip to Khor An-Najd as well as Jebel Harim  here .

Jebel Harim

A great day trip by 4×4 from Khasab to Jebel Harim, the ‘Mountain of Women’, littered iris and geranium flowers and views of the Rawdah Bowl Below.

Jebel Harim Tours

You can visit Jebel Harim along with the beautiful Khor An-Najd by 4×4 Day Tour,  click here to read more .

The believed home to Sinbad and Ahmed bin Majid- two very famous sailors. Most come to enjoy the sandy beaches and archeological fixtures such as the Sohar Castle.

What To Do In Sohar

• Sohar Castle
• Sohar Beach
• Fish Market

Where To Sleep In Sohar

• Budget:  Atlas Hotel Apartments |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Radisson Blu Sohar |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Crown Plaza Sohar |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

A popular day trip from Muscat as it’s only an hour’s drive from the city. Home to a nice sandy beach and a scattering of islands. Visiting the watchtower on Sawadi Island and snorkeling is what most who do visit come for.

What To Do In Sawadi

• Sawadi Beach
• Island hopping
• Sawadi Watchtower and Sawadi Island

Central Oman

Sur & ayjah.

Nice beaches, two castles, and a corniche are the attractions in Sur, just southeast of Muscat. It’s also a great base or jumping-off point for adventures into  Wadi Shab , Wadi Tiwi, Ras al-Jinz, and Ras al-Hadd.

Admission to castles is 0.500 OMR. Ayjah, which can be seen just across the water from the Sur Corniche is worth a trip to explore the tiny village’s fort and lighthouse. Ayjah and Sur are connected by Oman’s only suspension bridge.

What To See & Do In Sur

• The Corniche
• Sunaysilah Castle
• Ayjah Lighthouse
• Suspension Bridge

Where To Sleep In Sur

• Budget:  Al Jumhour Hotel Apartments |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Resort Sur Beach Holiday |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Head to Ras al Hadd, or back to Muscat

Bimmah Sinkhole (Hawiyat Najm Park)

Just off the highway as you make your way down the coast from Muscat to Sur.  Bimmah Sinkhole  is most definitely worthy of the stop.

Local legend says the sinkhole was created by a meteor strike- hence the local name of Hawiyat Najm, meaning falling star. But in reality, it’s believed to just be a depression that fills with seawater as the ocean is only 600m away and freshwater that collects in there.

Bimmah Sinkhole is incredibly beautiful with its crystal clear vibrant turquoise waters. It’s easy to access as Bimmah Sinkhole was designated a park and they’ve built a staircase down into it. If visiting in the more popular months ( November-March ), I recommend visiting early in the morning if you want to beat the other tourists to it.

You can visit Bimmah Sinkhole along with nearby Wadi Shab by day tour from Muscat for those not interested in making the journey on their own,  click here  to read more about the tour and book.

Plan your visit:  Everything you need to know to visit Bimmah Sinkhole

Steep canyon cliffs, turquoise pools, and even a secret waterfall await those who make the trip to  Wadi Shab , one of Oman’s easiest to reach and most beautiful destinations. Wadi Shab is located right off the Muscat-Sur Highway. From the parking lot under the highway bridge, you’ll need to take a boat across to the other side ( 1 OMR roundtrip ).

Once across, follow the path and prepare to be amazed. You will eventually reach the upper pools where you are allowed to swim. From here you can swim through a narrow slot a little further up the river to enter a giant cave where you can cliff dive into the waters below from the edge of a gushing waterfall.

• It is possible to hike even further to reach villages higher up the wadi.
• Camping and fires are not allowed in Wadi Shab.

Check out my  ultimate guide to Wadi Shab

Just a short distance from Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi is a must-see especially in the springtime when the bottom of the canyon is carpeted in lush green foliage. It’s preferred by locals for travelers to visit the 9 villages in the wadi on foot. A two day trek can be done from Wadi Tiwi to Wadi Bani Khalid.

Ras Al-Jinz & Ras Al-Hadd

Ras al-Jinz is the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula famous for the thousands of female green turtles that return to this beach year after year to lay their eggs.

Green turtles are endangered and Oman is dedicated to their conservation and has strict punishments for those that harm turtles or their eggs. I’ve learned that the only way to visit Ras al-Jinz for turtle viewing is by organized tour, however, when I visited Oman we were given permission by the men working at the reserve to go in search of turtles.

We did find a massive female laying eggs in the sand which was a great experience. The workers at the reserve even gave us a brief tour of their facilities and let us watch them at work ( finding baby turtles that were confused and heading away from the ocean and putting them in a small kiddy pool that they would take down to the water to set free into the ocean when it got too crowded ).

Ras al-Hadd is the nearby fishing village in which it is possible to camp ( camping is not permitted at Ras al-Jinz for obvious reasons ).

• If you do plan to come to Ras al-Jinz to see the turtles either don’t bring a flashlight/headlamp or bring a headlamp with the red light on it. The red light doesn’t stress and confuse the turtles, but the normal lights will.
• Turtles don’t come to the beach during the day, so the best time to see them is on a night tour.

What To Do In Ras al-Jinz

• Visit Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve in search of the endangered green turtle
• Spend the night just back off the beach at the Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve Hotel

Where To Stay In Ras al-Jinz

• Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve , with rooms starting at 40 OMR per night

Where To Stay In Ras al-Hadd

• Budget:  Ras al-Hadd Guesthouse |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Turtle Beach Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Ras al-Jinz Tours

Join a 4×4 tour down from Muscat and back to view the green turtles at Ras al-Jinz,  click here  to read more and to visit the booking page. A cheaper option is to book a visit to the reserve through your hotel in Sur or Ras al-Hadd.

A small fishing village with two beaches on either side of it that are nice for a picnic in the afternoon. Al Ashkara is the jumping-off point to the Wahiba Sands and also the main supply point for the communities that live out there.

One of the nearby beaches is where we stopped for lunch and to change a tire and a group of friends hanging out at the beach quickly took over the task.

Bani Bu Hassan & Ali

Worth a stop for those bound for the Wahiba Sands, Wadi Bani Khalid or Ibra from Al Ashkara or further south. Bani Bu Hassan and Bani Bu Ali sit side by side and are home to forts, ancient plantations, and watchtowers.

What To See In Bani Bu Hassan & Ali

• Bani Bu Ali Fort
• Bani Bu Hassan Fort
• Jami Al Hamoda Mosque
• Explore the plantations

Wahiba Sands (Sharqiya)

At the village of Al-Ghabbi on Highway 23 ( not far from Bani Bu Hassan & Ali and Ibra ) turn off and you’ll quickly arrive at the village of Al-Mintirib that sits right on the edge of  Wahiba Sands .

Al-Mintirib is the gateway to exploring the wild desert of Oman. Carefully follow the jeep tracks out of town and into the great abyss. There are a number of desert camps out here, but it’s entirely possible to camp on your own.

For those wanting to interact with Omani women, Wahiba Sands is your best bet as the local Bedouin women have a more outward role in their society than in other parts of the country. They are also expert drivers and often rescue tourists stuck in the sands.

Whether you camp on your own or you head out to a luxury camp, make sure you look up at night and catch the stars under the clear dark sky.

• It’s advisable to bring shovels and sand mats if you self drive, in case you get stuck out here.
• Make sure to have plenty of water if driving yourself out here.

What To Do In The Wahiba Sands

• Haul ass down desert jeep tracks and up and down through orange sand dunes
• Camp under the stars
• Keep your eyes peeled for camels and Arabian Oryx running around
• Meet Bedouin women and watch their driving skills

Read my guide to  spending the night in the Wahiba Sands

Where To Stay In The Wahiba Sands

• Desert Wonders Camp |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Arabian Oryx Camp |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Desert Bedoua House |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Safari Dunes Camp |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Tours To Wahiba Sands

Don’t want the stress of driving a 4×4 yourself through mountains of sand with the fear of getting stuck in the middle of nowhere? There are several tours offered to the Wahiba Sands ranging from day trips to overnight trips and more.  Click here  to browse different desert tours to the Wahiba Sands.

Wadi Bani Khalid

Beautiful emerald and turquoise pools await at Wadi Bani Khalid. You’ll wind high-up in the Eastern Hajar Mountains to eventually arrive at a parking lot.

From here it’s a short walk to the pools and a little further to Moqal Cave. This is about as touristy as it gets in Oman as well- there’s a restaurant at the lower pools and there is a concrete path there from the parking lot.

You can swim in the pools here, but you should swim in clothes like many Omanis here visit here do as well. For those not claustrophobic, continue along the trail past the restaurant ( the trail quickly turns to rocks ) and you can climb inside the cave. There are spots where you’ll find local boys cliff diving as well.

Tours To Wadi Bani Khalid

Some tours that visit from  Muscat to the Wahiba Sands include a stop at Wadi Bani Khalid . You can also self drive here, or contact local Omani tour agencies to arrange trips here.

Ibra is an ancient city, so old it predates the calling of the prophet. Ibra is also the gateway to the Wahiba ( Sharqiya ) region from the north. These two factors make a stop off here worthy of your time when traveling to or from the Wahiba Sands and beyond.

Try to arrange a visit on a Wednesday morning to see the local souk at its busiest and the women’s souk is active. The women’s souk is for women buyers and sellers to barter and trade, and men are not welcomed here.

Make sure and walk to the Old Ibra Village ( walk toward Al-Munisifeh from the souk area ) to explore ancient and crumbling buildings.

What To Do In Ibra

• Visit the souk, espeically on Wednesday mornings
• If you’re a woman, visit on Wednesday mornings to get a glimpse into local women’s lives at the Women’s Souk
• Wander crumbling mud-brick buildings in Old Ibra and Al-Musinifeh

Where To Sleep In Ibra

• Budget:  Al Sharqiyah Sand Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Midrange:  Tafadal |  Booking.com  |

Masirah Island

Come here for rugged coastlines and the wild interior that have been attracting kitesurfers out here for the last few years. Take a ferry over from Shannah to this desolate island out in the Indian Ocean.

Camping and exploring by 4×4 is the best way to experience Masirah Island.  Click here  to view the National Ferry Company of Oman’s schedule. There are a few hotels on the island now in the town of Half for those not wanting to camp.

What To Do On Masirah Island

• Visit the small town of Ras Al Hilf
• Explore the rugged coastline and search for dhow boat wreckages
• Find camels wandering around as you traverse the island

Where To Sleep On Masirah Island

• Midrange:  Maan Hotel Apartment |  Booking.com  |
• Higher End:  Masirah Island Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Southern Oman

The capital of the Dhofar Region and famous for its frankincense.  Salalah  is a bit more colorful than other cities in Oman thanks to its ties to East Africa. Make sure to visit the beaches, pay a visit to Sultan Qaboos Mosque, and wander into the Museum of Frankincense Land.

What To See In Salalah

• Fruit Plantations
• Museum of Frankincense Land
• Al-Husn Souk
• Visit the nearby Al Fizayah & Al Mughsail Beaches

Plan your visit:  The Salalah Travel Guide

Where To Sleep In Salalah

• Midrange:  Belad Bont Resort|  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Salalah Gardens Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Crown Plaza Hotel Salalah |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Fanar Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Millennium Resort Salalah |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Super Luxury:  Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Tours In Salalah

Take a half day Salalah City tour , or take a tour of  East Salalah to Taqah  and other sights, or a  tour west of Salalah  to head towards the Yemeni border and visit valleys of frankincense trees, visit the Mughsail Bay, and to the fishing village of Dhalkut.

This fishing village sits on the other side of a nice white sand beach from Salalah. Come here to visit Taqah Castle ( 0.500 OMR ).

Just a few kilometers east of Taqah sits a lovely little bay called Khor Rouri. You can sit and watch animals like flamingos and camels here. Khor Rouri was also an important port along the Frankincense trading route about 2,000 years ago. Little is left behind from those times aside from the Sumhuram Ruins ( 1 OMR to enter ).

You can reach Wadi Dharbat from Khor Rouri and visit its waterfall and lake.

Mughsail Bay

A drive 48km east of Salalah will bring you to the beautiful Mughsail Bay that trails off into giant cliffs that continue on to the east. Nearby the Marneef Cave is with a stop as well.

View this post on Instagram ‘The #Oman coastline is over 1600km long and touches three seas. Driving along the dry rugged coastline and climbing down rocks to empty beaches were common pit stops on my road trip. One morning, after a night spent camping on a beach, we woke early and visited another to watch sea turtles laying their eggs. By early evening we had arrived in the desert and were surrounded by camels. The diversity in wildlife for such a small country is one of the reasons Oman captured my heart.’ – @danflyingsolo, #lpInstaTakeover. #travel #BestinTravel A post shared by Lonely Planet (@lonelyplanet) on May 27, 2017 at 10:02am PDT

Oman Travel Budget

It’s not a secret that Oman is not the cheapest destination, but for those willing to get a little dirty and sleep under stars you can stretch your money a lot further here. With that said, the sky is the limit in Oman with its plethora of luxury resorts.

13 OMR/$35 USD Per Day

Splitting the cost of renting a 4×4 with a group of 4, camping each night and preparing most your own meals

27 OMR/$70USD Per Day

Staying in budget accommodation (2 persons), eating at low key restaurants, and car rental

60 OMR/$150 USD Per Day

Sleeping in midrange hotels, dining at a combination of cheap eateries and nice restaurants, and car rental

120 OMR/$300 USD Per Day

Taking guided tours, staying in resorts, and eating at upscale restaurants

Oman Packing List

Remember that respectful dress is the best for traveling in Oman. Pack light, breathable fabrics. For those planning to adventure in the mountains do bring some layers as it can get chilly out there in winter, especially at night. The Bradt Oman guidebook is a handy tool for travel planning.

Recommended Gear For Those Planning To Wild Camp, Trek, & Adventure In The Desert

• Inreach Explorer+
• Solar charger
• External battery pack
• Lightweight Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Hiking Boots
• Lightweight cooking camp set
• Water Purifier
• Trekking Poles
• Prescription & Over the counter medications
• Sand Plates

Internet & Mobile

Hotels in Oman will usually have wifi. If you’d like to buy a SIM card to stay connected they are easy and quick to purchase. Look for Omantel and Nawras shops and kiosks. Omantel has plans starting at 2 OMR and Nawras at 3 OMR.

Health & Safety

Oman is an incredibly safe country in regard to crime and violence. The most dangerous thing in the country is the heat.

• Always have some water with you, especially when venturing out into the desert or hiking in the mountains
• Don’t go off roading alone in case that you do get stuck and need help getting out. It’s best to travel in a convoy with others
• Take caution while driving. Oman does have a relatively high car accident fatality rate. Things to look out for are other drivers, camels in the road and falling asleep at the wheel
• Take maps and GPS if planning to off road through the desert and mountains, or trek in the peaks and wadis
• Always take sunscreen with you, the Omani sun is relentless

Important Notes

• Acts of aggression and insulting others are punishable in Oman. So no road rage exists here. One instance you’ll see this is when taking taxis in Muscat- if your driver gets cut off ( more than likely it’ll happen on your way in from the airport ), rather than honk and flip the offender off, they’ll drop their right hand down low near the shifter and slap it back and forth. This is the Omani f*** you.
• With Oman having outlawed insults and aggression, it’s led to the population being quite sensitive. What you may think of as a joke making fun of someone, a place, or so on may come off as very offensive. So definitely think before you blurt things out.
• Be prepared to be stared at. Omanis will stare at you, only because you’re foreign and they’re curious.
• Especially outside of the larger cities of Muscat and Salalah avoid smiling at members of the opposite gender as it is usually always perceived as flirting. Oman is still a fairly segregated country in regards to gender. I never had any issues when we were traveling the country speaking with men we met in various places, but I did visit Oman immediately after leaving Central Asia. After traveling Central Asia for over two months I had the co-ed interactions in the Islamic world down pretty well.
• Homosexuality is punishable in Oman, although not as severely as in neighboring countries. You could land yourself in jail for up to 3 years if caught in some sort of homosexual act. This doesn’t mean LGBT travelers cannot travel in Oman, but if you do so just make sure to not display affection in public. It’s easy enough to tell people you meet that you are friends if traveling with a romantic partner. Note that in Oman, like in much of the Middle East and Africa it’s not unusual for friends of the same gender to hold hands.

Have More Questions That Aren’t Answered In This Oman Travel Guide?

Ask in the comments below!

More Posts from Oman:

12 Best Things To Do In Oman

The Best Road Trips In The World

What It Was Like To Camp In The Wahiba Sands, Oman

The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Wadi Shab, Oman

Salalah Travel Guide + 10 Things To Do In Salalah

Dubai-Oman Common Visa

The Yemen-Oman Border Crossing

One Week in Oman: A Self-Drive, Budget Itinerary

Visiting Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman: Everything You Need To Know

Oman Tour: To The Empty Quarter & Dhofar

20 thoughts on “the ultimate oman travel guide”.

Hello Nicki, Thanks for the well written blog. I’ll be traveling to Oman from Oct. 13-22 as part of a multi country trip. I’m also a travel photographer. I’d like to know if I’m allowed to bring a drone (Mavic 3 Pro) into the country. Thanks.

Hi Hans, I have not traveled to Oman myself with a drone so I am unsure of if you will be hassled by immigration coming into the country with one. That said, we were looking to film/photo with a drone on our first trip to Oman in 2016 and after some digging I do know that you have to apply for a permit from civil aviation authorities in order to legally fly a drone in Oman and that they only issue them for commercial purposes. Ultimately we decided not to bring one altogether.

So I would recommend that you contact Oman’s CAA to at least make sure you can enter with it even if you’re not planning to fly and if there is documentation that can be provided for entry.

This website has some info on Oman (and other nations): https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-oman/

The email and phone for the Omani CAA is [email protected] or +96824354467

Dear friend superb guide you covered almost everything a traveler should look into. I’ve been thinking lately that I would love to visit I am glad to read your blog about your travel experience very interesting thanks. Your personal experiences and vivid descriptions truly bring the city to life, making me feel like I’m right there with you on this incredible journey. Your blog is a wonderful source of inspiration for fellow adventurers looking to explore the magic of. Keep sharing your stories and insights – they’re a delight to read! Sreenandhana from Kerala tourism.

HEy Nicole! This guide is amazing – thank you so much!

Thank you for this wonderful article. It is new information for me.

Nicole, being a Local Omani, I am impress with your knowledage about Oman. No doubt, you’ve written an informtive, well-researched and impressive guide on Oman.

Thanks for this great blog! Your pictures give a great insight to the country. Which camera are you using?

Thanks, I mostly shoot on a Canon 5DSR and sometimes a 5DMIII

Impressive article, enjoyed reading it. Thanks for the info.

Thanks a lot, the article is so perfect

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Oman again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

Nice post. Thank you for sharing such informative information with us.

Hi, First, I would like to thank you for sharing the useful guide on Oman Tours. As Oman is the best destination for traveling & tours and has lots of amazing places to visit. As per my experience, Salalah is also a very good destination for spending holidays. I have read your blog and I found that your tips and guide will be very helpful for visitors.

Thanks for the information even if I am planning to come to Oman. through e-visa this is very needful information

Nice post, Thanks for sharing!

Salalah is very beautiful tourist city and I loved to visit again

Salalah is a great place, greetings from Salalah.

Regards Beautiful Salalah Tours The best travel operator in Salalah

Thanks Salma, Salalah is just lovely. I’d love to return!

Hello lovely Nicki, I want to say you have a great article here about Oman. We offer desert tours in UAE and to the Musandam Peninsula from Dubai, hope to see you there one day Inshallah.

Thanks, I hope to be back one day too!

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Female Solo Travelers in Oman: Safety, Dress Code, and How to Meet People

Oman is a varied country with much to offer to tourists: from landscapes out of an Arabian Nights’ tale to head-spinning shopping in major cities and waterfalls in the south, this country on the Persian Gulf has something for everyone.

Although luxury and adrenaline seekers alike have already discovered this enchanting corner of the world, there’s a category of explorers that might have, so far, overlooked Oman: female solo travelers.

However, they are missing out on the chance to live an unforgettable experience in a safe and friendly community .

Is Oman Safe for Ladies?

Tourists will be glad to learn that Oman is an extremely safe country. So much so that in its 2019 report , the World Economic Forum ranked it 3rd in the list of safest countries in the world. And according to the World Terror Index, Oman has a risk score of 0.

Thanks to its efficient law enforcement system, crime rates are extremely low and as confirmed by Assistant Attorney General Dr Ahmed bin Said Al Shukaily in 2019, have been dropping consistently for the past 4 years.

Laws are very strict and punishment for violent crimes like murder or rape is the death penalty. Finally, the majority of female travelers report that they were not harassed during their time in Oman.

Although petty crime is much lower than in most countries around the world, female travelers can follow the below common safety tips while discovering Oman, such as:

• Avoid walking alone in poor-lit streets at night, especially outside the city center
• Keep valuables close and don’t flash expensive items (like cameras and jewelry) in public
• Keep your cash and credit cards in different pockets or bags

Do You Have to Wear a Headscarf in Oman?

This is a common question among women who intend to visit a Middle Eastern or Muslim country. The quick answer is no , you are in no way expected to cover your head while walking around Oman.

Although the Sultanate can be considered conservative by Western standards, the dress code in Oman is not as strict as many foreigners think, check it out here . Omani are welcoming people who understand that foreigners come from communities with different customs and traditions.

That said, showing respect for the local values will be greatly appreciated by Omanis. That may include, for example, not showing excessive cleavage and covering your shoulders and legs.

Revealing swimwear like bikinis is a no-no on the stunning Omani beaches and mosques and other religious sites are where one should wear the most conservative clothes, including a headscarf.

In general, there is no need to worry too much about the dress code: a cultural faux pas will not get you in trouble and people are unlikely to make comments.

Meeting People in Oman

Exploring alone can feel, well, lonely. Fortunately, solo travelers will have an easy time in Oman.

Like most Middle Eastern cultures, they are warm and amicable people and once you get to know them, you’re likely to receive an invitation for a meal or a cup of tea.

Good ways to meet Omani women are:

• Female homestays and similar accommodation
• The women’s section in restaurants and cafes

On the other hand, foreign women worried about attracting too much male attention will be surprised by how rarely they’ll be approached or even looked at. The local laws are so strict that causing offense can, in many circumstances, be considered a crime.

Moreover, Omanis are used to tourism and the community of expats is on the rise in the country. Locals are acutely aware of cultural differences and much less surprised by foreign women traveling alone than other Middle Eastern communities might be.

Do Omanis Speak English?

It’s good to know that you can rely on the help of locals in case you need it, or even just get some insider tips on what to see next. It’s then natural to wonder whether Omanis speak English.

Omanis are not only extremely friendly people, but also skilled English speakers. In fact, English is the most widely spoken second language in Oman after Arabic, the official language of the Sultanate.

Pupils are instructed in English from a very young age. You can expect posters, signs, and notices in English on Omani streets and most people will be able to understand you.

Author Bio:

Susan Noel is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her travel experience with the audience.

photo sources: 1 , 2 , 3

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Solo Female Travel in Oman

Travel rating.

Based on 3 experiences

Based on our research

Based on safety reports

Meet new people

Get the travel ladies app to meet new people , find travel buddies , share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing ..

Is Oman good for solo travel?

Safety: Very safe

Transport: Easy

Things to do: Interesting

Food: Above average

Budget: Moderate

Is oman worth visiting, overall rating.

based on 3 experiences

Things to do

Budget-friendly, solo travel experience.

I’ve drove around 1.300 km, by myself, and i felt safe 100% of the time. The country is amazing, with stunning landscapes. Food was also great. It was not hard to communicate in english. The diversity of landscape was much higher than i expected.

Netherlands

Couple travel experience

Oman is one of the safest countries I've been so far. However, the best way to go around is renting a car! There were also solo women travellers who were driving alone - budget: a bit expensive, cheap gas/oil but accommodation same like Europe, coffee price like Europe - lots of outdoor activities such as hiking, diving etc. - Nice coffee culture - Main attractions: wadis, Jebel shams, Mutrah, the beach in the east, the desert - People are kind and hospitable - All signs and info are in english and arabic

I traveled to a tropical region with stunning beaches and sea (Salalah) and to its capital (Muscat), situated between two dry mountain ranges and typical white buildings. I fell in love with this country. I adored their architecture, order and safety. Moreover, people were very friendly and surprised when they saw a woman traveling alone.

Meet locals in Oman

Hello, My name is Murka and I'm interested in animals, business, culture, dancing, events & social, fashion, languages, live music, nature, swimming and photography

Hello I am Remi. I love to meet / host people from different countries to exchange culture , experience, adventures and feelings . It's all about spending good time with people out there . I love traveling and believe it's healing.

Stay with locals in Oman

Can host for:, upcoming visitors to oman.

32/F bilingual (English/Spanish) native New Yorker that is interested in making new connections with individuals that are interested in traveling — more specifically to lesa frequented countries. What are your plans for this August? Let me know.

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Tips for a Single Woman Traveling to Oman

It takes courage and a sense of adventure to strike out alone as a woman and travel to new places. There will certainly be many people who do not understand this desire and will share their concerns for your safety. Perhaps you will start to wonder if you are making a wise decision in traveling alone after all, or if it would be better to simply stay home.

In his book The Art of Travel, author Alain de Botton says, “It seemed an advantage to be traveling alone. Our responses to the world are crucially moulded by the company we keep, for we temper our curiosity to fit in with the expectations of others…Being closely observed by a companion can also inhibit our observation of others; then, too, we may become caught up in adjusting ourselves to the companion’s questions and remarks, or feel the need to make ourselves seem more normal than is good for our curiosity.”

Don’t let your relationship status or the unavailability of your friends and family keep you from exploring the world! You may discover the wonder and richness that only come from engaging new cultures on your own.

If you’re a seasoned world traveler looking for an exciting new destination or someone embarking on your first experience traveling solo, here are some tips to make your time in Oman as enjoyable (and safe) as possible.

How To Dress

Omanis are used to seeing tourists from all over the world in their country and they expect you to dress differently than they do. There are some general rules for what is considered appropriate clothing here, that will help you avoid standing out as much and drawing stares.

– Skirts or pants that cover your legs and shirts that cover your elbows, collarbones, and torso will be best in public places in Oman. – Shorts and t-shirts are okay for the time you spend at your hotel. – Good walking shoes that are broken in and comfortable are a must! – Sun protection in the form of hats, scarves, sunblock, and sunglasses will prevent burns. – Loose clothing is not only more appropriate in Oman, but also more comfortable because it allows cooling airflow to regulate your temperature. – If you plan on swimming, opt for suits with more coverage, especially if you will be on public beaches and not just in your hotel pool.

How To Interact With Men

The main rule of thumb in interacting with Omani men during your tour is to wait for them to initiate everything. This means that you should not make strong eye contact with a man, avoid flirtatious conversations, and never offer your hand to shake first. The majority of Omani men are respectful and will keep their distance when appropriate.

When you interact with male tourists in Oman, remember that public displays of affection are considered inappropriate here. Do not touch a man or laugh/speak loudly in public.

Be prepared to answer the question, “Are you married?” many times in conversations with local people. It is unusual in Omani culture for a young woman to travel without a male relative to protect her, so local people will be amazed that you are traveling alone. Don’t feel the need to share too many personal details. A simple “No, I’m not married” will suffice.

How To Interact With Women

If you get the chance to interact with Omani women, you may find that they seem demure and quiet in public, but come to life in more private settings. If you can chat with a woman in a place where she doesn’t feel the weight of people staring at you both, she will be much more comfortable.

It’s appropriate to greet local women, shake their hands, and generally be friendly with them in public. If they do not want to interact with you, don’t be offended. They are probably very curious about you, but they’re not in a setting where they feel free to engage with a foreign stranger.

Women who sell handicrafts and other items in the souq (traditional markets) are more comfortable speaking with foreigners and can be wonderful resources to explain how items are made and what life in Oman is like. They often will speak English well, too.

How To Stay Safe

Oman is a wonderful destination for a woman traveling alone, because there is almost no crime here. Men and women keep their distance in public, which means you won’t have to worry about pickpockets, being groped or hassled by men, or other issues.

If you want to go out at night to explore the beaches, restaurants, and souqs after dark, it’s a good idea to take someone else along. Maybe someone in your tour group or even your tour guide can join you for an expedition. If you don’t have anyone available, most places will be safe at night, especially if you stay near groups of local women and in well-lit areas.

If a man is being too friendly with you and you feel uncomfortable, simply say “I must go now” and walk away. If he will not leave you alone, ask a local family to walk with you. What the man is doing is impolite and local people will be quick to come to your aid.

Allow An Expert To Help Plan Your Tour

By letting us help you plan your trip to Oman , you can avoid sticky situations like forgetting the name of your hotel, not being able to find a taxi when you need one, or navigating unknown territory. We handle all of the details so you can see the beauty of Oman while feeling safe and comfortable at all times. Contact one of our Oman Travel Experts today to ask about pricing for a solo tour.

By Shanae Eddy

Shanae is a freelance writer from the USA. She has lived in Salalah, Oman since 2015. When not writing content for Experience It Oman, Shanae enjoys learning Arabic from local friends, exploring the Dhofar mountains during Khareef (monsoon season), and drinking tea.

Solo Travel Oman for Women By An Expatriate Living In Oman

Updated: october 2019.

Oman, a small and incredible country along the Arabian Ocean is not a popular tourist destination, let alone be for solo female travelers. When considering the countries to visit apt for solo traveling , it is highly unlikely to choose a destination from the Middle East. All thanks to the Middle Eastern cultural stereotypes related to women.

To Remain Connected Throughout Your Trip To Oman – Get Your  Tep Wireless  Portable pocket-size WiFi Now!

If you don’t know already – I am an expatriate born, grown up and still living in this wonderful country of Oman. I have traveled across the country millions of times – with friends and family and many times alone too. Before writing this guide, I take full confidence based on my long experience of traveling in Oman for sharing my honest thoughts and tips on traveling in Oman for solo female travelers. Today I want to burst the misconceptions out of the bubble related to solo travel in Oman.

Unlike its ‘more happening’ neighbor Dubai, Oman is a calm and quiet yet incredibly naturally diverse country. The versatile land of Oman offers history, culture, nature and a unique vintage Arabian vibe to the visitor. Though solo female travelers may find visiting an Islamic country a bit too hard to handle, Oman is a perfect blend of cultural values and contemporary vibes to make your solo trip worthwhile.

Check Out The Cheapest Flights To Oman

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Solo Travel Oman: How Safe Is Oman?

If a female traveler has already been to Jordan or Egypt, then they’re most likely to expect the same random stares and catcalling from men in Oman too. Gladly though, the reality is very contrasting! Oman is termed as one of the safest countries to travel for solo female travelers in the Middle East. The crime rate in Oman is almost non-existent due to strict legal penalties and punishments. You can easily walk on the street without getting stares from strangers.

Moreover, as tourism has finally started buzzing in the country, the locals are getting more acceptable towards seeing tourists around. In general, Omani’s are undoubtedly the most hospitable and polite people you will find in the Middle East. They’re very kind and always eager to help especially when seeing a foreign lady in need of assistance. Also, as there are a huge number of expatriates in Oman, more often you will find yourself being treated just like any other resident of Oman.

Irrespective, of how safe a country is, it is always practical to be aware and careful. Take the general precautions and avoid getting into dark alleys especially at the night. The best way to keep safe and happy while traveling is by getting covered under a Travel Insurance .

Solo Travel Oman: Rights of Women In Oman?

Women in Oman are educated, modern and free to fulfill their desires. Just like UAE, there are no restrictions and conservative approaches from society and the law towards women. They are free to drive, work, travel and practically do whatever they want without a ‘male guardian’. Also in general, women are respected in public and treated in a special manner. Every place has a ‘Women only’ section to cater the ladies exclusively. There is also a separate women/family seating area in public buses and in restaurants too.

All You Need To Know About Oman Solo Travel

Solo travel oman: important helpline numbers.

All important helpline numbers can be found here.

Royal Oman Police – 9999

The ROP (Royal Oman Police) helpline support will deal with everything; crime reporting, ambulance service, and fire rescue.

No Network Coverage – 112

The No Network Coverage number can be used in case you’re at a place with no mobile networks. The calls to ‘112’ are diverted to ‘9999’

Embassy Number

It is always a good practice to save your home country’s embassy or regional office number in the country you are traveling to. You never know when it can come in handy.

Solo Travel Oman: Important Apps To Download

Mwasalat Taxi App

‘Mwasalat’ is the Uber in Oman. It is a government-run transport service and the best and the safest transportation option while traveling solo.

Marhaba Taxi Oman

Marhaba is another taxi service in Oman which is now owned by Mwasalat. So downloading the Mwasalat app will actually serve the purpose for the tourists.

Talabat Oman

Talabat is a food ordering and delivery service app for Oman. It covers almost all of the international and local food joints in Oman. The availability of the app is however restricted to Muscat and Salalah only.

SIM Details

‘Omantel’ is the biggest network service provider in Oman. Details about Omantel Tourist Pack can be found here .

Solo Travel Oman: What To Wear In Oman

Do I need to bring a Burka to Oman? And a headscarf too? These are the most common questions that come to every female traveler’s mind before visiting Oman. The answer to these questions is a big NO! Oman, though being an Islamic country; does not have conservative dressing rules for women like Saudi Arabia. You are NOT obliged to wear a burka or cover your head in public. However, it is still highly recommended to dress modestly respecting the religious and cultural norms of the country.

A modest dress can be anything covering from the shoulders to knees. Though you can wear something different while visiting the beach, but by remaining within the limits of ‘modesty’. A two-piece is not acceptable under any case! However, you are free to wear a swim dress within the premises if you’re staying at a resort or a luxury hotel.

For more information on What To Wear In Oman – Check out this detailed guide

Solo Travel Oman: Best Places To Stay In Muscat

First thing first, it is important to know that Oman is a no-hostel country. Even if you’re traveling on a budget, you have look for a decent affordable hotel to stay at. However, finding this ‘decently affordable’ hotel in the prime tourist spots of the city could be a little tricky. The biggest tourist spot in Muscat is Muttrah, but all you can find there to stay are 2-star hotels or very ordinary guesthouses.

I would not like to quote Muttrah as the ideal area to stay for a solo female traveler. The best bet is to stay in the area of Al-Khuwair, which is a fifteen minutes’ drive from Muttrah. Al-Khuwair is an extremely lively area with malls and a lot of local and international food joints in the vicinity. There are a number of good budget hotels and hotel apartments to stay with grocery shops and hypermarts within a walking distance. Major tourist attractions like the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Avenues Mall, Muscat Grand Mall, The Royal Opera House, and Al-Shatti Beach are all within a short drive away.

Solo Travel Oman: Eating Norms

The big cities in Oman are widely equipped with all the major international fast food joints. Also, as I already mentioned due to a high number of expatriates in the country, there are tons of Indian, Pakistani and Filipino food restaurant. The smaller cities and towns do not have any international restaurants but locating a McDonalds or KFC is not that hard in Oman. All the restaurants (except fast food joints) have a separate seating area for families. Feel free to hop in the family area and avoid getting into the ‘men only’ section of the restaurant especially if you’re dining in at a small local coffee shop or a restaurant.

Solo Travel Oman: All About Public Transport

Public transport in Oman can be one of the most frustrating things during your entire Oman traveling journey. In blunt words, it is just not great! Also, there is no Uber or Careem to be found here. The only transport company in Oman is Mwasalat. The Mwasalat bus service is perhaps the most convenient way of getting around Muscat or traveling from Muscat to the other cities in Oman. More details about Mwasalat Bus Service can be found here .

Hitch-hiking is illegal in Oman but just like every other restricted thing, it does happen. A more favorable option than hitch-hiking is using the Mwasalat Taxi app (similar to Uber) or the orange taxis, which is a sharing cab. I would not really recommend using the Orange Taxis when traveling solo because there have been some cases of harassment lately, involving the orange taxi drivers. Mwasalat taxi is the best safest option to commute.

Solo Travel Oman: Places To Visit To Not Feel Lonely In Muscat

Traveling solo in Oman can often get pretty lonely. As the population of the country is pretty less and tourism has not strike Oman with its full force yet, chances are high that you might feel like the only tourist in the country. Here is a list of Ten Awesome Things To Do In Muscat.

Book These Amazing Tours & Make Friends in Muscat!

Solo travel oman: best group tours from muscat.

Group tours are undoubtedly the best way to get around a place when traveling solo. It may be for more security or just meeting new people, a group tour is my absolute favorite thing to do while solo traveling. Check out a list of all the Best Group Tours And Day Trips To Take From Muscat .

Solo Travel Oman: Traveling Beyond The Big Cities

As Muscat is the biggest and most populated city in Oman, so traveling solo within Muscat is quite easy. The same goes for other big cities like Nizwa, Salalah, and Sohar. However, moving into the more remote parts or small towns of Oman, traveling solo as a female could get you a few heads turns every now and then. It gets more important to be cautious about what you are wearing, what time of the day you should return indoors and just being more alert while traveling in the lesser visited parts of Oman. Nothing major to worry though, Oman is practically quite safe to travel alone.

Solo Travel Oman: Oman’s Laws And Norms In A Nutshell

Traffic Rules

If you chose to drive around Oman to explore it, which I would definitely recommend doing; be well aware of all the traffic rules. Oman is pretty strict when it comes to traffic rules; be it driving or pedestrian crossing. Failure in compliance with any traffic rule will end up with a severe penalty. Read Royal Oman Police guidance on Oman’s traffic rules here .

Say No To Alcohol

As Oman is a Muslim country so alcohol is not publically available. Also, it is not permitted to drink in the public. You can only drink at the designated cafes and pubs or within your hotel premises, however not all hotels serve alcohol, so inquire about it beforehand.

PDA Is A Serious Offence

Once again relating to the Islamic values of the country, public display of affection is a major offense here. It is good and always very safe to respect the religious and cultural norms of a country while traveling.

Fur Babies Are Not Welcome

It is rather sad to say that Oman is not at all a pet-friendly country. Pets are not allowed at almost all the hotels and eating places. Also, you will see signs at the beaches and on the entrance of malls and parks restricting pets to come inside. So better to leave your fur babies back home before coming to Oman.

Stay Aware, Stay Alert

For a female solo traveler, being aware of the surroundings is the most important thing. Irrespective of how safe a place is or how hospitable the people are, when you travel alone, you’re solely responsible to be assertive of everyone and everything around you.

Happy And Safe Traveling To Oman!

Book A Nice & Safe Hotel In Oman

Want to know what else to do in Oman? Check out my complete Oman Travel Destination guides:

• 10 Best Wadis In Oman With Location Maps
• 6 Amazing Ways To Spend Winter In Oman
• The Best Diving Sites In Oman
• A List Of The Most Adventurous Hiking Trails In Oman
• The Most Beautiful Beaches You Should Visit In Oman
• How To Spend Khareef In Salalah
• Everything You Need To Know For Exploring Salalah

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46 comments

very interesting article! I’ve never been to Oman. I visited Egypt many years ago and loved it. hope to make it back to that part of the world but have to say the social and cultural limitations on women have been prohibitive so glad to hear that Oman is more open and safe for women.

Hi Janna! Oman is a very progressive and hospitable country. I can assure you, you will have no problems at all in exploring this lovely country on a solo trip 🙂 Looking forward to welcoming you in Oman

Thanks for the great info! I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Muscat several years ago and am now planning a trip back to Oman in November on my own. I’m wanting to head to Salalah and was looking at doing some day trips from there but I know most tours are private tours- do you happen to know of any companies that might do small group day tours that solo travellers can join?

Hi Louisa! Thank you so much for your comment. I’m very happy to know that you’re visiting Oman again in November. Regarding the tours, not many companies operate tours in Salalah (mostly are by local individual guides only), however, you can check with AFAQ Oman Tours – they run several tours in Salalah and joining as a solo traveler won’t be an issue. Moreover, do check with Oman Day Tours, they run tours with a minimum of 2 persons I believe so just check with them if there is any other traveler booked with them during your dates of travel. Alternatively, also check the tours on Get Your Guide and Viator. Let me know if you find any luck booking with the mentioned tour operators, if not I’ll try to reach them out from my end 🙂

This is an incredibly comprehensive and helpful post on visiting Oman, Rahma. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and your opinions. Travel for men and women in all countries is a different experience so great to see the relevant advice here.

Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Hazel 🙂

My daughter and I spent a week in Oman in January and loved it. Sadly while in Nizwa we were harassed and groped by two teenage boys. Six months on the road and it was the worst thing to happen to us. It was shocking and hard to process due to all the great things I had heard about Oman. We were dressed modestly and near a tourist area and we still couldn’t get away from them fast enough. I guess my guard was down coming from India where I feared it might happen and it didn’t. Hate that it happened in Oman because it was great in every other way.

I am so sorry to hear about your experience, Trina! This is very unlikely of Oman but of course sick-minded people are present everywhere. Mostly the men of small towns and cities in Oman get way too excited seeing a foreign woman but Nizwa draws a lot of tourists so it is very sad that you had to go through this experience while being in a tourist-friendly city. Just recollect all your good memories from Oman and try not to think about that one bad experience. Safe travels, sister 🙂

Thank you for the great article. I am in the planning stages to come to Oman January 2020 and this article answers all the questions I didn’t even know I had. Thank you so much.

You’re welcome, Kathy! I am glad you found this article useful. Feel free to hit me up if you still need any information regarding visiting Oman. Have a wonderful stay in Oman 🙂

[…] the Middle East due to the region’s reputation, which has been built, unfortunately. But Oman is undoubtedly a safe haven for not just the solo female travelers but for anyone visiting the country. As the country has now […]

This is an amazing article.. written in such details yet very respectful towards your own country! I will definitely choose Oman in my next journey this 2019! And will definitely would love to see you in person.. Happy New Year! 🎉🎉🎉

Hey Jenni! Thank you so much, I am soo happy you liked my article. And please, please come to Oman in 2019 and get in touch with me whenever you’re planning to visit. We can explore the country together 🙂 Happy New Year!

[…] visited solo. The people of Muscat are very welcoming and kind towards solo female travelers. The women in Oman are highly respected irrespective of what they are wearing or if they’re being accompanied by a […]

Amazing post! I’m looking at Oman for a long time now and your post is really inspiring, it looks like a wonderful destination and is now definitely on my bucket list.

Thank you, Laura. I’m happy to know my post has inspired you to plan a trip to Oman! Feel free to reach me out for any information

Great guide! Especially for someone like me that never been to this region. Thanks for sharing, the information is very substantial.

Thank you so much Liz! I am happy you find it useful.

I love love love this! I’ve always been intrigued by Oman and the countries in the Middle East – haven’t had the chance to go yet! And I always wondered what it would be like as a solo female… this is great – thanks for all the app suggestions and briefly covering what rights women have. I knew some countries had “ladies only” sections but wasn’t sure about Oman, until now 🙂

Thank you so much, Caroline. I am so happy to know you found this post useful. I hope you can get a chance to visit Oman soon and experience the beauty and calm this little gem of Arabia has to offer 🙂

Thank you for this amazing post. Definitely in my bucket list!

Great post! Oman is a place that I’m definitely curious about and would love to visit. It’s good to hear that solo female travel is a doable thing in the country. When I finally get to Oman, I’ll definitely be referencing this post for later. Thanks.

Thank you April, I am happy to hear you found my post useful. Definitely, Oman is very safe to travel solo. I will look forward to seeing you visiting Oman very soon 🙂

OMAN is somewhere I hope to see in the future. I find myself called to places that are so different from where I grew up, Liberal California. Hope I can make this a reality!

I hope too that you can visit Oman soon and experience the beautiful (and different) culture of this small gem of Arabia 🙂

This was INCREDIBLY informative! I’m glad to here that it isn’t so strict over in Oman. I’ve been in Jordan for almost a year total, and find that it is quite awkward and annoying dealing with men around. I’ll definitely have to make a trip there instead!

That’s wonderful Amanda! I am soo glad to know you found this post helpful. I assure that you won’t have any problems dealing with men here in Oman. Locals are really kind and extremely hospitable here.

I love visiting Oman and feel that the Omani locals are the friendliest in the gulf. I have never felt unsafe going there as as solo traveler and instead have found the Omani taxi drivers to be very kind and considerate and even the younger ones have treated me like they would their own sisters.

Awesome, Razena! It makes me so happy to know that you had a pleasant experience in Oman. Thank you so much for sharing it with me 🙂

Femaleand alone?! How brave. I would be so scared. You’re so informational though.

Thank you so much, Britney! There’s nothing to be scared though. Oman is an absolutely safe country 🙂

I never considered that there could be such a difference in areas when traveling the Middle East. Great information.

I’m glad you find it helpful. Thank you so much!

I wasn’t familiar with Oman. What a great option for women wanting to travel the Middle East alone. Thank you for sharing.

Glad you found it useful 🙂

This is really great info on how to be safe and prepared, and I think its a very comprehensive list so you covered everything really well.

Thank you, Bree! I’m happy to found it useful

This looks like such an amazing place for female travellers! As an avid traveller myself, I’d love to venture here one day. 🙂

Awesome Emily! I look forward to seeing you visiting Oman someday soon!

I have never tried to travel alone I am not that kind of a brave person. Oman is a nice place to visit and I know you can explore this place more if you are alone but me, I still preferred to be with someone in every travel that I’m going to have.

That is totally your choice, Catherine 🙂 Oman is a perfect getaway for a family holiday too!

Sounds so cool! Just reading this makes me want to give up on everything and try to go there now!

Perfect Lyosha! I hope to see you visiting Oman soon! Happy Traveling 🙂

This looks like a very interesting place to visit 🙂 and you are right, it is important to be safe whilst travelling 🙂

Amazing post! I’ve never been to Oman, seems very interesting and the food looks delicious. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Thank you, Chad!

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Is Oman safe for women? Guide by a woman, for female travellers.

I’m a woman and I love to travel. I’ve been all over the world and I’ve never felt safer than I do in Oman. I know that some women are hesitant to travel to certain places because they’re worried about their safety, but I can assure you that Oman is a very safe place for women. I’ve never felt uncomfortable or threatened here, and I’ve never had any problems.

In fact, Oman was recently named the safest country in the world for women travelers by the World Economic Forum. I’ve visited Oman and created the ultimate 10 day route for you by car.

A little bit of history – Why Oman is safe for women

The Omani people are very welcoming and hospitable, and they treat women with respect. In Oman, women have the same rights as men, and they’re able to participate in all aspects of society. There’s a strong sense of community here, and everyone looks out for each other. I would highly recommend Oman as a travel destination for women. It’s a beautiful country with so much to see and do. And you’ll be safe here. I didn’t see a wandering eye, not even once and I felt very free. I didn’t have to cover, the only place where you need to do that is at Sultan Qaboos Mosque which is a must visit and you can just rent traditional clothes there.

There are a few things you can do to make sure you stay (extra) safe while in Oman as a women, though. But these rules apply to all countries. Here are my top tips:

• Don’t dress too provocatively. This is true for both men and women in Oman. Read more about what to dress in Oman, here .
• Don’t walk alone at night. Oman is generally a very safe country, but it’s always best to be cautious and not walk alone after dark.
• Keep your belongings close to you. So, make sure you keep your bag close to you and don’t leave your valuables lying around. (I left my laptop and cameras behind (I know stupid) and a Omani man came running after me and got it back to me.
• Be respectful of Omani culture. If you show respect for the culture and customs of Oman, you will be respected in turn. Read more about the culture of Oman, here .
• Use common sense. This is good advice for travel in any country. If something feels unsafe, it probably is. Trust your instincts and you’ll be fine.

♥ Do you want to read more tips on solo female travel? Read our 16x tips !

If you’re interested in learning more about Oman and its culture, I suggest checking out some of the other blog posts I’ve written about Oman. In particular, I recommend reading my 7 tips before travelling to Oman , my ultimate 10 day route through Oman and if you’re going to Muscat , read our guide here as well. You can find our Oman guide with all the highlights here as well.

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Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

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Travel Advisory July 13, 2023

Oman - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution due to  terrorism  and  armed conflict . Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• The Yemen border area due to  terrorism  and  armed conflict .

Country Summary : Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Oman, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Oman.

If you decide to travel to Oman:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Oman.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Yemen Border Area

Terrorist attacks and violence continue in Yemen. Crossing the border into Yemen can be dangerous, and U.S. citizens who attempt to cross the Oman-Yemen border, from either Oman or Yemen, may be detained by Omani authorities.

Visit our website for  High-Risk Travelers .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

1 page per entry stamp

Yellow fever (when coming from an area with yellow fever outbreaks)

Amounts over 20,000 USD must be declared

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Muscat

Jamiat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair Area (Shatti Al-Qurum), Muscat Oman Telephone: +(968) 2464-3400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(968) 2464-3400 Fax: +(968) 2464-3535 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

COVID-19 Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

Please visit the  Embassy of Oman website  for the most current visa information.

Requirements for Entry:

• Passport valid for at least six months

Tourist Visas: 

• U.S. citizens should apply for tourist visas in advance via the  Royal Oman Police E-Visa website . Tourist visas are also available upon arrival at airports and land crossings.
• Visas are issued at Mazoonah and Sarfait (Oman-Yemen land borders) on a case-by-case basis.
• The current list of visa types and a schedule of fees are available at the  Royal Oman Police website .
• Have proof of adequate funds and an onward/return ticket.

Penalties for expired passports or visas include fines and/or imprisonment.

Avoid Travel to Yemen:  We strongly advise U.S. citizens against travel to Yemen. Crossing the Yemen-Oman border can be dangerous, and U.S. citizens who do so are routinely detained by Omani authorities. The Department of State and U.S. embassies abroad will not facilitate entry of U.S. citizens into Yemen. See Our  Travel Advisory for Yemen  for further information.

Oman does not recognize dual nationality. Omani authorities may confiscate your U.S. passport if you have Oman/U.S. dual nationality. Should this happen, contact the U.S. Embassy. This does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship.

Children of Omani fathers automatically acquire Omani citizenship at birth and must enter and exit Oman on their Omani passports.

Omani/U.S. dual nationals are subject to all Omani laws, including those placing special obligations on citizens of Oman.

Expect considerable delays if your U.S. passport is lost or stolen. The Royal Oman Police require entry verification upon departure. If your passport containing your entry stamp is lost or stolen, a police report may be required to exit Oman using a replacement passport. For further details, see the  Royal Oman Police website .

Yellow fever vaccinations are required if you are coming from a country with yellow fever outbreaks.

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors and foreign residents of Oman. HIV/AIDS testing is required upon arrival for people on work or immigrant visas. Oman does not accept U.S. HIV/AIDS testing. Verify this information with the  Embassy of Oman  before traveling.

Customs Regulations:

• Pornographic materials and firearms are prohibited.
• Muslim travelers are forbidden to bring in alcohol. Oman does not require visitors to identify with a religion.
• Non-Muslim travelers can bring in two bottles of alcohol bought at a duty-free shop.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: 

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists 
• Places of worship 
• Schools 
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

For more information, see our Terrorism page. 

MARAD Report:  According to the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD), U.S. flag vessels in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el Mandeb regions face an elevated risk of attacks by violent extremists.

U.S. flag vessels should report suspicious activity to:

• COMUSNAVCENT battle watch captain at 011-973-1785-3879
• U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 (toll-free), 202-267-2675, or 202-267-4477 (TDD).

Crime : There is minimal street crime in Oman, and violent crime is rare.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 9999.  Emergency hotlines are mostly Arabic-speaking.  The U.S. Embassy has received reports from U.S. citizens who were unable to receive assistance due to language barriers.  Contact the U.S. Embassy at +968 2464-3400.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  The law in Oman does not specifically address domestic violence.  However, charges may be brought under other statutes.  Victims of domestic violence may file a complaint with the police, and reports indicate that police respond promptly and professionally.  The government operates a domestic violence hotline and a shelter for victims.

For additional information please see Oman’s Penal Code and our Human Rights Report for Oman .

Dial 1100 to reach the government-operated domestic violence hotline.

Tourism : The tourism industry is generally well-regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Omani authorities typically do not permit foreigners accused of crimes to leave the country while cases are open.

See our  webpage  for further information.

Carry your passport at all times, or you could be detained.

It is illegal to photograph certain buildings.

Alcohol and Drugs:  You may be arrested for possession of alcohol or driving under the influence. Drinking is permitted in some international hotels, bars, homes, and some restaurants.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs include lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.  Some prescription medications, such as narcotics, available in the United States may be illegal in Oman.  Travelers should check the Oman Ministry of Health’s Medications and Travel webpage before importing prescription medications.

Motor Vehicle Violations:  Traffic laws are strictly enforced and carry heavy penalties. Remote traffic cameras are extensively used to monitor speeding and stop light infractions.

Immigration officials, airports and other ports of entry and exit have ready access to information on traffic offenses, and violators cannot depart Oman unless all fines have been paid in full.

Personal Defamation Charges:

• Using vulgar language or hand gestures can lead to personal defamation charges. 
• An accusation alone, regardless of who files it, can initiate a legal process.
• U.S. citizens can usually resolve these cases with a formal apology and payment of damages to the aggrieved party.

Cultural Heritage Items:  To avoid prosecution, check first with Omani authorities before taking “cultural heritage items” such as archaeological artifacts, meteorites, or stones. 

Notary Services:  All foreign public documents (Birth, Marriage, Death, Divorce, academic records, etc.) need to be apostilled for use in Oman. The U.S. Embassy in Oman cannot apostille any documents issued in the U.S. See  our website  for designated authorities in the United States. That can issue an apostille.

Employment in Oman:  Although a common practice, it is illegal for Omani employers to retain your passport. Such retention could grant undue leverage to your employer in case of a dispute. U.S. passports are the property of the U.S. government.

The U.S. Embassy cannot intervene in labor disputes. At the beginning of any employment, obtain a contract that clearly states the terms of employment. Try to resolve disputes privately with your employer. If this fails, consult our  list of lawyers .

Dress Code : Be sensitive to Islamic culture and do not wear sleeveless shirts, halter-tops, or shorts. Only wear athletic clothing in public when engaged in sports activities.

Currency : U.S. bills printed before 2006 are often not accepted. Local currency is easily available from ATMs or currency exchange counters.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Consensual same-sex sexual conduct is illegal and subject to a jail term of six months to three years. See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information page  and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Oman prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities   Expect accessibility to be limited in older buildings (including government buildings and schools), public transportation, and general infrastructure, and more common in newer medical facilities and public buildings in cities. Outside of urban areas, access is greatly reduced.  Handicapped parking spaces are scarce.

Omanis will generally try to accommodate reasonable requests for assistance.

Students : See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for  Women Travelers . 

COVID-19 Testing:   For general PCR testing and exiting Oman, various health clinics in Oman offer PCR tests with results within 72 hours as well as 24-hour and 3–6-hour options.  PCR tests are at the expense of the individual/traveler.  Prices vary by clinic and range from 20 – 40 OMR; surcharges often apply for expedited result processing within 24 hours or less.  Drive up testing, walk-in tests, and tests by appointment are all available in Oman.  Test result delivery varies by clinic: e-mail, text, and physical message are commonly used to communicate results.

COVID-19 Vaccines:   The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Oman. Please refer to the  Omani Ministry of Health  for additional information on vaccination registration.

Visit the FDA's website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

For emergency services in Oman, dial 9999.  Emergency hotlines are mostly Arabic-speaking.  The U.S. Embassy has received reports from U.S. citizens who were unable to receive assistance due to language barriers.

Response times for ambulance services vary.  Injured or seriously ill travelers should take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

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.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas.  Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Oman to ensure the medication is legal in Oman.

Vaccinations : Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a  list of doctors and hospitals .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions:  Road conditions in cities and along major highways are good. Road conditions in rural areas range from good to poor. During rare instances of rain, roads are prone to flash flooding.

Travel between cities can be dangerous due to poor lighting, wandering livestock, and speeding drivers.

Public Transportation:  Public transportation is generally safe, although vehicles may swerve to pick up passengers without warning.

Traffic Violations:

The following traffic violations may result in jail sentences, fines, and/or deportation:

• driving without a license
• running a red light
• driving under the influence of alcohol
• failure to wear a seat belt
• talking on cell phones while driving (hands-free technology is allowed)
• excessive speeding or overtaking another vehicle
• failure to maintain a clean car

When involved in a traffic violation, cooperate with police officers and do not attempt to negotiate payment.

If you are involved in a traffic accident that involves injuries, death, or material damage to vehicles, do not move your vehicle until the police give you permission. Moving your car may be interpreted as an admission of guilt. For minor traffic accidents with no damage or injuries, you may move your vehicle to the side of the road.

Traffic Guidelines:

• Traffic circles are common. The driver already in the circle always has priority.
• Drivers flashing high beams are signaling that they want to pass.
• Do not turn right on a red traffic signal.

Driving License Requirements:

• Short-term visitors with a U.S. driver’s license may drive rental vehicles, but not privately registered cars.
• Residents must have an Omani driver's license.
• To obtain an Omani license, you must take a vision test and either have a U.S. license (with proof of being licensed for at least two years) or take a driving test.

Car Insurance:

• Insure rental cars against death, injury, and loss or damage.

Residents may insure their vehicles outside the Sultanate; however, third party liability insurance must be purchased locally.  For all traffic-related emergencies, call the Royal Oman Police at 9999. Have an Arabic speaker call when giving directions to a location, since English-speaking operators are not always available.

See our  Road Safety page  or the  Royal Oman Police website  for further information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Oman, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. See the  FAA’s safety assessment page  for further information.

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Oman should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and the  NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Oman . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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California man who stabbed woman near Chicago Union Station had Amtrak ticket to DC, prosecutors say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A California man accused in a stabbing outside Union Station appeared in court for the first time Friday.

As a 71-year old woman, Arlene Rado, continues to recover from the brazen daytime stabbing, the man accused of being the knife-wielding attacker who targeted her has been charged with the crime.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Alan and Arlene Rado have lived in Chicago for more than 20 years, and the randomness of this stabbing is what shocked them the most.

"Surreal... if I can encapsulate it into one word," Alan said.

Feel very positive because my wife's doing great, considering what happened. My wife is very strong. Alan Rado, husband of stabbing victim

Wilson Barreno, 25, now faces several felonies including attempted murder and aggravated battery in connection with the stabbing near Union Station on Wednesday. The judge called Barreno "dangerous" because of the randomness of the attack.

Barreno allegedly had an Amtrak ticket from Chicago to Washington DC the same night as the attack, but he made the decision to follow 71-year-old Arlene Rado before stabbing her several times.

Investigators say Rado was taking her dog Mickey out for an afternoon walk in the 200-block of South Canal Street when a stranger grabbed her by the neck and stabbed her with a sharp object. She was stabbed in the back and neck seven times.

The woman's husband, Alan Rado, said good Samaritans helped his wife after the attack while a bystander chased and cornered the attacker until Chicago police could arrest him.

"He came to Arlene's aid immediately and opened up his suitcase and took out some clothing of his own and put it right behind Arlene's back and pressed on her back to stop the bleeding," Alan said. "I feel very happy and very good that we live in a society that has not become dystopian just yet, and there are a lot of really good people out there."

Even the judge appeared perplexed at why Barreno decided to randomly stab her. The judge said, "Barreno pounced on her" and, "preys on people that are vulnerable."

"He's very fortunate that he didn't kill my wife, but that doesn't give him anyway around this," Alan said. "It's like unbelievable that this has happened. It's like I'm in a dream. Is this really happening?"

Prosecutors also said Barreno has been living in California since 2015. He has one misdemeanor in California for battery of a police officer. They did say he has a Guatemalan passport, but his immigration status is not clear.

Arlene Rado was listed in critical condition after the attack, but ABC7 was told she was released from the hospital Friday afternoon and is at home resting.

While Alan says his wife won't be taking walks by herself anytime soon, they're both in good spirits.

"Feel very positive because my wife's doing great, considering what happened. My wife is very strong, we're both very strong," Alan said.

The couple plans to take the Good Samaritans out to dinner soon, and Alan said he and his wife were going to enjoy some pizza together Friday.

Barreno will be detained until his next court date on June 12.

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11 Best Nike Shoes for Women, Reviewed by Sneaker Experts

Go on, just do i t! Add the Dunks to your cart.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

• Most Popular: Women's Nike Dunk Low
• Best Value: Women's Nike Revolution 6
• Most Comfortable: Women's Nike Invincible 3
• Best for Running: Women's Nike Pegasus 39
• Most Stylish: Women's Nike Air Max 90

Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab evaluate shoes of all types including walking shoes and hiking shoes as well as shoes for flat feet . When testing the best sneakers for women , we consider support, cushion, weight and construction and send styles to consumer testers to provide feedback on comfort, appearance and fit. For the women's Nike shoes we have not tested, we combed through shoppers' reviews and paid close attention to online ratings and price. Regardless of budget or personal style, you'll find a Nike shoe that fits your needs.

Nike Women's Dunk Low

Nike Dunk Lows are absolutely legendary among sneakerheads and collectors with hundreds of colorways released over the years. Available in a variety of bright and neutral color-blocking patterns, the pair features the iconic Nike swoop and classic '80s style with a padded, lower collar. A foam midsole offers responsive cushioning while a rubber sole provides great traction and durability. One five-star review said they have "zero complaints" and countless satisfied reviews emphasized the stylish look of the shoe. Shoppers found the shoes fit true to size, unlike other Nike shoes which can run small.

Sizes: 5–13.5

Nike Women's Revolution 6

Shopping brand names can be pricey, but you'll find several Nike styles selling for under $100 — and you can even snag some for less than $50, like the Revolution 6. Online shoppers give five-star reviews for the pair's value and quality, emphasizing how comfortable the shoes are. One reviewer wrote, "It's very comfortable and lightweight. I loved it, so I ordered a second pair in a different color."

The sneaker is designed with breathability in mind and we like that there is some plush mesh along the collar for added comfort. The available colors are limited, but the traditional black and white hues are versatile for any wardrobe.

Sizes: 6–11

Nike Women's Invincible 3

Good Housekeeping Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin said the Invincible sneaker "felt super comfortable while running and walking (even on uneven terrain) that I forgot I was wearing them." She gave top scores for cushioning, support and fit, adding that they run true to size (which is not always the case with Nike shoes). Saguin also appreciated the thick sole that added an extra spring in her step. Due to the shoe's ample support, our Textiles Lab pros named it the best pick for high arches in our most recent test of running shoes .

While the mesh upper makes it breathable for long, sweaty runs, Saguin notes that you may want to pair the shoe with a warm sock in colder weather. We love the stylish color options, including the pink and white pictured plus a funky white and purple colorway and a racer blue hue.

RELATED: Most Comfortable Women's Shoes of 2024, Tested by Experts

Sizes: 5–12

Nike Women's Pegasus 39

One of our consumer testers is a repeat buyer of the Nike Pegasus line and gave them top scores in every category except traction — which received a slightly lower score. "I have not taken these shoes off since receiving them," they said. "As someone with a bad back who frequently finds exercise painful, these running shoes never flare any hip pain." Our tester found the shoe to be comfortable and lightweight and observed almost no break-in period. They did note that the shoe's material is not ideal for running in the rain because the mesh upper lets in water. The Pegasus 39 is available in a variety of neutral and neon shades. Plus, it can be a more affordable running shoe than other options by Nike or popular brands.

Nike Women's Air Max 90

Hundreds of five-star Amazon reviews comment on how cute the Air Max 90 style is, with one review calling them their favorite shoes. "After 6 months of wearing these sneakers, I can confidently say it’s become a staple in my wardrobe," they wrote. You probably won't want to run in them, but if you're looking for a new streetwear shoe, this is the Nike style for you. Not only is the shoe available in neutral shades and patterns for all styles, but a rubber outsole with a waffle pattern aids in durability and traction. That means the Air Max 90 packs in fashion and function for an iconic duo.

Nike Women's Air Force 1

White Nike Air Force 1 sneakers are a true classic and a wardrobe staple. You've probably seen someone sporting them on the subway, out at a bar, up and down the grocery aisle or at the office for casual Fridays. The bestseller has over 3,400 five-star Amazon reviews, confirming its popularity among consumers. We also included the sneaker in our round-up of the most comfortable shoes at Walmart .

A rubber sole and leather upper make the Air Force 1 a durable choice that will last — in fact, you may find yourself not wanting to part with your comfy broken-in pair down the line. The classic Nike style is worth it at under $125, though not everyone may like the chunky sneaker look.

Nike Women's Free Metcon 5

If your preferred workouts take place in a gym, investing in a good pair of shoes for working out , like the popular Free Metcon 5, may be worth it. While we haven't tested this style yet, the shoes have an impressive 4.7-star rating from over 300 Nike reviewers. Shoppers say they've used the shoes for walking, lifting, HIIT, strength training and general workouts, and many say the shoes are super comfortable. Plus, the Free Metcon 5 is super stylish in eight different colors, all with a distinct, funky outer sole. You'll feel stable and fashionable while lifting those heavy dumbbells .

Sizes: 5–15

Nike Women's Court Legacy

Looking for a cute yet comfortable sneaker to pack for your next vacation? The Nike Court Legacy is available in over a dozen colors and has a subtle canvas trim that elevates the sneaker A synthetic leather upper and rubber sole help with durability. We haven't tried out these shoes in the Lab yet, but they have a 4.5-star rating on Amazon across 1,750 reviews. Multiple satisfied shoppers say the shoes are a comfortable staple in their shoe collection and year-round wardrobe. One reviewer shared, "I love these versatile Nikes, because you can dress them up or down and they go with anything!"

Sizes: 6–14

Nike Women's InfinityRN 4

Whether your job requires you to be on your feet for hours at a time, or you simply prefer a cushy shoe for walking, the InfinityRN 4 has you covered, whatever your day brings. The foam midsole provides great cushioning, and a roomy toe box, foam collar and plush tongue all work to aid in overall comfort. Plus, a rubber outsole with a waffle pattern offers great traction if you are a nurse or work in the food industry where there can be spills on the floor. Although we haven't tried out these shoes for ourselves yet, one five-star review wrote, "Wow, where do I start?! These trainers are brilliant. They’re comfortable with supportive cushioning so you can run smoother." Nike recommends sizing up a half-size as the shoe can fit snugly.

RELATED: The Best Shoes for Nurses Who Stand All Day Long

Nike Women's Blazer Mid 77

These popular high-tops have 3,250 online Amazon reviews from happy customers saying the shoes look and fit great. One owner of the Blazer Mid 77 enjoys wearing them while weightlifting because they provide a flat stable base — so if the Free Metcon 5 isn't your style, try out these. Outside of the gym, the vintage-looking sneaker is perfectly stylish for everyday use and the high-top design will keep your ankles warm during cooler days. We appreciate the cushioned collar for added comfort and the 45 different colorways for every aesthetic . While the large Nike swooshes may be ideal for super fans, the less subtle branding may not be for everyone.

Sizes: 5–12.5

Nike Women's Vaporfly

If you're a distance runner, the Vaporfly is a shoe designed with longer runs in mind. One consumer tester calls these her favorite running shoes ever, and said, "I’ve noticed that my running times improve while wearing them as compared to other shoes." While the cushioning can help give you some extra bounce while running, the same testers noted that they found the shoes to be too cushioned while walking. Another tester highlighted the lightweight feel and futuristic appearance of the sneaker. They said that the laces "were a bit off center instead of being right on top of your foot which allowed for a much more comfortable wear on the top of your foot, especially at longer distances." The tester found the shoes ran large and others wished there was more support for their high arches.

How we chose the best Nike shoes for women

The experts in our Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab test shoes both in the Lab and with consumer testers who help us gather real-world feedback. Testers log multiple hours wearing the shoes and report back on aspects like comfort, support, cushioning, breathability, appearance and more. Meanwhile, our pros evaluate weight and arch support in the Lab and even saw shoes in half to review the shoes' midsole and materials. For the shoes in this article that we haven't tested yet, we crowdsourced fan favorites and read through online shoppers' reviews to gain insight into how the styles performed.

What to consider when shopping for popular women's Nike shoes

✔️ Fit: As with any shoe, the style you choose has to fit your foot comfortably. Whether you purchase a Nike shoe in-store or online, our pros recommend trying them on in the evening hours because your feet tend to swell throughout the day. "Nike shoes can have inconsistent sizing, so make sure to reference any fit notes in the product listing. The brand recommends sizing up in some styles," says Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour .

✔️ Purpose: "It’s also of the utmost importance that you wear a shoe that’s suitable for the activity you plan to wear it for," says Seymour. You wouldn't want to wear a basketball shoe for running, just like you wouldn't want to wear a lifestyle shoe to play soccer. Purchase the shoes that best suit your needs, whether it's a specific activity or going about your daily life.

✔️ Style: After you nail down your shoe's purpose, you can have fun choosing from all of the different styles Nike has to offer. You'll find chunky sneakers, slimmer court shoes, extra-cushioned running shoes in bright colors and more. Seymour does point out, however, that "although you may love the look of a shoe or want a trendy brand, it’s most important that the shoe is comfortable to wear."

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she works alongside product analysts to ensure our shopping guides reflect accurate information. She has written on a variety of fitness and style categories including the best New Balance and HOKA shoes as well as the best pickleball bags and tennis shoes for women . As a runner and former tennis player, Elizabeth has tried out more than a few pairs of Nike shoes.

To write this article, she collaborated with Emma Seymour , Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst at the GH Institute, who ran testing on some of the Nike shoes included in this round-up.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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