Oman Country Report

Oman is located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest. Oman is, for the most part, a safe destination for travelers. Given its balanced and close relations with the US, UK, Iran, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, Oman has no significant conflict threats. The main terrorist threat emanates from the neighboring states of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, which have Islamist militant movements. Militant organizations, including the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Arabian Peninsula. Security has been increased in Oman as a result. The most prevalent form of crime is petty thievery, primarily in crowded public places, such as souqs (markets). Periodic protests do occur over issues such as unemployment and public services. Oman is affected by the North Indian Ocean Cyclone season between April and December, with May and November being the highest risk months. Oman has experienced numerous destructive cyclones. Road conditions, lighting, and traffic safety in cities and major highways in populated areas are good by regional standards. The condition of rural roads varies from good to poor. Travel between cities, especially at night, may be dangerous because of poor lighting and wandering livestock. Medical care provision is generally of good quality.

There are concerns over militants entering from neighboring Yemen and Saudi Arabia; however, such a threat is diminished by Omani authorities maintaining stringent security measures along its borders, particularly with Yemen. Potential targets are likely to include government buildings, public areas, areas frequented by tourists, and Western interests. Crimes that do occur are primarily petty in nature and include opportunistic theft and bag snatching. Sporadic demonstrations over socio-economic conditions do occur. The last such protests to occur were in May 2020. They are usually small, non-violent, and not directed at foreign interests. Muscat has positioned itself as a neutral arbiter, allowing it to serve as a mediator for long-standing regional conflicts, limiting the risk posed to it in the event of a conflict between the US and its allies and Iran.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The conflict in Israel is unlikely to impact Oman directly. However, Iran-backed proxy groups, specifically Yemen's Al-Houthis involvement in the conflict in Israel, could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire in Yemen and the geopolitical status quo in the Gulf.

There are no major safety concerns over air travel into Oman.

The condition of rural roads varies from good to poor. Travel between cities, especially at night, may be dangerous due to poor or no lighting, wandering livestock, and speeding drivers.

Salalah Port has been ranked the second most efficient container port in the world in the Global Container Port Performance Index.

Utilities are good.

There is little risk of cybercrime in Oman.

The heat can be extreme, especially during the summer. Cyclones from the Indian Ocean do occasionally make landfall in Oman in the summer months. Flash floods can cause injuries and deaths in the far south. Sand and dust storms do occur in the summer, reducing visibility and posing a threat to health.

Medical facilities are of a good standard, with major cities often containing hospitals and clinics that meet Western standards of care. Care in rural areas is likely to be limited. Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines that are available in Western countries are considered to be controlled substances. There are sporadic outbreaks of communicable diseases.

There is minimal public criticism of the government. Long-standing ruler Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said, considered the father of the nation, died in January 2020 and was replaced by his cousin, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. The transition was smooth, with no notable dissent from the royal family or the public. Elections are typically conducted peacefully. Petty corruption is not widespread and bribes are rarely exchanged, yet there are cases of political corruption. Local laws reflect the fact that Oman is an Islamic country.