About Oman           Oman History in Oman lies all around you. From the ancient ramparts of Bahla Fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the carefully preserved Jabrin Castle dating from 1670, or the art of dhow building that has come down through generations of Omanis, relive the glory of an ancient civilization. Explore a land where Shahrazad’s stories from ‘1001 Nights’ come alive and visit archaeological sites steeped in mythology. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a place where tradition meets the modern in a dramatic setting, with mountains on one side and the Arabian Gulf on the other. Home to some 600,000 people of diverse nationalities, this attractive city provides a glimpse of all that the country has to offer. The souq and fish market can be found in the Muttrah district while world class shopping malls are located throughout the capital area. Muscat is world famous for its cleanliness and safety, spacious parks and roadways lines with green lawns and flowers.   When the time comes to leave Oman you will carry home memories that will last a lifetime. Experience all that the country can offer but leave some things undone so that we can welcome you back again.   Location:  Oman is the second largest country in the Arabian Peninsula with the United Arab Emirates dividing a small section the northernmost tip. The county’s entire east coast is fringed by the Arabian Sea and its land neighbors include Yemen to the south, and Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates on its western border.   Local Time:  GMT + 4 Getting There:  Seeb International Airport is located 40 km from Muscat and also serves domestic destinations. There are frequent direct flights from a number of European, Asian and African cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Dar es Salaam, Mumbai, Karachi and Bangkok. There are also direct fights from Dubai to Salalah, the second largest city in the southern region known as Dhofar and Khasab, the gateway to Musandam.   Visas:  Visit visas valid for a one month stay may be obtained on arrival by citizens of over 60 countries including European Union, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan. GCC Nationals do not require a visa. Common Visa and Reciprocal Visa agreements are in place with Dubai and Qatar – check with your airline or visit www.rop.gov.om for the latest information. It is important that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and there are blank pages for the visa stamp. Visas may be obtained at the airport for the following countries: European countries Portugal Spain France Switzerland Italy Moldova Hungary Austria Germany Norway Netherlands Britain Ireland Iceland Latvia Denmark Sweden Finland Estonia Slovakia Czech Rep. Monaco Luxembourg San Marino Liechtenstein Vatican Andorra Macedon Cyprus Malta Croatia Greece Belgium Poland Rumania Slovenia Lithuania - - - South American Countries Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Venezuela Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay French Guiana Other Countries Australia Brunei Dar al-Salam Canada Lebanon Hong Kong Indonesia Japan Malaysia New Zealand Seychelles Singapore South Africa South Korea Taiwan Thailand United States Turkey Tunis The following countries should apply for Omani Visas. The application will be processed within two days from the date it is submitted: Egypt Iran India Jordan Albania Morocco Syria Byelorussia Bulgaria Russian Federation China Bosnia - Herzegovina Ukraine - -       Customs:  No customs duty is levied on personal effects brought into Oman. It is forbidden to import drugs and pornographic material. Videos, books and magazines are occasionally checked and videotapes may be temporarily confiscated. Language:  Arabic is the office language although English is widely spoken. Hotels:  In a country that is renowned for its legendary hospitality, places to stay are easy to find and range from luxurious five star hotels to more modest rest houses and camps. In the Muscat capital area, there are numerous hotels that suit most budgets. Furnished apartments and suites are excellent value for families and longer staying visitors.   Duty Free:  For last-minute purchases, there is a Duty Free shop in the arrivals area – non Muslims are permitted to import up to two bottles of alcohol per person. Currency and Banking:  The unit of currency is the Omani Rial (RO) comprising 1,000 baizas. The Omani Rial has a fixed exchange rate that is linked to the US Dollar – One Omani Rial is equivalent to approximately US$ 2.60. In general, banking hours are Saturday to Wednesday from 8:00am to noon, and Thursday from 8:00am to 1:00pm. ATM:  Automated Teller Machines can be found in most major supermarkets, hotels and other locations throughout the country. Credit Cards:  All major credit cards are accepted in main hotels, stores and larger shops, but in traditional souqs only cash is accepted.   Mobile Phones:  Oman has an extensive GSM network. Visitors can avoid roaming charges by purchasing a prepaid Hayyak SIM card at Muscat airport or Omantel Offices. Public Telephones:  Accept prepaid phone cards only. Cards are available in supermarkets and smaller shops in units up to RO 5.     Climate:  Summer is between April and September when the weather is hot and humid.