Oman

Recommended Vaccinations For Oman

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Yellow fever vaccination is not recommended. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Oman

There are no recommendations for Oman at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Oman

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Oman through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Oman.

For Some Travellers

MERS

There is a risk of acquiring MERS-CoV in this country. Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads. It is a viral infection transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person-to-person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported. There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to Oman are at risk for tuberculosis, if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Oman, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in Oman. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Oman. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Schistosomiasis

According to the World Health Organization, cases of this disease were reported in 2012. This disease may be present in Oman and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Safety & Security in Oman

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in Oman, and travellers rarely experience safety and security problems. However, petty crime can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. With respect to your personal safety, be cautious and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport.

Travellers should keep their passport available at all times for identification.

If driving outside Muscat, be aware that animals can wander onto roads, sudden rains can cause flooding on roads, and drivers may not follow standard rules of the road.

Oman is an Islamic country, and visitors should be sensitive to the culture and respect local customs. Dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing, including sleeveless blouses. At hotel pool areas and beaches, swimming and beach clothing is acceptable.

There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving. It is illegal to drink or be drunk in public. Penalties for drug use, possession or trafficking are severe.

To express anger or frustration, either verbally or otherwise, is considered abusive and one can be charged with personal defamation. Any citizen or visitor can file these charges. Visitors charged with defamation cannot leave the country until the issue is resolved, usually with an apology and fine paid to the “victim.”

Same-sex relationships and behaviours are illegal in Oman.

Extreme Violence

There is a threat of terrorist attacks in Oman. Government buildings, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and resorts, and other sites frequented by foreigners could be targeted.

Political Unrest

Political demonstrations do occur throughout Oman. Minimize risk by avoiding large public gatherings and demonstrations due to unpredictability of these situations.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid unnecessary travel to areas bordering Yemen and Saudi Arabia.