+ 3 h / + 2 h during our summer time

Muscat (Masqat)

Arabic

• 240 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug type G

Banks

8.00 am - 12.00 pm (Sat - Wed)
8.00 am - 11.30 am (Thu)  

Shops

8.30 am - 1.00 pm and 4.30 pm - 9.00 pm (Sat - Thu)
5.00 pm - 10.00 pm (Fri)

• Islamic New Year - The date varies according to the lunar calendar.
• Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad - The date varies.
• Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet) - The date varies.
• Eid al-Fitr: date varies – Marks the end of Ramadan. 
• Eid al-Adha: date varies – The Festival of Sacrifice.
• 23 July: Renaissance Day – Marks Sultan Qaboos’s accession to power in 1970.
• 18 November: National Day – Sultan Qaboos’s birthday and Independence Day.

The following documents are required to enter Oman:

• A Swiss passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

• Swiss citizens may enter Oman without a visa for stays of up to 14 days. For longer stays, a visa is required and must be applied for online before entering the country. 

• Cruise ship passengers and crew are exempt from visa requirements for shore excursions involving stays of up to 48 hours.
• Swiss citizens flying directly from Doha to Muscat do not require a visa for Oman, provided they hold a valid special visa from Qatar that also covers Oman.
• A return or onward ticket, valid documents for onward travel, proof of sufficient financial means and a hotel reservation are required.

• Minors: Check with the local authorities regarding entry formalities for minors.

As of: October 2024

The climate in Oman varies considerably depending on the region:

• Coastal regions (Muscat, Salalah): Muscat experiences very hot summers with temperatures above 40°C and mild winters at around 25°C. Salalah is influenced by the monsoon from June to September, bringing cooler and wetter conditions.

• Desert regions (Wahiba Sands, Rub' al Khali): Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 45°C, while winter nights are cool. There is almost no rainfall.

• Mountain regions (Al Hajar, Dhofar Mountains): Cooler than the coastal and desert regions, with pleasant summers and cool winters. Occasional snowfall may occur at higher elevations.

  Best times to travel to Oman:

• City and cultural trips (Muscat, Nizwa): November to March is ideal, when temperatures are milder and the weather is pleasant for exploring.

• Nature and scenic trips (Jebel Akhdar, deserts): October to April is best for avoiding the extreme heat and enjoying the region’s natural beauty in pleasant temperatures.

• Coastal holidays (Salalah, Musandam): November to March, when the weather is ideal for beach activities and water sports.

• Desert adventures (Wahiba Sands): Best during the cooler months from December to February to avoid the intense heat and occasional sandstorms.

• Using a mobile phone in Oman may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in shopping centres, cafés, hotels and many public spaces, although availability may be more limited in rural areas.
• To reduce roaming charges, it is advisable to purchase a prepaid SIM card in Oman, offering affordable mobile internet and local calls.

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat - An impressive architectural masterpiece and one of the largest mosques in the world.

• Royal Opera House Muscat - A centre for music, art and culture, known for its striking modern Islamic architecture.

• Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts - Historic forts in Muscat offering an insight into Oman’s military history.

• Wadi Shab - A spectacular valley with clear-water pools and a hidden cave with a waterfall, ideal for hiking and swimming.

• Nizwa Fort - An imposing 17th-century fortress offering a fascinating insight into Islamic architecture.

• Jebel Akhdar - Known as the “Green Mountain”, it is ideal for hiking and experiencing Oman’s natural beauty.

• Wahiba Sands - A vast desert landscape offering an insight into traditional Bedouin culture, as well as opportunities to camp among the dunes or explore them by off-road vehicle.

• Bahla Fort - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its impressive mud-brick architecture.

• Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve - A nature reserve where you can observe rare sea turtles laying their eggs.

• Salalah - Known for its unique climate during the monsoon season, which transforms the region into a green oasis, and for ancient sites such as Sumhuram, associated with the historic Land of Frankincense.

Oman stands out for its diverse cuisine, which combines Indian, Persian, North African and Arab influences. Characterised by the generous use of spices and fresh ingredients, it offers a wide range of flavours, from traditional dishes to more modern interpretations.

• Dates and coffee: In Oman, hospitality often begins with a bowl of dates and strong Arabic coffee, known as Kahwa. This combination is deeply rooted in Omani culture and symbolises welcome and generosity.
• Curries and rice dishes: Inspired by the culinary traditions of India and Persia, Omani curries and rice dishes such as Kabsa and Biryani offer an enticing blend of spices and flavours and are often served with meat or fish.
• Seafood: Thanks to its long coastline, Oman has an abundance of fresh seafood. Traditional dishes such as grilled fish, prawns and lobster are often prepared with aromatic spices such as saffron and cardamom.
• Meat dishes: Meat plays an important role in Omani cuisine, particularly during celebrations. Shuwa, lamb slowly cooked in an underground oven, is a national dish served on special occasions and known for its tender texture and rich flavour.
• Sweet dishes: Omani sweets such as Halwa, a sweet, thick mixture made from roasted flour, sugar, ghee and saffron, are an essential part of the culinary tradition and are often served after main meals or offered to guests.
• Markets and food festivals: As in France, markets and food festivals are also popular in Oman, offering an opportunity to discover and celebrate local specialities and seasonal delicacies.
• Coffee houses and traditional eateries: In Oman, coffee houses and traditional eateries are important social meeting places where people come together to enjoy food and life in a relaxed atmosphere.

• Greetings: In Oman, it is customary to greet people with a friendly handshake. Men should wait for a woman to offer her hand first.
• Saying please and thank you: Expressions of politeness such as “please” (min fadlak/min fadlik) and “thank you” (shukran) are greatly appreciated and show respect towards local people.
• Clothing: Visitors should dress conservatively. Men should wear long trousers, while women should wear clothing that covers the arms, legs and shoulders, particularly when visiting religious sites.
• Dining etiquette: It is customary to eat with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. Food should be declined politely and respectfully.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, shopping centres and other public places. It is advisable to look for designated smoking areas and respect the rules.
• Tipping: In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of around 10% if service is not already included in the bill. Smaller services such as taxi journeys do not usually require a tip unless the service was exceptionally good.

• It is recommended to avoid drinking tap water and to use bottled or filtered water instead in order to reduce health risks.

• No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Oman.

• Make sure that your standard vaccinations and those of your children are up to date in accordance with the Swiss Vaccination Schedule issued by the Federal Office of Public Health.

• Medical care in Oman is of a high standard in cities such as Muscat, but it is often expensive. In remote areas, it does not always meet European standards, and rapid emergency treatment cannot be guaranteed everywhere.

• It is strongly recommended to take out comprehensive international health insurance before travelling, including cover for emergency repatriation.
• In remote areas of Oman, access to reliable medicines and an uninterrupted cold chain cannot always be guaranteed. It is advisable to bring a personal travel medical kit and any regularly required medication, and to protect these from high temperatures.

• Before and during your trip, keep up to date with the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Due to the military escalation in the region since 28 February 2026, significant travel disruptions are to be expected (including temporary airspace closures, delays and cancelled flights). Keep up to date with developments and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
• In the border region where Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Oman meet, violent incidents and travel restrictions may occur.
• The crime rate is low, but robbery and theft occur more frequently in tourist areas.

• More information on the current security situation can be found on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: 3 March 2026

• For car hire, a Swiss driving licence is recognised; an international driving permit is recommended.

• The minimum age for car hire is between 21 and 25 years, depending on the rental company.
• Particular caution is required on intercity roads, as roaming animals such as camels, goats and sheep may unexpectedly cross the road.
• In the event of a road accident, the police must be notified and the vehicles should not be moved until they arrive, as doing so could be interpreted as an admission of liability.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

• Long-distance and regional trains: Oman currently has no long-distance or regional rail services, as the country has not yet developed a railway network.
• Buses: the bus network plays an important role in public transport in Oman. Intercity buses connect major cities such as Muscat, Nizwa and Salalah, while local bus services operate within cities. These services are mainly run by the state-owned company Mwasalat.
• Taxis: taxis are a convenient way to get around in Oman. Orange taxis are privately operated, while white taxis follow fixed routes and carry several passengers. Most taxis do not use meters, so the fare should be agreed in advance. Marhaba and Mwasalat are the main providers, each with their own apps, and have exclusive permission to pick up passengers at the airport and hotels. These taxis are considered safe, clean and reliable.

• Muscat International Airport (MCT) – The country’s largest airport and main hub for international and domestic flights, with connections to many international destinations, including Zurich.
• Salalah International Airport (SLL) – Serves the southern region and is particularly popular during the monsoon season, offering both domestic and international flights.
• Sohar Airport (OHS) – A smaller airport in the north of the country, with domestic and international connections, which is growing in importance.
• Duqm Airport (DQM) – An important airport for business travel in central Oman, with domestic and occasional international flights.

The main airlines are Oman Air and SalamAir, complemented by international carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• General emergency number for ambulance, fire brigade and police: 9999

Villa 1366, Way 3017,
Shatti Al Qurum
Muscat 
Tel. +968 2496 7670
Email: muscat@eda.admin.ch

• The intense sun close to the equator, even in cloudy conditions, is often underestimated. Use adequate sun protection and make sure you drink enough fluids, particularly for children and older people.
• Dangerous sea currents can lead to drowning accidents along the coast. Observe beach warnings, avoid alcohol when swimming and supervise your children.
• The import of drones is prohibited.
• Drug laws are very strict (with penalties of up to life imprisonment or the death penalty).
• During Ramadan, eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited – this also applies inside your own car.