Do you need a visa for Oman in 2026? +
Yes for French passport holders. Online e-visa at evisa.rop.gov.om: 5 OMR (~€13) for 10 days non-extendable, or 20 OMR (~€50) for 30 days extendable once. 100% online application, 24-72h processing, valid 30 days after issue. Passport required valid 6 months minimum. Free visa possible if you arrive from the UAE with a valid UAE visa (conditions to check case by case).
How many days do you need in Oman? +
Minimum 7 days for Muscat + Wahiba + Nizwa + Jebel Akhdar. 10 days to add Wadi Shab, Sur and the coast. 14 days is ideal to cover the entire north (Muscat, desert, mountains, wadis, Musandam) on a 4x4 road-trip. Salalah in the south requires a domestic flight or 2 days of driving, add 3-4 days.
When to go to Oman? +
November-March: optimal window (22-30 °C, pure skies). Tourist peak January-February. April and October: still acceptable temperatures (28-35 °C). May-September: unbearable in the north (45 °C+) but it's Khareef season in Salalah in the south (22-26 °C, monsoon, green landscapes, unique in the Middle East).
Do you need a 4x4 to visit Oman? +
Essential for Wahiba Sands (dunes), Jebel Shams (tracks), Wadi Bani Khalid (last km) and Musandam. For the rest (Muscat, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar via paved road), a sedan is enough. Compromise: rent a 4x4 for the whole trip (€70-100/day) for flexibility. Right-hand traffic, excellent roads, bilingual Arabic + English signage.
Is Oman safe? +
Yes, one of the safest countries in the world. Near-zero crime rate, welcoming and helpful population, strict penal code. No particular vigilance required except: sandstorms in spring, flash floods in wadis (never enter a wadi under rain or with storm on the horizon), snakes and scorpions in the mountains. France Diplomatie classifies the country in normal vigilance zone.
How much for 4x4 rental in Oman? +
€70-100/day for a standard Toyota Fortuner / Prado in Muscat (Europcar, Avis, Sixt). €120-160/day for higher-end vehicles (Land Cruiser, Pajero). 15-25% discount on 10+ days. International driving license required. Full insurance recommended (€1,500-2,500 deductible otherwise).
Can you combine Oman and the UAE? +
Yes, very natural combo. Hatta-Hatta land border open 24/7, 30-min formality. Dubai-Muscat or Abu Dhabi-Muscat flight in 1h. Dubai-Muscat bus 7h (Mwasalat). 10-12 days ideal: Dubai 2d + Abu Dhabi 1d + Muscat 2d + Wahiba 2d + Jebel Akhdar 2d + Nizwa 1d. Separate Oman e-visa required.
What to plan for a Wahiba Sands night? +
Three options: basic camp (€40-60/night, shared tent, dinner included), comfort camp (€90-150/night, private tent with bathroom, Bedouin BBQ), luxury camp (Desert Nights Camp, Magic Camps, Sama Al Wasil: €250-500/night, Bedouin suites with pool). All include sunset dune bashing + breakfast. Book 1 month ahead in high season.
