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SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, expanded its seasonal winter network in late 2025 to include direct connections from cities like Munich and Prague to Muscat and Salalah. These flights offer a budget-friendly alternative to legacy carriers, with round-trip fares often €200-300 lower than Oman Air or Lufthansa. Be aware that SalamAir operates a strict no-frills model—baggage and meals cost extra. These routes are particularly popular for reaching the southern beaches of Salalah directly without a domestic transfer in Muscat.

Yes, Muscat International Airport (MCT) fully activated expanded e-gates for eligible European tourists in late 2025 to reduce arrival queues. If you have a biometric passport and have visited Oman previously (registering fingerprints), you can often skip the manual immigration desk. First-time visitors generally still need to see an officer for initial biometric enrollment. This update cuts arrival processing time from 45 minutes down to 10-15 minutes during peak evening arrival banks.

No, leave the drone at home unless you want it confiscated at the airport. Oman enforces a strict ban on recreational drones without commercial permits, which are nearly impossible for tourists to obtain. Customs officers scan all luggage specifically looking for them upon arrival at Muscat (MCT). If found, the device will be seized, stored (often for a fee), and only returned upon your departure—if the office is open. It’s simply not worth the hassle or risk of fines.

Yes, a 4×4 is legally mandatory for passing the police checkpoint at the base of Jebel Akhdar. The road is paved and modern, but it is incredibly steep, and the government requires 4WD vehicles to ensure safe braking on the descent. You will be turned back if you arrive in a sedan or crossover. For Jebel Shams, a 4×4 is not legally required but highly recommended, as the final stretch is a rough dirt track that shreds standard tires. Renting a 4×4 costs 35-50 OMR (€85-120) per day.

Yes, VoIP calls via WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype are blocked by telecommunications providers in Oman. Text messages and voice notes work fine, but for live calls, you will need a VPN or a government-approved app like Botim or Google Meet (which sometimes works). Many hotels offer unrestricted WiFi that bypasses these blocks, but on mobile data (Omantel/Ooredoo), the block is effective. Download and test a reliable VPN before you leave Europe, as VPN websites are often blocked within the country.

Oman has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs containing codeine, tramadol, and certain psychotropic substances common in Europe (like Xanax or Valium) without prior approval. If you must travel with these, carry the original prescription, a doctor’s letter, and keep the medication in its original packaging. For strong painkillers or antidepressants, it is safer to check the Ministry of Health’s controlled substance list beforehand. Bringing undocumented restricted meds can lead to detention, not just confiscation.

Cash is king outside of luxury hotels and malls. You need Omani Rials (OMR) for souqs, small restaurants, gas stations in remote areas, and taxi drivers. While Muscat is card-friendly, vendors in Nizwa, Wahiba Sands, or mountain villages often only accept cash. Withdraw cash from ATMs (Bank Muscat is reliable) rather than exchanging Euros at the airport for better rates. Keep small bills (100 baisa, 500 baisa, 1 Rial) handy for tipping and small purchases, as breaking a 50 Rial note is difficult.

Tap water is generally desalinated and safe in Muscat, but most locals and tourists stick to bottled water due to the taste and pipe quality in older buildings. A 1.5L bottle costs about 200 baisa (€0.50), making it very affordable. In remote areas or mountain camps, definitely avoid tap water and use bottled or filtered water. If you want to be eco-friendly, bring a bottle with a built-in filter, as plastic waste is a growing concern at tourist sites.