Middle East and North Africa

Local laws reflect the fact that Oman is a Muslim country.  You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling during Ramadan.
 
In public, general modesty of behaviour and dress is expected.  Women who wear shorts or tight-fitting clothes, in particular in downtown areas, are likely to attract unwelcome attention.  There have been some reported cases of sexual harassment.
 
We recommend that you carry a copy of your passport (if a visitor) or their Omani ID (if a resident) at all times for identification purposes.

The import (even temporary) of right hand drive vehicles is not allowed.

The import and use of narcotics and obscene material are forbidden and can lead to imprisonment.  There are severe penalties for drug offences including, in some cases, the death penalty.  "Soft" drugs are treated as seriously as "hard" drugs.  Possession of cannabis, even in quantities of less than one gram, will bring a minimum prison sentence of 12 months followed by deportation.  Non-Muslims can import alcohol, to a maximum of 2 litres per family.  It can be bought at a duty free shop at the airport on arrival, but within Oman, alcohol can be purchased only by personal licence or at licensed hotels and restaurants.  Pork products are available at specially licensed food outlets.

Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Oman.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.