This post's overview:
In this brief Oman travel guide, I will tell you why you should travel to Oman, how to get a visa to Oman, what are some of the main things to see and foods to try. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Why travel to Oman?
Oman is a country that is located on the Arabian Peninsula. It’s one of the lesser-visited countries, however, I must assure you that it’s absolutely stunning and definitely worth visiting. When we visited Oman back in 2019, we were left in awe and loved every day spent in Oman. We went on a road trip around Oman in a 4×4 car and it was an unforgettable experience. If you’re interested to learn more about the itinerary, you can read this post about our road trip around Oman.
Here’s a bit more about Oman, e.g. why you should travel to Oman?
In 2019, Oman country attracted more than 3.5 million visitors from many countries in the world. There are some exciting places to visit when you are in this country. You will never forget your experience when visiting this beautiful country.
Oman is an all year-round travel destination that includes beautiful beaches, friendly locals, beautiful landscapes, and, of course, the amazing diving sites. Oman tourism is a relatively new development, having been in existence for only a few decades but nevertheless it has managed to craft a distinctive identity, reflecting Oman’s rich heritage and modern lifestyle.
The Omani people are very friendly. Oman tourism, therefore, can be characterized as a mixture of traditional Omani culture mixed with Western culture and which aims to create a harmonious blend between the two customs and practices.
How to get an e-Visa to Oman?
If you plan on traveling to Oman and wondering how can you prepare to cross the Omani border, make sure to read on.
All foreign travelers need to present two essential documents upon their arrival in Oman:
- A passport that will stay valid for a minimum of 6 months from the planned date of the travel
- A printed Oman eVisa copy
Luckily, the electronic visa is obtainable 100% online! All you have to do is spare a few minutes of your day to fill in the application form and cover the fees.
Approved entry permits to Oman arrive at the applicant’s email box in the form of a PDF file. The processing time takes just 72 hours, with an average of only 31 hours!
TIP! Double-check the information provided while applying. Any errors, mistakes, or missing data may lead to delays or issues with approval.
More information about e-visa to Oman
Some of the main attractions in Oman
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
This is one of the most popular places to visit in Oman. This turtle reserve is located in Ras Al Hadd in the eastern part of Oman. It is a natural reserve for many endangered green turtles. There are approximately 20,000 female turtles coming here every year to lay their eggs.
You can enjoy watching them digging their nests and laying their eggs. On some occasions, you may be able to see tiny turtles that hatch and get back to the sea.
It will be an exciting experience for you. Other great things that you can enjoy from this place are beautiful golden sand and a crystal water.
The National Museum
When you are visiting Oman, you may want to learn more about Oman’s culture and history. You can visit the National Museum of Oman. It is located in Muscat, the capital city of the country. It covers an area of 13,700 square meters.
Fourteen permanent galleries are available in this museum. They will tell you everything about Oman, their maritime history, splendors of Islam, and any other interesting topics for you to learn about. Moreover, big electronic monitors will display more interesting information on Omani history and culture.
Jebel Shams
Another of Oman’s highlights is Jebel Shams – the highest mountain of Oman’s Gran Canyon (which can rival the one of Arizona). Oman’s Gran Canyon is stunning and the views are honestly breathtaking. A lot of people hire a guide to bring them to Jebel Shams, however, if you hire a 4×4 car, you will be able to get there without any issues. Even on the hottest days Jebel Shams is always chilly due to its elevation of around 3 km above the sea level. Make sure to bring a hoodie with you, as you will definitely need it!
Some of the best food to try in Oman
Getting on a trip to Oman and not trying the local foods would be a crime! Make sure to get a taste of the traditional Omani dishes while exploring the country:
Majboos
This dish is also called Makboos or Kabsa. It is a traditional dish that is coming from Oman. This traditional rice dish is originated in Saudi Arabia. It is very famous in the Gulf countries, including Oman.
It includes rice (usually basmati rice), meat, chicken, vegetables, and a mix of spices. Some restaurants serve this dish with yogurt or green salad, tomato sauce, and also traditional bread.
Halwa
If you love eating the sweet dish, you may want to try this incredible dish from Oman. Halwa means dessert in the Arabic language. This sweet dish has a strong texture that has a thicker structure than the custard.
Halwa has a brown color. It consists of several products, such as honey, eggs, rose water, sugar, Omani spices, and nuts. This dish is usually served with dates and kahwa. Many Omanis serve this dessert on a single big plate so that all visitors can share its deliciousness.
Mashuai
When you are visiting Oman, you should never forget to try this incredible dish. It is a tasty Omani fish dish. This dish consists of grilled kingfish that is added with a savory lemon sauce. Some traditional Omani spices are added to this dish. It will have a mouthwatering texture.
You should never miss your opportunity to try this fish dish. You can eat this fish dish with basmati rice or traditional Oman bread. You can also eat this dish as a traditional snack from Oman.
Summary of the brief guide to Oman: why travel to Oman
Oman can be a perfect option for you who want to travel a lot in your spare time. Oman is very well-known for its architectural gems, history, and some cultural things. A short visit will never be enough for you who want to explore this country.
You can focus on some must-see attractions for finding some exciting things in Oman. Don’t forget to try some traditional foods from Oman so that you can enjoy your visit to this country.
Some of the other posts you might like:
Our 4-day road trip around Oman
How expensive is Oman to travel to?
The most Instagrammable places in Oman
Our Middle Eastern trip: Lebanon, Qatar, Oman and Jordan in one trip
Halwa is such an integral part of Indian cuisine as well 🙂