The Sultanate of Oman, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, shares borders with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Known as the oldest independent state in the Arab world, Oman offers a blend of deserts, mountain ranges, lush wadis, and pristine beaches.

From watching green turtles nesting along the shores, hiking through the Hajar Mountains, to exploring historic forts in Muscat, Oman is a country that seamlessly combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern hospitality.

If you are planning your first trip to Oman in 2026, this guide covers:

Top destinations to visit
Types of Oman visas and entry requirements
Best time to travel
Unique accommodations
Local culture, food, and customs
FAQs for first-time visitors

Why Visit Oman?

Oman is one of the Middle East’s most underrated travel destinations. Here’s why it should be on your travel bucket list:

🌴 Diverse Landscapes: From deserts and fjords to wadis and mountain villages
🐢 Wildlife: Home to nesting green turtles and Arabian oryx (the national animal)
🕌 Rich Culture: Blend of Islamic traditions, Ibadism, and centuries-old architecture
🍲 Authentic Cuisine: Seafood, grilled meats, and the famous Omani Halwa
🏖️ Beaches & Diving: Long stretches of untouched coastline along the Arabian Sea

Top Places to Visit in Oman

Muscat – The Cultural Capital

Low-rise whitewashed buildings with arabesque windows
Must-visit attractions:
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (marble masterpiece)
- Al Jalali & Al Mirani Forts (16th-century Portuguese forts)
- Mutrah Corniche & Souq

👉 A perfect mix of history, culture, and modern charm.

Salalah – The Land of Frankincense

Known for monsoon greenery (Khareef season) from June to September
Attractions include:
- Coconut and banana plantations
- White sandy beaches along the Arabian Sea
- Diving and water activities
- Sultan’s Palace and Al Baleed Archaeological Park

Nizwa – The Pearl of Islam

Historic hub of trade, education, and religion
Surrounded by date palms and banana plantations
Top sites:
- Nizwa Fort (17th century)
- Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain)
- Traditional souqs

Other Destinations Worth Exploring

Wadi Bani Khalid & Wadi Shab – Beautiful canyons and turquoise pools
Sur – Known for dhow-building and coastal charm
Jebel Shams – Oman’s “Grand Canyon”
Seeb – A quiet fishing town near Muscat
Al Dimaniyat Islands – A marine nature reserve ideal for snorkeling

Oman Visa Requirements & Types

To visit Oman, most travelers need a valid Oman eVisa. The main types include:

Single Entry Tourist Visa – Stay up to 30 days (for one entry only)
Multiple Entry Visa – Valid for 30 days per entry, allows multiple visits within its validity
GCC Visa (E-Visa) – For citizens of Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar; valid for 28 days

👉 Apply easily via omanievisa.com for a fast and hassle-free visa process.

Best Time to Visit Oman

October to April: Best time with pleasant weather (20°C – 30°C)
May to September: Hot desert summer, but Salalah becomes lush during the Khareef monsoon

Unique Accommodations in Oman

Oman offers a wide range of unique stays:

Desert Camps: Experience Bedouin-style tents in Wahiba Sands
Mountain Resorts: Stay in luxury eco-resorts at Jebel Akhdar
Seaside Villas: Relax along Muscat’s or Salalah’s coast
Al Nahda Resort & Spa: Famous for its dune-side spa and tent-style villas just an hour from Muscat

Local Culture, Food & Customs

Religion & Traditions

Majority follow Ibadism, with Sunni and Shi’a minorities
Modest clothing is recommended in public areas
Men typically wear dishdasha, women wear abaya and hijab

Food & Specialties

Seafood and grilled meats dominate Omani cuisine
Omani Halwa – a sweet made of saffron, rose water, and ghee
Omani bread (Khubz) often served with dates and coffee

Conclusion

Oman is a country where ancient traditions meet natural beauty. From Muscat’s cultural charm to Salalah’s lush mountains and Nizwa’s historic forts, every traveler finds something unique.

Plan your trip in 2026 with confidence by securing your Oman visa online via Emirates Visa Online, and get ready to explore the magic of this Arabian gem.

Apply Oman Visa Now ✅