Muscat is the capital of Oman, a low-rise coastal city of white buildings set between the Gulf of Oman and the rugged Hajar Mountains. Its old harbour district of Mutrah, the vast Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House and a string of quiet beaches make it one of the Gulf's most relaxed and culturally rooted capitals.
Muscat has very low violent and petty crime and is generally regarded as one of the safest capitals in the Gulf. In 2026, however, the regional conflict is the dominant risk: the US rates Oman Level 3 and the UK warns of Iranian strikes, flight cancellations, and airspace closures. Heat, flash floods, traffic, and strict local laws are the other main concerns.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
The security picture changed sharply in 2026. The US State Department rates Oman Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) and the UK FCDO warns of Iranian strikes and retaliatory attacks across the region, including in Oman, since 8 July 2026. Day-to-day street crime in Muscat remains very low, but visitors should monitor the advisories above, keep flexible tickets, register with their embassy, and avoid military and government facilities.
Last updated: 2026-10-21
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Warnings in force for regional tensions (page updated 22 July 2026)
Operational notices
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Check the US State Department (travel.state.gov) and UK FCDO (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/oman) pages before departure and again within 24 hours of flying; both were updated in 2026 as regional tensions changed
Enrol with the home government's traveller programme (US citizens: STEP at step.state.gov) so the embassy can send alerts and reach the traveller during airspace closures
Buy travel insurance that covers medical treatment, repatriation, and trip disruption from airspace closures; confirm the policy does not exclude the Gulf region or conflict-related disruption
Keep departure plans flexible: flights may be cancelled and airspace may close periodically; save the Oman Air, SalamAir, and the home airline's contact numbers offline
If told to shelter, move to an interior room with few external walls or windows and do not touch drone or missile fragments
Avoid areas around security or military facilities, and do not photograph government buildings, military sites, or airports; photography there is illegal and can lead to detention
Dress modestly in public, including malls: shoulders and knees covered; swimwear is for hotel pools and tourist beaches only
Heat is the most common medical risk: between May and September daytime highs reach 36-40 degrees Celsius, so carry water, avoid midday walking, and start desert or wadi trips at dawn
Wadis can flood suddenly after rain, mainly from October to March; check forecasts, never enter a wadi when rain is expected (including for at least a day afterwards), and move to high ground if water rises
Drive defensively outside Muscat: camels, goats, and sudden floods are road hazards, and drink-driving and mobile phone use at the wheel are illegal with heavy penalties
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unmetered taxi overcharging
Many orange-and-white taxis in Muscat do not run a meter, and fares quoted to visitors at the airport, hotels, and cruise terminals can be well above the going rate
How to avoid: Book through the Otaxi or Uber app so the fare is shown in advance, or agree the fare before getting in; a short in-town ride is typically OMR 3-6 and the airport to Muttrah or Qurum is typically OMR 8-12
Souq price inflation
In Muttrah Souq, first prices for frankincense, silver, and textiles can be several times the final price
How to avoid: Compare at several stalls, bargain politely, and buy frankincense and perfume from fixed-price shops if unsure of quality
Unlicensed tour and boat touts
Informal sellers near the Corniche and hotels offer dolphin or desert trips without clear safety equipment or insurance
How to avoid: Book boat trips through licensed operators at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, check life jackets are provided for everyone, and prefer tours that name the licensed company and vehicle
Spice and frankincense quality
Low-grade or non-Omani resin and saffron are sometimes sold as premium Dhofari frankincense or saffron
How to avoid: Buy from established shops; genuine premium Hojari frankincense is pale green-yellow and sold by grade
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No vaccinations are required for most travellers; routine vaccines should be up to date and the UK FCDO advises checking TravelHealthPro and the NHS travel vaccinations page at least 8 weeks before travel. Proof of yellow fever vaccination can be required if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
- Water
- Bottled water is widely used by visitors and sold everywhere; hotels provide it. Many residents drink bottled or filtered water rather than the tap.
- Food
- Food safety in licensed restaurants and hotels is good; take usual care with street food, salads, and unrefrigerated seafood in the heat.
- Facilities
- Muscat has modern public and private hospitals. The UK FCDO states that British nationals must use the private healthcare system and that visitors without insurance or funds can be stopped from leaving until debts are settled. Pharmacies are widespread; some medicines legal elsewhere are controlled in Oman, so carry prescriptions and check with the Ministry of Health before travel.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Muscat is straightforward and crime is very low. Use Otaxi or Uber, save 9999 and the embassy numbers offline, keep flexible tickets because of 2026 airspace disruption, and check embassy advisories daily.
Female travellers
Muscat is among the safest Gulf capitals for women, including solo travellers. The UK FCDO notes personal attacks are relatively rare but do occur, so take extra care walking alone at night. Cover shoulders and knees, use app-based taxis after dark, and carry a headscarf for mosques.
Families
Families are well received. Child seats are required for ages 3 and under, heat and sun are the main hazards, and children should swim only at hotel pools or lifeguarded beaches. Check the regional advisories before booking flights.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Oman and cross-dressing is illegal. Visitors should be discreet in public and avoid any public displays of affection.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 9999 (Royal Oman Police)
- Medical
- 9999 (ambulance, Royal Oman Police emergency line)
- Fire
- 9999 (Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority via the emergency line)
- Coast Guard
- 9999 (Royal Oman Police Coast Guard via the emergency line)
- General Emergency
- 9999 for police, ambulance, and fire throughout Oman
- Main Hospital
- Royal Hospital, Muscat (public); private options include Muscat Private Hospital and Aster Al Raffah Hospital
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Muscat: +968 2464 3400 (also the after-hours emergency number); email ConsularMuscat@state.gov; mailing address PO Box 202, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos 115, Muscat
- Embassy Uk
- British Embassy Muscat: PO Box 185, Mina Al Fahal 116, Muscat; phone +968 2460 9000 (listed by directories; verify on gov.uk); emergency and online help via contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/oman/british-embassy-muscat; FCDO London 24-hour line +44 20 7008 5000; embassy visits by appointment only