useful information

flight	7 hrs
time difference	GMT + 4

language

The official language of Oman is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. Hotel staff often also speak German and French.

climate

Oman 's climate is mainly hot and dry, particularly in the scorching barren interior where summer temperatures can soar to 54°C. On the coast humidity can be high during the summer months. Milder temperatures and a more temperate climate is found in the southern Dhofar region, which experiences heavy monsoon rains between June and September each year. A verage temperatures for the north of Oman are 32-48 °C from May to September, 26-26 °C from October to April.

visas and entry requirements

All visitors (except those with Gulf Co-Operation Council passports) require a visa to enter Oman. Visas can be obtained on arrival: either a single entry 'Visit Visa' for a stay of up to a month, or a multiple entry visa, valid for a year (maximum stay three weeks with a maximum three weeks between visits). Fee is OMR6 per person. Those entering from Dubai or holding a tourist visa for Qatar do not require a visa. All visitors require a passport valid for six months (or a year for a multiple entry visa), and an onward or return ticket. Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

health

No vaccinations are required for entry to Oman, except for yellow fever for those entering within six days of having been in an infected area. Health and medical services in the country, particularly Muscat, are of a high standard, but are expensive for foreigners (Oman nationals receive free treatment), so health insurance is recommended. Food and water in Muscat is considered safe, but bottled water and precautions with unpasteurised milk are advised outside of the city.