For your next holiday, you've decided to make a change: you want to visit the Sultanate of Oman. It's not easy to know what to do, as there are so many places to see and visit. It's true that planning such a trip can't be improvised. Here are a few tips to help you be well prepared, and also to help you discover the must-sees in Oman.
Some practical advice
Before thinking about your sightseeing, you need to ask yourself a few questions, as you would before any trip: Do I need a visa? What about the budget? Where will you be staying?
First of all, yes, you absolutely need a visa to visit Oman if you are staying for more than 14 days.. The visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry.. Expect to pay around 49 € consular fees for this 30-day visa.
To obtain your visa quickly, you can apply online. You will then be issued with an e-visa, which you will simply have to print out and present to the authorities as soon as you arrive in the country. By going through an agency or website specially dedicated to e-visas, you can be sure of receiving the services of thorough and professional people. What's more, it makes your job much easier because the agency takes care of everything. This can even speed things up and sway the local authorities in your favour.
You also need to keep an eye on the weather. The best time to visit Oman is in winter, between November and March.. The temperatures are perfect, so you can go for a swim, and you won't feel too hot during your hikes and excursions in the wadis. This is the high tourist season in Oman.
Last but not least, there's plenty of accommodation on offer to help you find what you're looking for, without breaking the bank!
What to do in Oman
Whether you love nature, culture, the city or desert landscapes, Oman has everything to seduce you.
The country can be divided into three distinct parts:
- Le north with towns such as Macate, Sour and Nizwa. This area runs along the coast, offering magnificent beaches and numerous forts. The Hajar Mountains are also located here.
- The MusandamOman, located in the south of the Emirates, is a fairly rural region whose main town is Khasab. It is the ideal starting point for cruises in the Omani fjords or for a beautiful kayak trip.
- Le Dhofaron the border with Yemen. The cradle of incense, the region boasts sublime beaches. Dhofar's main town is Salalah and the region is home to numerous waterfalls.
When visiting Oman, you owe it to yourself to do the following tour of the forts (well, some of them, as there are many). These are the main assets of Oman's cultural tourism. Although their architecture is similar, their geographical location makes them all unique. Some are by the sea, others on open plains or rocky promontories. Omani forts are a must-see during a stay in the Sultanate of Oman.
Some towns, such as Muscat and Sour, are also must-sees for tourists.. You can also take the opportunity to relax on the sultanate's many beaches or visit Oman's wadis (such as Wadi Shab, Wadi Damm or Snake Canyon).