Dubai to Oman by road: Documents required, visa process, border check points, transport

Dubai is easily one of the most happening places for tourists across the globe. People flock to the emirate from different countries for its hospitality, attractions and food. The broader UAE is also making quite a name for itself in the tourism sector.

But there is one more country that has been seeing a burgeoning tourism landscape in recent years. It is nothing but Oman. The Sultanate and the UAE share a peaceful border and road trips from Dubai to Oman are a big thing these days.

There are regular flights from Dubai to Muscat. But road trips can be a bit more fascinating. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach the capital of Oman from Dubai by road. The other regions in Oman could be reached faster. Here is the ultimate Dubai to Oman road trip guide.

Dubai to Oman by road: Complete guide

Your Dubai to Oman road trip could be a seamless experience as long as the trip is organised and the required documentation is in order. This is a carefully prepared guide to Dubai to Oman by road, featuring documentation, visa process and border crossings.

1. Oman visa on arrival for UAE residents

Expatriate residents in the UAE can explore other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries at ease. Mostly, they can either get a visa on arrival or an e-Visa based on their nationality or profession. Here is the guide for Oman.

UAE residents are eligible for a visa on arrival. Their nationality does not matter as long as their profession is approved by the Royal Oman Police. This visa on arrival permits the residents to stay in Oman for 14 days.

Visa on arrival fee: 5 OMR

Exit fee: Dh35 (to be paid at the time of exiting the UAE border)

Motor insurance: Dh106 or higher (if existing insurance does not cover driving in Oman)

But if a UAE resident is looking for a longer stay in Oman, he or she must apply for an e-Visa as it permits the holder to stay in Oman for up to 30 days. But it normally takes 4 to 5 days for the e-Visa to be approved.

There are 4 types of visas on the Oman e-Visa system:

– Unsponsored tourist visa

– Sponsored tourist visa

– Tourist visa for GCC residents

– Express visa

The GCC Resident Visa is an unsponsored visit visa. GCC residents can apply for it through Oman’s official e-Visa platform: evisa.rop.gov.om. It is necessary for applicants to present a UAE or GCC residence visa, Emirates ID or GCC resident ID and a valid passport.

Only professions approved by the Royal Oman Police can apply for the online visa. There are more than 30 professions eligible for the e-Visa. But if a GCC resident’s occupation is not eligible for an e-Visa, he or she must apply for a sponsored tourist visa.

2. Getting an Orange Card

This is another important thing to keep in mind before embarking on that highly anticipated Dubai to Oman road trip. It is the Orange Card, also referred to as motor insurance for Oman. You should first check if your existing car insurance covers driving in Oman.

If it does, you can request the card. It is nothing but a car insurance certificate valid in Oman. This is usually free of charge and can be presented as a physical card or as an emailed electronic format. Travellers can request the card from their insurer.

If your existing policy does not cover driving in Oman, you can get a temporary Orange Card at the border crossing. But the only hiccup here is that this temporary card typically covers third-party damages only.

3. Dubai to Oman in a rental car

Is it possible to use a rental car for a trip from Dubai to Oman? It is. UAE residents can certainly drive to Oman in a vehicle not registered under their name. But it is necessary to make sure they have the required documents in order.

You need to have a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The NOC has to be notarised and must be in Arabic. The letter should include the chassis number, vehicle registration details and the Emirates ID number of the driver.

You can get this NOC from the rental company. Make sure to also carry a valid driving licence, a valid vehicle registration card, and a vehicle ownership certificate – issued by the transport authority of the emirate the vehicle is registered in.

4. Dubai to Oman: Bus journey

If taking the car is not a feasible option at the moment, board a bus to Oman. There are regular buses connecting Dubai and Muscat. This bus journey can be incredibly comfortable, too. Let’s get right into the details.

– From Abu Hail Metro Station

Departure: 7 am, 3 pm and 9 pm

Ticket pricing: Dh100 (excluding Oman visa fee and exit fee)

Tickets can only be purchased in person.

– From Ras al Khaimah main bus station

Departure: Friday, Saturday and Sunday (2 departures per day)

Timing: 8 am and 6 pm

Ticket pricing: Dh50 (excluding Oman visa fee and exit fee)

5. Border crossing points for Oman from UAE

a. Al Darah Border

UAE residents can take Route E11, through Ras al Khaimah, to reach the northernmost region of Oman – the Khasab area of Musandam. Musandam is popular among tourists for its boat cruises that offer the chance to sight dolphins and snorkeling.

b. UAE/Oman Dibba Border

Take Route E99, through Fujairah, to reach the south of Musandam, to the beautiful areas of Dibba and Zaghi. For Dubai residents, the journey could take almost a couple of hours. But the Khasab area of Musandam can be better explored through the Al Darah Border Post.

c. Hatta/Al Wajajah Border

UAE residents can also go through the Hatta/Al Wajajah Border Crossing to reach Oman. For people coming from Dubai, this route is usually the most preferred option as it is deemed safe and direct. The journey from Dubai to the border takes just 1 hour and 40 minutes.

This is one of the popular routes to take to enter the capital of Oman, Muscat. This border is also popular for people starting their journeys from most of the UAE emirates. The only cities that might not see it as a convenience are Fujairah and the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.

d. Khatmat Milaha Border

Located in Kalba (Eastern Sharjah), the Khatmat Malaha Border Post is suitable for people coming from Fujairah or Kalba. This UAE-Omani border opens up to the cities of Sohar and Muscat, making it a seamless experience.

e. Mezyad/Hafeet Border

Residents from the UAE capital may prefer the Meyzad/Hafeet Border as it is just 180 km from the emirate. For people in Dubai, the border post is at 160 km. This is also close to Al Ain and a great path for those heading in the direction of Oman’s south, including Salalah.

Best things to do in Oman

1. Salalah

Salalah in Oman is famous for its unique Khareef season. The onset of monsoon transforms the landscape into a paradise from June to September. Full of lush mountains and greenery, Salalah features rich culture, history and magnificent beaches.

2. Sohar

Sohar is the perfect blend of culture and contemporary society. The city has some of the most gorgeous beaches, huge malls and stunning souks and monuments – and just a small drive into the outskirts leads one to beautiful deserts.

3. Muscat

Muscat – the capital of Oman – has long been a major stop for cruises and trade vessels. Usually, October to March is considered the best time to visit Muscat. But there are a lot of things to do here year-round. The city has maintained its old charm but embraces modernism too.

4. Musandam

Famous for its modern architecture and serene beaches, Musandam is a mountainous Omani peninsula projecting into the Strait of Hormuz, separated from the rest of the country by the UAE. Boat cruises are a popular thing to do here.

5. Khasab

The humble city of Khasab in the Musandam peninsula has retained its charm for centuries. Khasab is home to Jebel Harim, sandy beaches, corals and a Portuguese fortress. Tourists can enjoy a cruise ride or snorkel and explore the beautiful corals and marine life.

6. Masirah Island

Masirah Island is one of the most relaxing destinations in Oman. Full of pristine beaches, Masirah Island is the largest island in Oman and has a population of about 12,000 people. It is also described as a paradise for kitesurfers.

7. Ibri

Located just 2 hours and 30 minutes from Muscat, Ibri is often treated as a friendly pause on a trip to and from the UAE to Saudi Arabia. But the best thing about Ibri lies in its heritage. It is also a famous archaeological site in the region.

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