From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Oman
Date: 12 Jan 1993 20:35:34 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Oman
============================================================
Oman - Consular Information Sheet
 January 8, 1993

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Oman is located on Safaraat 
Street, Al-Khawair, in the capital city of Muscat.  The mailing 
address is P.O. Box 50202, Madinat Qaboos, Muscat, Oman.  The 
telephone number is (968) 698-989 and (968) 699-049 after 4:00 p.m. 
local time.  The workweek in Oman is Saturday through Wednesday.

Country Description:  Oman is a monarchy which has developed 
rapidly in the last twenty years.  The economy is largely dependent 
on the production and export of oil.  Tourist facilities are 
available in the capital area of Muscat and in Salalah and are being 
expanded elsewhere in the country.

Entry Requirements:  Visas are required for entry into Oman and can 
be obtained through an Omani embassy or consulate.  Entry may not be 
granted to persons whose passports show Israeli or South African 
visas or entry/exit stamps.  Evidence of yellow fever immunization 
is required if the traveler enters from an infected area.  For more 
details on entry requirements, the traveler can contact the Embassy 
of the Sultanate of Oman, 2342 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, 
D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 387-1980/2.

Medical Facilities:  Adequate care and medicines are available in 
Oman.  Emergency treatment is available at government-run hospitals, 
and there are many private clinics.  Doctors and hospitals expect 
immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance 
is not always valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical 
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.  The 
international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, 
telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.

Information on Crime:  The incidence of street crime is low in Oman 
and violent crimes are very rare.  Useful information on 
safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while 
traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A 
Safe Trip Abroad."  It is available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Customs:  Travelers entering Oman may not carry with them or in 
accompanied baggage any firearms, ammunition, liquor, or 
pornography; all are subject to seizure if found.  Unaccompanied 
baggage and shipments of household goods are also subject to 
inspection.  Books, video tapes, and audio tapes may be reviewed 
prior to being released to the owner.  A copy of the packing list is 
required to clear effects through customs.

Dress Codes:  Islamic ideals provide the conservative foundation of 
Oman's customs, laws and practices.  Foreign visitors are expected 
to remain sensitive to the  Islamic culture, and not dress in a 
revealing or provocative style.  This includes wearing of sleeveless 
shirts and blouses, halter tops and shorts.  Athletic clothing is 
worn in public only when the wearer is obviously engaged in athletic 
activity.  Western bathing attire is the norm at hotel pools and 
beaches, however.

Importation of Pets:  Pets entering Oman require an import permit 
from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of Animal 
Health, before shipment.  Forms may be obtained from the Ministry by 
one's sponsor and must be submitted with a copy of the pet's rabies 
vaccination record and a health certificate.  Vaccination against 
rabies is required no less than one month and no more than six 
months before the travel date.  There are additional vaccination 
requirements for dogs and cats less than 30 days old.  A second 
health certificate dated 48 hours before the pet travels is also a 
requirement.  Pets may be subjected to a six month quarantine, 
although importation from a rabies-free country usually does not 
require it.  Pets must be manifested as cargo on an airway bill when 
transported by air.  

Tips For Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa" contains general 
information on travel in the area.  It is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington D.C. 20402.  

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the Embassy can obtain 
updated information on travel and security within Oman.  

 No. 93-021