Mental health support for British nationals in Oman
Source: gov.uk (2025-08-25)

Information for British nationals with mental health issues in Oman, including how the British embassy can help.

The information contained in this note is intended for your general guidance only, it is not a substitute for obtaining your own medical and legal advice. While all due care has been taken in compiling this information, accuracy cannot be guaranteed, and the applicable law and procedures may occasionally change. For these reasons neither Her Majesty’s Government nor any member of the British Consular staff can accept liability for any costs, damages or expenses which might be incurred.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998 (which may be viewed at www.ico.org.uk (http://www.ico.org.uk/). Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK Government Departments and public authorities.

FCDO consular support

Whenever possible we will seek your permission before taking any action on your behalf.

We can:
- listen to you and help you look at your options
- help you to contact friends and family members if you want to
- visit you in hospital or prison in line with our usual procedures
- raise any concerns about your treatment or welfare with the responsible authority (such as a hospital or prison)
- help overseas medical staff contact medical staff in the UK who may be able to provide advice on your medical history
- give information about local medication suppliers
- be available, as appropriate, to offer you assistance if you choose to remain overseas
- liaise with your travel rep or travel insurance company, if you want us to
We cannot:
- give advice on mental health issues
- buy or supply medication
- withhold or remove a passport
- stop you from travelling abroad or require you to return to the UK
- pay for you to return to the UK
- pay for food, accommodation or medical bills
- get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people
What to do if you need help

If there is an emergency or an urgent need for medical attention, you should either:
- call 9999 for emergency services or
- go to the emergency ward at any hospital
For less urgent requirements, the first option, as in the UK, is to make an appointment with a general physician (GP). A GP will make a first assessment, is able provide basic support and signpost you elsewhere if necessary or assist you in going to hospital.

Repeat or replacement prescriptions

If you are on holiday in Oman or have moved to Oman and require a repeat or replacement prescription, you should contact a local pharmacy who will be able to provide advice and will normally be able to provide you with a list of local GPs.

Carrying a copy of your prescription while on holiday, or after your move to Oman, can help doctors to find the exact, or similar medication for you.

Hospitalisations

As in the UK, people with mental health needs may be hospitalised and detained without having given their consent if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.

Cost of hospitalisation

You should always take out adequate insurance before visiting Oman, or if you live here.

You will need to cover any costs using your private insurance, or by personal funds if you do not have insurance.

Guardianship

Guardianship is a court appointment which authorises a person to act and make decisions on behalf of another adult who it is believed lacks the capacity to make certain decisions for themselves. This definition does not exist in Omani law for adults.

In the case where ‘guardianship’ is required for adults who lack capacity, this is usually granted through a court order on a case-by-case basis.

Return to the UK

Once the medical team at the hospital have agreed that the patient can be released, they may issue a fit to fly letter indicating whether the patient requires a medical escort or can travel by him/herself. The medical team will also provide a medical report to show to a doctor on arrival in the UK.

The repatriation can be organised through a medical repatriation company. If the patient needs to be hospitalised in the UK, the transfer will be to their local hospital or institution.

The cost of any repatriation will be covered by travel insurance, or by personal funds of the patient if there is no travel insurance.

Support from agencies and organisations in Oman

Other useful information

Read travel advice for people with mental health issues (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mental-health-and-wellbeing-abroad) (includes link to UK NGOs/services).

UK organisations

The NHS list of mental health helplines (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines) has a list of organisations that can offer advice to those in the UK by phone. These organisations in the UK may be able to help you before you travel, or support family and friends in the UK.
- Age UK (https://www.ageuk.org.uk/)
- Bipolar UK (https://www.bipolaruk.org/)
- Mental Health Foundation (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/)
- Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk/)
- Office of the Public Guardian (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-of-the-public-guardian)
- Rethink (https://www.rethink.org/)
- Royal British Legion (https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/)
- SANE (http://www.sane.org.uk/)
- Scottish Association for Mental Health (https://www.samh.org.uk/)
- Shout: for support in a crisis (https://www.giveusashout.org/)
- The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) (https://www.ssafa.org.uk/)
- Inspire Wellbeing (Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland Association for Mental Health (https://www.inspirewellbeing.org/)
- Time to Change Campaign (https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/)