Oman

Overview

The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile. Military strikes and reprisal attacks have previously occurred across the region, including in Oman, where maritime port infrastructure has been targeted. While tensions have eased, the security situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little warning. Should this happen, travel disruptions and airspace closures should be expected. Our travel advice levels could also change at short notice. 

We strongly encourage New Zealanders in or travelling to the region to:

• Register your travel on SafeTravel so we can provide immediate advice if advisories change or if there is a major incident in your location.
• Monitor local media and official announcements from local authorities for information regarding the security situation in Oman. In particular, we recommend following on X:

1. Government Communication Centre: @oman_GC
2. Oman News Agency: @OmanNewsAgency
3. Royal Oman Police: @RoyalOmanPolice

• Discuss your travel insurance coverage with your insurer, particularly whether it covers travel disruptions due to conflict in the Middle East. If not, consider alternative insurance options and check what support your airline may provide in the event of significant delays.
• Consider other travel options if you remain concerned about the risk to your travel.

New Zealanders should ensure they follow any shelter orders given by local authorities. These measures are in place to ensure your safety. Before and during a missile or drone strike:

• Know how alerts are communicated in your location (e.g. sirens or mobile phone alerts).
  1. Sign up and monitor local and international media to stay informed of developments. If a registration system exists in your area sign up to the alerts issued by local civil defence authorities.  
• Know what to do. Follow the advice of local authorities at all times. This includes any evacuation orders or shelter in place instructions. 
• Know where to go, including whether there are shelters in your location or nearby.
  1. If there are designated shelters, go to one immediately.
  2. If there are no designated shelters, immediately move inside a building and ideally to a basement or interior room away from windows. Talk to your residence or hotel, to confirm the best place to shelter in place where you are, if necessary.
  3. Shelter in place until you receive an all‑clear notification, or for at least one hour after the last attack or intercept is heard.
• Be prepared: 
  1. Know and avoid likely targets, relocating to a safer location if close by. Likely targets include military bases, oil infrastructure, critical infrastructure like airports, power plants and sub-stations, telecommunication sites, de-salination plants and US linked locations, e.g. US embassies, consulates and identifiable US businesses.  
  2. Register your current or upcoming travel here: Register, or check your registration details here: Login
  3. Ensure you have enough bottled water, and supplies like torches and batteries. 
  4. Make sure you have a sufficient supply of any medicines you may be taking.
  5. Stay in contact with family and friends and keep them up to date on your plans.
  6. Ensure your passport is up to date and is valid for more than six months before travelling. Information on how to renew your passport is available from the Department of Internal Affairs.   
  7. Read our advice on Violence or conflict.  

There are more significant safety or security concerns in Oman than you would usually find in New Zealand. Terrorism is an ongoing threat in Oman. You should maintain a high level of personal security awareness, particularly in public places known to be frequented by foreigners.

Other things that New Zealanders in Oman should be aware of are: 

• Maritime travel - there is the risk of piracy in coastal waters.
• Crime - watch out for petty theft, like pickpocketing or theft from vehicles. 
• Local laws and customs differ from those in New Zealand and are strictly enforced. Ensure you understand these, including those relating to dress and public behaviour.

New Zealanders should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for any planned adventure activities, and medical evacuation by air.

See detailed travel advice below. 

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