UAE to Oman by Road: Important Things You Need To Know

If you’re thinking of traveling by road from UAE to Oman, and looking out for some credible information, then you are at the right place. A road trip to Oman from anywhere in the UAE is a thrilling journey that’s not only budget-friendly but also jam-packed with sights to see and experiences to cherish. Now, you might be thinking, “Why drive when I can fly?” Sure, there are tons of flights buzzing between Dubai and Oman, but where’s the fun in that? Road-tripping isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about the adventure along the way. And the route from UAE to Oman is full of scenic landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable moments. Oman is practically a stone’s throw away from the UAE. It’s a beautiful tourist attraction that’s just a hop, skip, and jump away, making it the perfect getaway option. Daycation, staycation, and vacation, all can be done without breaking the bank. Plus, traveling by road is not only cheaper but also gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. In this article, we are going to tell you all the nitty-gritty details of traveling by road from UAE to Oman, including visa formalities, travel time, cost, and routes. So let’s dive right in and check out some insightful details to plan a budget-friendly, fulfilling, and memorable road trip.

Renting a Car for the Journey

If you plan on renting a car, there are several platforms to help you find the best rental rates in the UAE. Discovercars and Rentalcars are two popular car search aggregators that allow you to compare rental prices and find the best deals for your trip. Renting a car gives you flexibility, allowing you to explore Oman at your own pace.

Required Documents for Driving Your Own Car to Oman

Let’s face it, flights are getting pricier by the minute, making those weekend jaunts feel like a hit to the wallet. But guess what? With Oman practically next door to the UAE, just a relaxed 5 to 6-hour drive from UAE to Oman, or a 12-hour cruise to Salalah, you can skip the whole airport hassle and dive straight into the adventure. Sounds pretty sweet, doesn’t it? Here’s everything you need to know about traveling by road from UAE to Oman:

1. Car Registration (Mulkiya) – If you’re driving your own car, make sure you have the car’s registration card (Mulkiya) with you. This document proves that the car is legally registered and can be used for travel outside the UAE. If it isn’t your car, check point number 4.
2. Car Insurance (Orange Card) – Your car needs insurance coverage for Oman. The required insurance for driving in Oman is an orange card. You can either buy this insurance at the border or arrange it ahead of time through your UAE insurance provider. Make sure the insurance covers both the UAE and Oman, and ensure it’s valid for the entire duration of your trip.
3. Driver’s License – Wondering if your UAE license will let you drive in Oman? If you’re a UAE resident, you’re all good to travel by road with your UAE driving license. The RTA also suggests getting your hands on a Certificate to Use the Vehicle outside the UAE for Tourism Purposes. Sounds fancy, right? They usually don’t ask or check this certificate when crossing the border but you never know. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Here’s what you need for that certificate:
   • Your original Emirates ID
   • A NOC from the Automobile & Touring Club of The UAE if you’re a UAE expat (although this isn’t necessary for GCC citizens)
   • 170 AED in card or cash to pay for the certificate fee
   If you want to play it safe, you can apply for this Tourism Purpose certificate through the RTA. Just a heads-up, though: it seems like you can’t do it online, so you’ll have to swing by one of the RTA centers to get it sorted. In case you are planning to rent a car, you’ll need to present your driver’s license. For UAE residents, a UAE-issued driver’s license should suffice for most cases. However, if you’re a tourist renting a car in the UAE, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your home country’s driving license.
4. NOC Certificate If you’re renting or having a loan on this car, it’s necessary to have a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The NOC proves that the car owner or leasing company has granted you permission to take the car out of the UAE. Without this document, you may face complications at the border. On top of this NOC, the RTA Certificate will be mandatory.

4. Emirates ID and Passport:

If you are a UAE resident, you must have a valid Emirates ID valid for at least 3 months and a valid passport valid for at least 6 months when crossing the border from UAE to Oman by road.

Crossing the UAE-Oman Border: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re gearing up for your first road trip from UAE to Oman, you might find the whole border crossing thing a bit daunting. Don’t sweat it, though! we’ve got your back with a handy step-by-step guide to breeze through the UAE-Oman border like a pro. the procedure we are going to walk you through is specifically for the Hatta-Al Wajajah border, but rest assured, other UAE-Oman borders follow pretty much the same drill. Here are some important details:

1. Pay the UAE Exit Fee

First up, when you arrive at the UAE side of the border, move over to the drive-through counter and pay the exit fee. It’s 35 AED per person plus 5% VAT. Grab your receipt, present it at the next window along with your passports, and you’ll score that UAE exit stamp. Though they accept card payments it’s wise to keep some cash in case the machine does not work.

2. Get your Oman Entry Stamp

Once you’re out of Dubai, it’s time to hop over to Oman. They’ll check your visa, put an entry stamp in your passport, and give your car a once-over for documents and such. At Hatta-Al Wajajah, you’ll have to drive a bit until you arrive at the Oman border post. Park up, head inside, and sort out your entry stamps. Pro tip: If you’ve got Oman e-visas lined up beforehand, you’re in for a smoother ride. Otherwise, be ready for some form-filling and visa payments on the spot.

3. Pass Oman Passport Control

With your visa squared away, head back to your ride and drive to the passport checkpoint. Show them your passport with the new Oman entry stamp.

4. Vehicle Inspection Pit Stop

Next up, it’s car inspection time. The border crew will check around your vehicle to make sure everything’s alright. If all’s good, they’ll stamp that little sheet of paper you got earlier at the visa checkpoint. Keep that safe because you’ll need it soon.

5. Final Checkpoint:

Last but not least, drive a bit further until you reach the last police checkpoint. Hand over that stamped sheet of paper from the car inspection, and voila, you’re officially in Oman!

UAE to Oman by Road: Visa Requirements

Now let’s talk visas for your road trip from the UAE to Oman. Whether you’re a UAE visit visa holder or a resident, I’ve got you covered with all the deets you need.

Oman Visa for UAE Residents Traveling by Road

If you’re a UAE resident planning a trip to Oman for less than 14 days, you’re in luck. You can snag visa-free entry whether you’re traveling by road or air. And get this: they’ve scrapped that old requirement where your UAE residency had to be in a specific profession. Now, residents from all walks of professional life are welcome in Oman. But don’t forget the fine print: your UAE residency needs to be valid for at least 3 months before you arrive in Oman. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity left on it.

Oman e-Visa for UAE Residents Staying for More Than 14 Days

If you’re a UAE resident planning to stay in Oman for more than 14 days, listen up! You would need to sort out an Oman e-visa before you travel by road. Sure, you can try your luck at the border, but it’s easier to get it done online. Plus, the Oman authorities actually prefer it that way. Here’s the lowdown: head on over to the Royal Oman Police’s official website and hover to the “Apply for Tourist Visa” section. You’ll need to create an account, but don’t worry, it’s just a matter of a few minutes. Now, when you’re filling out the form, make sure you’re picking the right visa type. As a GCC resident, you’ll likely be after the form 29A GCC Resident Visa, good for 30 days. Unless, of course, you’re eyeing up a long-term multiple-entry visa – in which case, go for it!

Visa Cost:

The 30-day Oman tourist visa for GCC residents is up for grabs for 5 OMR, which is about AED 50. For more details on Oman Visa types and which visa might suit you best, we recommend you visit the Royal Oman Police website.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for a visa on arrival, you must have:

• Valid Emirates ID (with at least 3 months validity)
• Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity)

UAE to Oman by Road: Traveling to Oman with a UAE Tourist Visa

If you are visiting Dubai on a UAE tourist visa and wish to travel to Oman by road, here are a few things that you must know:

• Oman E-Visa for UAE Tourists

First off, you’ve got two options: getting an Oman e-visa online or trying your luck with a visa on arrival. Now, if your nationality falls under the G1 countries list, you can breeze in and grab a visa on arrival for 10 days, costing about 10 OMR (which is roughly AED 100). But if you’re planning to stay for longer, you’ll have to go for the 26B visa online, good for 30 days at 20 OMR (or around AED 200).

• Special Cases and Other Options

Now, if you’re not from one of those G1 countries but you’re married to or a kid of someone who is, you’re in luck – you can apply for an e-visa online too (just opt for the 26F visa). But hold up, there’s more! If you’ve got a valid Schengen visa or one from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or Japan, you can also apply for a 26M visa online. Both the 26F and 26B visas cost the same and let you stay in Oman for up to 30 days.

• What if you’re Not Covered?

Now, if none of those options fit the bill for you, you might have to visit the Oman embassy in your home country for a visit visa.

• One Last Thing to Note

If you’re holding a single-entry UAE tourist visa, you won’t be able to visit Musandam. Make sure you’ve got that multiple-entry visa if you’re planning to explore multiple cities in Oman.

UAE-Oman Unified Visa for UAE Visit Visa Tourists

If you’re holding a UAE tourist visa and want to explore Oman, here is some important information that might help you along the way. This nifty little number, the 21A UAE/Oman Common visa, is basically a free pass for UAE tourist visa holders from specific countries. As long as your UAE tourist visa is still valid for at least 21 days, you’re eligible to obtain the 21A visa. This visa is only valid when entering Oman through the Hatta-Al Wajajah border. There are some countries whose passport holders are exempt from all types of visa entry to Oman. To check the updated list and to confirm if your passport falls under that category, we recommend you visit Oman’s Foreign Ministry’s official website.

Oman e-Visa Processing Time

Typically, Oman tourist visas are processed within about 24 hours, but sometimes it can stretch up to 4 working days. So, to play it safe, we’d say apply at least a week before your trip Now, what if you’re cutting it close and your e-visa doesn’t pop into your inbox in time? If you’re a UAE resident, you can still score a visit visa right there at the Oman border, as long as your passport is eligible for a visa on arrival. And if you’re on a tourist visa in the UAE, no worries – you can grab a regular Oman tourist visa on arrival. Just make sure to double-check beforehand if your passport fits the bill for a visa on arrival. Better safe than sorry. To know more about Oman Visa for UAE Residents, here is a quick read that might be of help.

Duration of Stay in Oman

When visiting Oman, the duration of your stay depends on the type of visa you have:

• Visa on Arrival: With a visa on arrival, you’re typically allowed to stay in Oman for up to 14 days.
• eVisa: If you obtain an eVisa before your trip, you can stay in Oman for a longer period, usually up to 30 days.

It’s important to note that these durations are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the latest visa requirements and regulations before planning your trip. Be sure to adhere to the specified duration of your visa to avoid any overstaying penalties. If you are planning to stay for long, here is a list of the best affordable e-SIMs in Oman that might help you stay connected on a budget.

UAE to Oman by Road: Border Crossings and Possible Routes

UAE and Oman share quite a few borders, but the route you’ll be taking depends on where exactly you’re heading in Oman and which Emirate in the UAE you’re starting from or heading to. If you are planning to go by road from UAE to Oman, there are three border crossings that you might consider using. Details are as follows:

1. Hatta-Al Wajajah Border

If you’re in a rush and need to make a quick trip from UAE to Oman, or vice versa, the Hatta Al Wajajah border crossing is your best bet. It’s the closest border crossing to Dubai, making it perfect for those pressed for time. From the center of Dubai, it’s about 140 kilometers to the border, and you can expect the drive to take roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes. This border crossing is also ideal for travelers heading from Sharjah to Oman by road, offering a similar travel time. Point to Remember: Avoid attempting to use the border crossing at Al Madam on the E44 road unless you’re a citizen of a GCC country. It’s exclusively open to GCC citizens. Instead, take the E102 route, bypassing the small part of Oman that juts into the UAE, before joining the E44 to cross the border at Hatta/Al Wajajah. This route is not only more convenient but also ensures a smooth journey without any hassles. It’s generally recommended to follow this route for a hassle-free experience and a quicker journey between Dubai and Oman. Once you’ve gotten your UAE exit stamp, you’ll just have a short 3-kilometer drive down the road before reaching the Omani immigration post. After that, you’ll be officially in Oman and ready to continue your journey. From there, it’s around 85 kilometers to Sohar, which should take you roughly an hour of driving time. If your destination is Muscat, the capital city of Oman, you’re looking at about 310 kilometers more along the main coastal road, which typically takes around 3.5 hours. So, summing it up, the total distance from Dubai to Oman by road is approximately 450 kilometers. Assuming everything goes smoothly at the Oman border crossing, you can expect the entire journey from Dubai to Oman to take between 5 to 6 hours.

2. Meyzad-Hafeet Border

If you’re looking for a more scenic and diverse route from Dubai to Oman, the Meyzad – Hafeet border crossing is definitely worth considering. It offers a unique experience as you’ll get to explore a different side of the UAE before crossing over into Oman. This route is particularly ideal if you’re planning to head towards destinations like Nizwa, Jebel Shams, or other central/southern parts of Oman. The Meyzad crossing is situated just beyond Al Ain, which happens to be the largest inland city in the UAE. To reach the Meyzad border crossing from Dubai, you’ll cover a distance of around 160 kilometers via the E66 route, taking roughly 2 hours of driving time. This crossing point is also convenient if you’re coming from Abu Dhabi, which is about 190 kilometers away and takes approximately 2 hours to reach.

3. Khatm Al Shiklah

The Khatm Al Shiklah border crossing is another option worth considering, especially if you’re in the vicinity of Al Ain. Similar to the Meyzad crossing, it takes roughly the same amount of time to reach Al Ain. However, there’s a key difference you should know about: unlike Meyzad, the UAE and Oman border posts at Khatm Al Shiklah aren’t exactly close to each other. Once you’ve been stamped out of the UAE, you’ll need to drive almost 30 kilometers before reaching the Omani border post. This setup can be a bit confusing, as you might wonder if you’ve accidentally entered Oman without proper documentation. Now, here’s the thing: while Khatm Al Shiklah might not be the best choice if you’re just doing a quick visa run from Dubai to Oman, it does have its advantages. Despite the distance between the border posts, this crossing tends to be less crowded compared to others. So, if you’re looking to breeze through border formalities with minimal wait times, Khatm Al Shiklah could be the best option. Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities—whether you prioritize convenience or efficiency. But rest assured, if you do choose Khatm Al Shiklah, you’re in for a smoother, less hectic border crossing experience.

Average Time to Cross the UAE-Oman Border

When you’re crossing from the UAE to Oman by road through the border crossings we’ve discussed, the process is usually hassle-free and straightforward. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey. Firstly, upon arrival at the border, you’ll need to complete an immigration form. This form typically asks for basic information such as your name, passport details, and purpose of visit. Additionally, customs officials may conduct a routine inspection of your vehicle. It’s advisable to avoid carrying obvious evidence of alcohol if you have any, as this could lead to delays or complications during the inspection. The duration of the border formalities largely depends on how busy the crossing is at the time of your arrival. To minimize wait times, it’s best to avoid crossing during peak periods such as weekends (Friday-Saturday) and public holidays when there tends to be a higher volume of travelers heading from Dubai to Oman by road. On average, the crossing can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the efficiency of the border control process. So, it’s a good idea to factor some buffer time into your travel plans, especially if you have specific time constraints or appointments in Oman. By keeping these tips in mind and planning your journey accordingly, you can enjoy a hassle-free and pleasant experience as you make your way from UAE to Oman by road. Safe travels!

Summing It Up

In summary, jetting off on a road trip from UAE to Oman offers a thrilling adventure filled with stunning landscapes and cultural discoveries. Whether you opt for the scenic Meyzad – Hafeet border crossing or the convenient Hatta – Al Wajajah route, preparing adequately for the journey is essential. Remember to carry Omani rials for transactions, preload Google Maps for navigation, and adhere to Oman’s speed limits with a 10 km/h buffer. Stay vigilant for rain advisories to avoid potential flash floods, especially in mountainous regions and wadis. With these tips in mind, travelers can ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip experience from UAE to Oman, embracing the beauty and diversity along the way.