Travel health tips for Oman

Boasting a bounty of bustling souks, ancient forts and grand mosques, plus dramatic dunes, mountains and beaches beaches, Oman is a paradise for all types of traveler. To help you make the most of your vacation, here’s our top Oman travel health tips, from whether you need vaccinations, through to staying safe in the sun.

Essential vaccines for traveling to Oman

Good news — there are no mandatory vaccines required for entry into Oman for most travelers, including those from the UK, US, EU, Canada and Australia. 

However, some recommended vaccinations help ensure a safe and healthy trip, including:

Routine Vaccines

Make sure these are up to date.

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• Polio
• Influenza (especially if traveling in winter months)

Additional vaccines for some travelers

• Hepatitis A – recommended for travelers due to potential exposure through food and water.
• Typhoid – especially if you plan to eat street food or travel to rural areas.

Talk to your doctor and take their advice.

Considering visiting Oman? Make use of our guide to how to plan a trip to Oman.

Here’s a practical list of what to pack stay comfortable, safe, healthy and well-prepared in Oman’s desert, cities.

Health Essentials

• High SPF sunscreen – the sun is strong year-round.
• Lip balm with SPF – dry air and sun can chap lips.
• Reusable water bottle or hydration pack to stay hydrated during hikes and road trips.
• Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets, especially for hot or active days.
• Basic first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic cream and blister pads.
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes – useful in remote areas or public restrooms.
• Insect repellent – needed more in coastal and green areas like Salalah.
• Prescription medications – bring enough for your trip with a copy of the prescription.
• Anti-diarrhoea medication and probiotics in case of mild food-related issues.
• Motion sickness tablets for mountain roads or boat trips.

What clothing to pack for Oman

• Lightweight, breathable layers for hot days.
• Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers for sun protection and modesty.
• Scarf — useful for dust sun and covering up.
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses – essential for desert and coastal areas.
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes for visits to wadis and villages.
• Swimwear – modest swimwear is recommended for public places
• Light jacket or fleece for or cooler mountain areas and desert nights.

Additional items to pack for Oman

• Travel insurance documents — more on insurance later.
• Travel pillow and mask for long drives or flights.
• Dry bag for keeping electronics safe in wadis or at the beach.

Started to plan your trip? Check out the best places to visit in Oman to include in your Oman itinerary.

Here are our top tips for staying healthy in Oman.

Food and water safety

Oman generally maintains high standards of hygiene, especially in urban areas like Muscat, Nizwa and Salalah, and if you opt to stay in the best Oman accommodation.

However, to avoid any issues, stick to freshly cooked food, and eat at busy, reputable restaurants or cafes. 

Be cautious with raw salads and undercooked meats, especially from street vendors or roadside stalls. Street food in places like Muscat's Mutrah Souq is generally safe if freshly made and served hot. 

On the subject of Mutrah Souq, discover more reasons to visit Muscat.

Traveler’s tummy

Traveler’s diarrhea is uncommon in Oman but can happen, especially when adjusting to different food or water sources. 

To prevent issues, gradually introduce local foods, and follow basic hygiene — wash hands before eating, use hand sanitizer, and avoid unrefrigerated dairy or meat. 

If symptoms arise, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) or electrolyte tablets are handy for restoring lost minerals. 

Handling heat and sun

Oman’s climate, can be extremely hot, especially from May to September, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 104°F (40°C).

To stay safe, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat (12–3 pm), and always wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin. 

Apply high-SPF sunscreen generously and reapply throughout the day, particularly if swimming or sweating. 

Carry a reusable water bottle and drink regularly, even if you’re not thirsty, to prevent dehydration. 

On the subject of heat and weather, wise up on the best time to visit Oman.

Insect precautions

Good news — Malaria is not a concern in Oman, so antimalarial medication is not required. 

However, mosquitoes are present, especially in humid or green areas like Salalah during the Khareef (monsoon) season. 

While they’re mostly a nuisance, mosquito bites can still lead to skin irritation or rare vector-borne illnesses like dengue, though cases are extremely limited. 

To stay bite-free, use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin, especially around dawn and dusk. 

Wear long sleeves and pants in the evenings if you’re near water or vegetation. In coastal or rural areas, especially near wadis or during the monsoon, consider using a mosquito net if accommodations are not screened. 

Keeping windows closed or using screens and air conditioning will also help reduce insect exposure indoors.

Want more practical information ahead of your trip? Read our Oman travel tips, and wise up on getting around Oman

Of course, insurance can protect you against trip cancellations, lost baggage, flight delays or theft, and it also means you won't have to pay for the high cost of healthcare for foreign visitors, especially in private hospitals.

Foreign travelers must pay for all services unless covered by insurance. Here’s an overview of the costs in private clinics:

• GP consultation — $25-$60
• Specialist visit — $40-$60
• Emergency treatment — $100-$300
• Hospital stay per night — $300-$800

While public hospitals may charge lower rates, access may be slower and limited for non-citizens. 

Here are some trusted, traveler-friendly hospitals and clinics in Oman

Muscat

• The Royal Hospital (Public) – premier government hospital 
• Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (Public) – excellent reputation, but longer wait times.
• Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics – multiple branches, English-speaking staff, an good for walk-in travelers.

Salalah

• Starcare Hospital Salalah – modern, clean, traveler-friendly.
• Sultan Qaboos Hospital (Public) – the main government hospital in Dhofar.

Nizwa and interior regions

• Nizwa Hospital (Public) – reliable for basic and emergency care.
• Private polyclinics – rvailable in most towns for minor issues.

Emergency numbers in Oman

Dial 9999 for police, ambulance and fire services — operators typically speak Arabic and English.

Ready to visit? Check out our Oman itineraries for more inspiration while you plan your trip to Oman, and discover the best things to do in Oman.

Or, if you don't enjoy the planning process, contact our local Oman travel experts.