Driving Permit for Oman

Oman drives on the right, and it is one of the Gulf's best self-drive destinations: modern, well-signed highways link Muscat with Nizwa, Sur and Salalah. On the paperwork side, Oman acceded to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic in June 2020, so an International Driving Permit presented together with your original national licence is recognised. Canada's official travel advice tells visitors to carry an IDP, and 1949-format permits issued by motoring clubs such as the AA are still widely accepted in practice.

Some visitors can drive on their home licence alone for a short period — the UK government notes that a UK photocard licence works for rental cars during the first six weeks after arrival, after which an Omani licence is required. In practice the rental desk is often stricter than the law: UK travel advice warns that hire companies frequently demand around a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and an IDP. Carrying your original licence plus an IDP is the simplest way to avoid problems at pick-up or at police checkpoints.

Local rules are strictly enforced. Oman has zero tolerance for drink-driving — any alcohol in your system can mean a fine and possible imprisonment — and using a mobile phone at the wheel is illegal. Seatbelts are compulsory for everyone in the car, and children aged three and under must use child seats. Outside Muscat, watch for wandering camels and goats, and never attempt to cross a flooding wadi: sudden rain can turn dry riverbeds into torrents. After an accident, move the vehicle to the side of the road and wait for police — drivers judged at fault can be detained.