UAE to Oman Road Trip: Visas, Documentation and Travel Costs

Planning a road trip from the UAE to Oman? This comprehensive guide covers everything UAE residents need to know, including the Oman visa on arrival for UAE residents, Dubai to Oman by road visa requirements, mandatory car insurance, and essential tips for a seamless journey. Whether driving from Dubai to Muscat or exploring Oman’s hidden gems, our step-by-step breakdown ensures you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Due to its geographical proximity and lax laws regarding accepting tourists from its neighboring country, Oman is a great little destination for UAE citizens looking for something new yet easily accessible. The best thing about this country is that you can travel from UAE to Oman by road. 

Whether you’re planning to visit Muscat, Salalah, or the mountains of Musandam, driving from Dubai to Oman by road is easier than you might think, IF you are adequately familiar with the process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know for having the smoothest border crossing experience possible, from required documentation to different regulations you’ll need to know.

Dubai to Oman by Road — Complete Guide

Travelling from UAE to Oman by road can initially seem complicated, especially if it’s your first time crossing the border in your vehicle. But with the correct information, it can be a pretty simple procedure. 

All you will need to know is the required documentation, traffic laws that might be different from those in your home country, border crossing options, the fees involved, and how to get an Oman visa on arrival for UAE residents. 

The following sections contain all that information. We’ll also discuss how to arrange car insurance for Oman and what to expect if you’re using a rental car or traveling by bus. 

Oman Visa for UAE Residents

While UAE citizens can travel to Oman with only a valid passport, residents need a visa. If you are a UAE resident and are planning on travelling from Dubai to Oman by road, the visa requirements are not very restrictive. The only caveat is that your job must be included in the Omani government’s list of approved professions.

This list, which you can see below, is not very restrictive and includes more than a hundred professions, including being a poet and a writer, as acceptable jobs for applying for a visa, so you won’t have much to worry about.

List of approved professions:

UAE residents who want to visit the Sultanate of Oman can obtain a tourist visa both online and on arrival at the border. According to the Omani government’s official website, the second option is “available for exceptional cases,” so you will be well advised to get your visa online. 

Visa on Arrival — Key Points

Whether you are applying for an e-visa or prefer to get your Oman visa on arrival for UAE residents, the required documents and your visa details will be the same. Here is the specification of a tourist visa:

• Duration: 14 days
  
• Visa fee: 5 Omani Rials (approximately AED 50) + an additional 35 AED as an exit fee
  
• Exit fee from UAE: AED 35 (paid at the border when exiting the UAE)
  
• Eligibility: Your passport and resident visa must be valid for at least another 6 months. Your profession must also be included in the list provided above.

• Required documents:
  
  • Emirates ID
    
  • Passport
    
  • UAE residence visa or permit
    

e-Visa Options

Another perk of applying for your visa online is that you can extend your visit for another week. However, you can only do that once, and for more extensions, you will need to visit a DGPCS office in person.

Here is how you can apply for an e-visa:

• Visit the official Oman e-visa website.
• Click on “apply for a tourist visa.”
• Sign up for an account if you aren’t already registered

After completing the form below and receiving an SMS verification, you will be redirected to another page where you can upload the required document and pay the fee. Your application will then be reviewed, and your visa will be issued within 4 business days.

Also, there are different types of tourist visas available online:

• Visit Visa Multi-Entry 1 year: Allows multiple visits to Oman for a person on the list of approved nationalities, or who is accompanied by such a person.
• GCC Citizen Companion Visa: This visa allows a visit to Oman for a person who is a resident of the GCC and is accompanied by a GCC citizen as a sponsor.
• GCC Resident Visa: This visa allows a visit to Oman for a person who is a resident of the GCC and is either on the list of approved professions or is accompanied by such a person as a sponsor.
• Tourist Visit Visa: This visa allows a person on the list of approved nationalities or who is accompanied by such a person to visit Oman.
• Oman / Qatar Common Visa: This visa allows a person on the list of eligible nationalities to visit Oman and travel directly to Oman and then to Qatar.
• Dubai / Oman Common Visa: This visa allows a visit to Oman for a person on the list of eligible nationalities who has a current tourist visa that was used to enter the Emirate of Dubai and now wishes to enter Oman directly from Dubai.

Car Insurance — The Orange Card

Before you drive your car from the UAE to Oman, you need to check if your car insurance covers travel in Oman. Bear in mind that this is not just a suggestion; it’s mandatory in Oman as it is in the UAE for all vehicles to be insured.

Your UAE car insurance will often not automatically cover Oman unless requested. If your insurer includes Oman coverage, they will give you an Orange Card, a document showing that your car is insured for use in Oman.

If you are unsure whether your policy offers coverage in Oman, you can either check your insurance certificate or call your agent and ask. If you don’t have one, you should buy a temporary Orange Card at the border. This usually only covers third-party insurance and not comprehensive damage.

Traveling with a Rental Car

Many UAE residents prefer to rent a car for the trip. If you choose this option, there are a few extra steps.

You’ll need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the rental agency to drive a rental car from Dubai to Oman. This certificate must be:

• Legally notarized & Written in Arabic
  
• Include specific details like:
  
  • Chassis number
    
  • Vehicle registration number
    
  • Driver’s Emirates ID number
    

Also, make sure you carry the following documents with you:

• Your driving license
  
• Vehicle registration documents
  
• Proof of insurance or Orange Card
  
• Your passport and UAE residence visa
  

Not all rental companies allow their vehicles to be taken to Oman, so you should always check beforehand.

Alternative Travel — Bus from Dubai to Oman

If you would rather not drive your own car, taking a bus from UAE to Oman by road is an easy and budget-friendly option. This is quite a popular choice with solo travelers or people without access to a car.

While multiple transportation companies used to offer this option, including RTA’s own buses, currently only the Al Khanjry Transport company has active units transporting passengers from Dubai to Muscat and back.

Here’s everything you need to know about their services:

• Departure points: Al Khanjry office at Deira
  
• Destinations: Muscat, the capital of Oman.
  
• Timing: three departures per day at 7 AM, 3 PM, and 9 PM
  
• Ticket prices: 100 AED

In addition to the ticket price, you will be required to pay an additional 30 AED as an existing fee, as well as the charge for a visa, which the company can provide for passengers. 

While tickets are available on their website, online shopping is apparently not an option. For more accurate information, call their Dubai office at +971 42959390 or +971 556050176.

Border Crossing Points from UAE to Oman

When traveling from the UAE to Oman by road, you’ll need to choose your border crossing based on your destination. There are several border posts between the two countries, each serving different routes.

Here are the most common ones:

• Al Darah Border (Ras Al Khaimah to Khasab): Great for reaching Musandam and the town of Khasab, which is known for its fjords and cruises.
  
• Dibba Border (Fujairah to Dibba): This is useful for southern Musandam access. Access may be restricted to hotel guests and tour bookings in some cases.
  
• Hatta / Al Wajajah Border (Dubai to Muscat): This is the most popular and busiest crossing. It’s pretty direct and quite safe. This crossing point used to be only accessible to citizens, but now everyone can use it.
  
• Khatmat Milaha Border (Fujairah / Kalba) is a good option if you’re coming from the East Coast and want to go to Sohar or continue to Muscat.
  
• Mezyad / Hafeet Border (Al Ain to Oman): It is the closest border to Abu Dhabi and Salalah. It is recommended for long-distance road trips to the southern regions of Oman.
  

Each crossing has customs and immigration facilities where you can get car insurance and a visa on arrival. Make sure to bring all required documents, such as your passport, UAE visa, and vehicle documents.

Travel Costs for UAE to Oman Road Trip

1. Visa and Border Fees

• Oman Visa on Arrival for UAE Residents:
  • Fee: 5 OMR (≈Dh47) for a 14-day stay.
  • Exit Fee (UAE): Dh35, paid at the UAE border.
  • Note: Some sources indicate Oman now prioritizes eVisas (Type 29A) for UAE residents, costing 5 OMR (≈Dh47.5) with 3–4 days processing. Confirm eligibility on the Royal Oman Police portal.

2. Car Insurance (Mandatory)

• Orange Card (Third-Party Coverage):
  • Cost: Dh106 for 5 days at the border.
  • Comprehensive Insurance: Check if your UAE policy covers Oman (many providers include it free).
• Rental Car Insurance: Ensure the rental agency provides an NOC (notarized in Arabic) and Oman coverage.

3. Fuel Costs

• Round Trip (Dubai to Muscat): ~900 km.
  • Fuel Estimate: Dh200–Dh250 (UAE fuel price: ~Dh2.5/liter).

4. Accommodation & Food

• Budget Hotels: Dh150–Dh300/night.
• Mid-Range/Luxury: Dh300–Dh600+.
• Meals: Dh20–Dh50 per person (local eateries to mid-range restaurants).

5. Additional Costs

• Salalah Tourism Tax: Dh1/night (during Khareef season).
• Tolls: Minimal in Oman; UAE tolls (e.g., Salik) apply for Dubai departures.
• Emergency Fund: Set aside Dh500–Dh1,000 for car repairs or unplanned stops.

Top Attractions in Oman

If you’ve never been to Oman before, here are a few highlights to inspire your trip that you can reach either on your trip from UAE to Oman by road or after arriving at your destination.:

• Salalah: Best visited during the Khareef season (monsoon) when the area turns green and misty. Also famous for its beaches and waterfalls.
  
• Sohar: A historical port city with a mix of shopping malls, beaches, and desert adventures.
  
• Muscat: Oman’s capital city combines modern life and traditional culture. Don’t miss the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House.
  
• Musandam: Known as the “Norway of Arabia” for its dramatic fjord-like coastline. Great for boat trips and scuba diving.
  
• Khasab: A quiet town with forts, mountains, and snorkeling opportunities.
  
• Masirah Island: A remote and peaceful island perfect for beach lovers and kitesurfing.
  
• Ibri: Famous for its archaeological sites and forts.
  

Final Tips for a Stress-Free UAE to Oman Road Trip

Successfully navigating your UAE to Oman by road journey requires careful planning. Ensure your Oman visa on arrival for UAE residents is sorted, verify Dubai to Oman by road visa requirements, and secure valid car insurance. Double-check all documents, choose the right border crossing, and enjoy the stunning landscapes as you embark on an unforgettable road trip adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions