There are confirmed human cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) in Oman. As of October 2009, there have been a total of 2,425 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus and 23 have died. Screening of passengers, including those in transit, is being undertaken at Muscat International Airport. All passengers are required to complete a landing card on arrival, and pass through a thermal scanner. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6.
The Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,300 adults were living with AIDS/HIV in Oman. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
Before visiting Oman, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for are: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Tetanus, and Typhoid. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers arriving from an infected area.
Vaccinations against Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.
Potable water remains a prominent issue, we recommend that you not drink the local water nor have ice in your drinks. Buy bottled water and make sure the seal hasn't been broken. Make sure to drink plenty of bottled water in Oman to avoid dehydration. Carry a small bag of salt when it is hot and you sweat a lot, drinking plenty of water is not enough.
In many urban areas, and all rural areas, water supplies are not considered potable. Outside of hotels and resorts, we recommend that you boil, filter or purify all drinking water.
There is a threat from terrorism in Oman. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.
You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.
Crime in Oman is generally low but there have been some reported cases of robbery and other occasional incidents of violence in which foreigners have been victims. Visitors to Oman should take normal precautions such as avoiding traveling to deserted or unfamiliar areas especially after dark.
Local laws reflect the fact that Oman is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
In the major cities the dress code is very much like any European city or tourist area. If visiting religious sites or more remote areas of Oman, you should dress modestly and avoid any articles of clothing which may cause offense. Topless sunbathing on beaches may cause offense.
Homosexuality is illegal in Oman. Sexual acts between persons of the same sex are punishable by imprisonment.
Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious criminal offenses in Oman. The possession of even a small amount of drugs could result in a prison term. Non-Muslims can import alcohol, to a maximum of 2 liters per family. It can be bought at a duty free shop at the airport on arrival, but within Oman, alcohol can be purchased only by personal license or at licensed hotels and restaurants.
If you are traveling to Oman with prescription drugs you should carry a copy of the prescription. Not to do so can be an offense if the drugs are on the banned list, and the penalties, including prison, can be severe.
It is recommended that you carry a copy of your passport (if a visitor) or their Omani ID (if a resident) at all times for identification purposes.
There are no provisions for free medical attention for non-Omanis. All doctors� fees, medication and hospitalization in private clinics have to be paid for on the spot. These costs can be quite high.
We recommend that you obtain a comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling.
Having the comfort of knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness of a loved one is important to everyone. With the assistance of our friendly, expert consultants, you can be advised on the most suitable level of coverage required wherever life may take you. Globalsurance can offer you a comprehensive international medical insurance plan in Oman that will typically provide you with an affordable number of coverage options including; benefits for in-patient and out-patient treatment, specialist consultations, dental care and emergency evacuation. For more information, please 
