With National Days holidays declared in advance, it is now time to plan how the spend the long weekends, or invite friends and relatives from the neighbouring countries or elsewhere to visit the Sultanate of Oman.
With night temperatures expected to drop substantially in the coming days, Jabal Akhdar, or the Green Mountains, is a preferred choice for its terrace farming, camping options, and not overnight stays in some luxurious resorts. Jabal Akhdar received over 89,000 visitors in the first half of this year.
Other popular destinations will include the beaches across the east coast of the Sultanate of Oman, the deserts of Wahiba Sands, Wadi Sahab, and Wadi bani Khalid.
Visa options
Most tourists, including GCC residents, coming to the country need to apply for an e-visa for Oman through the Royal Oman Police website, and the procedures include presenting a valid passport, a copy of return flight tickets, and proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation. For some nationalities, there are options to avail visa-free entry or visa on arrival.
The residents of the UAE and Saudi Arabia can travel to the Sultanate of Oman via the specific land borders, while residents of Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain can enter via the Saudi Arabian land border.
In the first eight months of 2025, Oman welcomed 2.69 million visitors, with the top nationalities being Emiratis, Indians, and Saudis. According to an article by Vinod R Nair, the total number of inbound tourists increased by 5.3% in August 2025 compared to August 2024.
India is Oman's second-largest source market, with plans to attract one million Indian tourists annually.
There was an increase of 45% in the arrivals from Saudi Arabia.
Around the capital
Tourists can explore Muscat's historical sites, souqs, and landscapes that offer a mix of modern architecture and traditional Omani culture.
Some of these landmarks include:
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Royal Opera House, Muscat
Muttrah Souq
Al Alam Palace
Muttrah Fort
Qurum beach
National Museum
Al Mirani Fort
Dolphin Watching boat service from Marina Bandar al Rowdha
Al Mouj complex
Daymaniat Islands.
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