Dubai to Oman Road Trip Guide: Distance, Visa, Border Crossing & Car Rental Tips

Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman are peaceful neighbours with border crossings that allow people to visit each other. The peaceful border, harmonious relations between the two countries, and simple border crossing requirements make road trips from Dubai to Oman common.

Dubai is the modern-day tourism hub of the Middle East. Tourists from across the World visit Dubai on holiday, and many plan road trips from Dubai to Oman to make the most of their holidays. Road trips can be made by bus, private car/taxi, or car rental.

This article will focus on how to embark on a road trip from Dubai to Oman by car. I will discuss in detail all the requirements, preparations, road conditions, and routes to different cities of Oman from Dubai. So, stay hooked if you want to travel to Oman from Dubai by car. 

Dubai to Oman road trips 

As mentioned above, the locals and tourists frequently make road trips from Dubai to Oman. 

Tourists can easily rent a car from Dubai to Oman for a beautiful road trip. Renting a car from Dubai is mostly hassle-free; you must find a good rental car company that allows cross-border travel. 

There are a few essential factors that you must keep in mind before embarking on this journey. 

Oman to Dubai distance

The Oman to Dubai distance is dependent on the route of your choice. Dubai to Oman by car routes are via Al-Ain and other cities, increasing the time and distance from Dubai to Oman. 

The Oman to Dubai distance for various cities is as follows:

• Dubai to Muscat: 454 to 473 Km
• Dubai to Sohar: 222-251 Km
• Dubai to Nizwa: 418-460 Km
• Dubai to Sur: 653-671 Km
• Dubai to Salalah: 1200-1900 Km
• Dubai to Musandam: 193 Km

Border crossings

There are several border crossings between Dubai and Oman. All of these border crossings are open for UAE nationals; however, only a few of them are open for tourists and residents who are non-GCC citizens.

The border crossings for the Oman trip by road are given below: 

• Hatta-Al Wajajah Border Crossing in Hatta.
• Mezyad-Hafeet border crossing in Al Ain.
• Khatam Al Shiklah in Al Ain.
• Al Dhara Border Post-Musandam (Westside coastal Khasab road).
• Dibba checkpoint – Musandam East coast (north of Fujairah Emirate).
• Khatmat Malaha Border Post in Kalba (Eastern Sharjah, Gulf of Oman side).

Before planning a road trip to Oman, always check the guidelines for border crossing openings on the Oman government’s official website.

Visa requirements

No Visa:

UAE citizens (holding a UAE passport) do not require a visa to enter Oman.

Visa on arrival:

Certain nationalities can get visas right on the border while travelling from Dubai to Oman by car.

E-visa:

Nationals of a few countries can also apply for an E-visa beforehand, which can considerably speed up the process at border crossing. It is advised to always check recent visa requirements and policies on the official websites while planning the trip.

Required documents for Oman Visa

• Valid Emirates ID.
• A passport with at least six months’ validity.
• Valid UAE driving licence.
• Car registration (Mulkiya).
• Car insurance certificate (with Oman coverage or an Orange Card).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) if driving a borrowed or financed vehicle.

Immigration Process

You must complete the following steps to embark on a road trip to Oman from Dubai.

Exit Fee

The first thing you must do on the border while travelling from Dubai to Oman by car is pay the exit fee for the UAE, which is approximately 35 Dirhams.

Visa

The next step is to get your visa issued or stamped (e-visa) for the Dubai to Oman drive. Here, you must pay the visa fee and submit the required documents for the visa(mentioned above). The visa officer will check all the documents and issue a visa for you. 

Car Insurance for Oman

If you do not already have car insurance for your vehicle in Oman, you must get it at the border crossing. The Orange Card (insurance card for Oman) costs between 60 and 150 Dirhams, depending on its validity period. Car insurance is mandatory not only for entering but also for a worry-free Dubai to Oman drive.

Vehicle Inspection

After all the paperwork, the customs officer will inspect the vehicle. 

It is highly advised not to carry any illegal substance with you, such as alcohol etc.

Important Factors

Here is a quick list of things you must remember or check before starting the road trip to Oman to avoid any inconvenience.

Check Your Passport and Visa

Make sure your passport has 6 months of validity left before you travel from Dubai to Oman by car. Always check the official government website to know about the visa requirements.

Know the Customs Regulations

Oman is a country with strict customs rules and regulations. Before travelling, read the list of prohibited items on their website to avoid any inconvenience at the border. To keep things smooth on your road trip to Oman, make sure to avoid carrying items like alcohol, tobacco and prescription medicines without a prescription.

Plan for Border Wait Times

Border crossings can be very busy during weekends and holidays. It is recommended to avoid these rush days. You are advised to apply for an E-visa beforehand to avoid long wait times at the border. You can also make your Dubai to Oman drive less hectic by choosing border crossings with less traffic or less well-known ones.

Traffic Rules

• To make your Dubai to Oman drive, you must familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations of both countries, especially Oman.
• The traffic safety laws of Oman are stringent, with heavy penalties and fines.
• The drive is on the right side of the road.
• The speed limit in Oman is 120 Km/h.
• It is strictly prohibited to drive after alcohol consumption. Even the slightest of alcohol intoxication can result in heavy fines.
• Drug use is prohibited and can result in jail. 

Carry Local Currency

When you travel from Dubai to Oman by car, you are advised to carry local currency. The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial. There are money exchange outlets at the border crossing as well for the ease of travel.

Emergency Contacts

• As a safety measure on your Oman road trip, make sure to save essential numbers and helplines such as:
• Your embassy.
• Local police helpline.
• Road assistance helpline.

Rent a car from Dubai to Oman

Tourists who want to drive can rent a car from Dubai to Oman. The road trip is enjoyable, and the maintained roads and the beauty of the deserts make it very appealing to travellers. 

Embarking on a road trip to Oman in a rented car can be overwhelming and hectic if you don’t prepare well. Before entering Oman, you need to fulfil a list of requirements.

• First and foremost, find a good, reliable, reputable and preferably international rent-a-car service that allows you to take the car from Dubai to Oman.
• Gather all the required documents for Dubai to rent a car in Oman.
• Compare the pricing and policies of different Dubai and Oman rent-a-car companies.
• Scrutinise the car.
• Read all the company’s terms, conditions, and policies.
• Ensure to get all the documents needed to cross the Dubai to Oman border by road.

Required Documents

Following is the list of documents that you need to rent a car from Dubai to Oman.

• Passport
• UAE Visa
• International Driving Licence
• Vehicle Insurance that covers your car in the UAE and Oman.

Important factors 

You must remember a few pointers before finalising a Dubai to Oman rent-a-car.

• Always rent a car from a well-known company with branches in the UAE and Oman.
• Inform your rental car company about your travel 5 to 7 days in advance.
• Always ensure to properly check the daily mileage the company allows to avoid any additional charges.
• Ask your rental company to provide you with all the required documents to cross the border of Oman.
• Double-check the documents before starting the road trip to Oman.
• Insurance is a pivotal factor for the Dubai to Oman road trip. Make sure to buy a reputable Insurance(Orange Card).

Dubai to Oman by car requirements

Dubai to Oman by car requirements are essential to make your journey hassle-free and smooth. Always check the official government website for the latest document requirements at the border crossing.

Here is the list of documents for travelling from Dubai to Oman by car requirements:

Personal Identification 

A passport for anyone except UAE citizens. Valid Emirates ID for residents and UAE nationals.

Vehicle Registration

Always carry the original vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) when crossing the Dubai-Oman border by road.

Insurance (Orange Card)

Insurance is integral to the documentation needed to travel to Oman from Dubai.  It is also significant for the driver, as you can be worry-free about your finances in case of an accident or damage.

Driver’s license

An international driving license for tourists. Emirates driving license for the residents.

Tourism Certificate

To cross the Dubai to Oman border by road with vehicles registered in Dubai, a Dubai Tourism Certificate is needed. This certificate allows you to use the Vehicle outside the UAE for tourism purposes. The fee for the Tourism Certificate is around 170 Dirhams.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

You might have to present an International Driving Permit while driving in the UAE and Oman if:

1. Your passport and driving license are NOT from the same country. 
2. Your passport is NOT from one of the following countries,

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Slovakia, Finland, Spain, Netherlands, Greece, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, Turkey, Denmark, Portugal, Austria, France, United Kingdom, Norway, Romania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Serbia, Lithuania, United States of America, Canada, Japan, Australia, Singapore, People’s Republic of China, South Korea, New Zealand, Hong Kong and South Africa.

Do I need 4WD Car hire from Dubai to Oman?

The answer is no, a 4WD is not necessary for the trip to Oman by road. 

However, remember to prefer a high-clearance vehicle when going to Oman from Dubai by road.

You can choose a 2WD for Dubai to Oman rent a car because of the good road conditions. But if you plan to go wild camping or off-roading along the journey, you must opt for 4WD car hire from Dubai to Oman.

In short, 4WD is a plus for an Oman trip by road, but not an absolute necessity.

Day trip to Oman from Dubai

A one-day road trip to Oman from Dubai is also possible. Due to the proximity, easy immigration, feasible visa requirements, maintained roads, and good traffic, these trips to Oman from Dubai are very appealing.

Day trips to Oman from Dubai are also advised for people with limited time and days. You can plan the itinerary of a day trip according to your preference and liking. Some of the day trips to Oman from Dubai are discussed below;

• Dubai to Muscat, Oman
• Dubai to Nizwa. Oman
• Dubai to Musandam
• Dubai to Khassab dhow cruise

Dubai to Muscat, Oman

Muscat is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip to Oman from Dubai.

Muscat is at a distance of 453 to 473 Km, depending on the route you choose for your Oman road trip. And it takes almost 4 to 5 hours to travel from Dubai to Muscat, Oman. You can select the itinerary from the list of various locations in Muscat according to your preference and liking. 

Some of the most popular tourist spots for a day trip from Dubai to Oman are listed below.

• Qurum Beach & Nature Reserve
• Muttrah Corniche
• Muttrah Souk
• Muttrah Fort
• Bait Al Zubair Museum
• Sultan’s Place or Qasr Al Alam
• Al Mirani Fort
• Al Jalali Fort
• Riyam Memorial
• Old Light House, Muttrah
• Royal Opera House Muscat
• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
• Muscat Gate Museum
• Haramel & Sidab Fishing Village

Day trip to Nizwa, Oman, from Dubai

Another hot location for a day trip to Oman from Dubai is Nizwa. Nizwa is an ancient city that was the capital of Oman before Muscat. This magnificent city is home to many ancient forts and souks. If you want to see old Arabia, then this day trip to Nizwa, Oman, from Dubai is an excellent choice.

Some of the locations that you can visit on this Oman road trip are listed below:

• Nizwa Fort
• Nizwa Souk
• Jabreen Castle
• Bahala Fort: UNESCO world heritage site
• Falaj Daris Park: UNESCO World Heritage site
• Birkat Al Mawz or pool of Banana
• Al Tanuf

Dubai to Sohar, Oman

The distance from Dubai to Sohar, Oman, varies from 222 to 251 km, depending on the route. Travel time is approximately 2 to 3 hours.

If you are short on time, you can also plan a day trip from Dubai to Sohar, Oman. The drive is just 2 to 3 hours long, which makes it a good spot for day tours from Dubai. If you are not in a rush, you can stop at the small towns and cities along the route.

Salalah, Oman road trip from Dubai

Salalah is the capital of the Dhofar region of Oman. Its green mountains and pristine blue waters make a road trip to Oman from Dubai a perfect holiday destination, especially during the Khareef (Monsoon) season, which lasts from June to August.

If you are a tourist, you can also opt for Dubai to Oman and rent a car to travel. Salalah is your destination if you want to travel to Oman from Dubai and have wanderlust.

Salalah, Oman road trip from Dubai is a long but rewarding experience.

The drive is stretched, but if planned well, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience driving through mountains, deserts, and coasts. I will discuss the details of the Salalah, Oman trip by road from Dubai.

Distance and Time between Dubai and Salalah

You must drive almost 1200 to 2000 km to travel to Oman from Dubai, depending on your chosen route. This distance doesn’t include rest, stops, or the time required for border crossing.

A road trip to Salalah, Oman, from Dubai requires approximately 12 to 20 hours of continuous driving.

Route

A Salalah, Oman road trip from Dubai can be done by two routes.

• Driving through Nizwa and Haima via road 31.
• Driving from the east coast to the south coast of Oman.

Choosing the right Dubai to the Oman border by road is vital to avoid any hassle or additional kilometers in your journey.

Overnight Stay

If you are going to Oman by car from Dubai via road 31, then the overnight stops you can make are:

• Nizwa
• Birkat al Mouz- a mysterious abandoned mud village 30 minutes away from Nizwa
• Haima

If you are taking the coastal route, then you can make a stop at:

• Duqm
• Sur
• Nizwa

The same stops are advised for the Abu Dhabi to Salalah, Oman road trip.

Abu Dhabi to Oman road trip 

Now, let’s discuss another emirate state, Abu Dhabi, and what you need to know before planning your Oman trip by road. The essentials and requirements are the same for both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The prerequisites for car renting are identical to those in Dubai to Oman rent a car. Visa requirements for the Abu Dhabi to Oman road trip are also the same as discussed in the above sections for Dubai.

You can plan your Oman trip by road to various cities.

The most popular destinations for Abu Dhabi to Oman road trips are:

• Muscat
• Nizwa 
• Sohar 
• Salalah
• Sur

There are no direct border crossings between Oman and Abu Dhabi. You can enter Oman through the same crossings described earlier for the Dubai to Oman trip by road.

Abu Dhabi to Salalah, Oman road trip

Distance and Time between Abu Dhabi and Salalah

The distance from Abu Dhabi to Salalah, Oman, is almost 1200 to 1600 km, depending on your chosen route. The time required for this trip, excluding stops and overnight layovers, is 12 to 15 hours.

Route

First, you must reach Al Ain to embark on a road trip to Abu Dhabi to Salalah, Oman. From there, you can take the following two routes:

• Via Road 31
• The Coastal route

Border Crossing 

• Mezyat Border in Al Ain.
• Wajajah Border is in Hatta if you want to go via Muscat.

Overnight Stay

An overnight stay is a must when travelling from Abu Dhabi to Salalah, Oman road trip. Planning your stay before commencing the road trip is advised to avoid the hassle of last-minute bookings. You can book your hotel online for convenience. 

Travelers can stay in one of the following cities according to their preference.

For the Road 31 route:

• Nizwa 
• Birkat al Mouz- a mysterious abandoned mud village 30 minutes away from Nizwa
• Haima

For the coastal route:

• Duqm 
• Sur 
• Nizwa

Oman to Dubai by Road

As discussed previously, Dubai and Oman are neighbours who live in harmony and share similar cultures. Both countries are connected by culture, traditions, people, and relationships, and the distance between them is 535 to 577 km.   

Travelling from Oman to Dubai by road is common among the locals. Many people travel frequently between Oman and Dubai for business and other purposes. You can travel between Dubai and Oman by one of the following means,

• Bus 
• Car 
• Flight 

Many Oman tourists also plan to travel by road from Oman to Dubai. For convenience, you can rent a car and travel to Dubai.

Renting a car from Oman to Dubai is easy if you keep some crucial things in mind and plan accordingly.

• Always choose your rental company carefully, and go for a reputable car company to avoid inconvenience.
• You can take both 2WD and 4WD on the journey, but if you plan to go off-roading or visit Wadis, go for a 4WD. Otherwise, you can drive a 2WD to Dubai; however, choose a high-road clearance car for a better road experience. 
• Pay attention to the documentation.
• Know the customs rules and regulations.
• Read the road safety rules.
• Drive carefully.

Dubai to Oman drive time

Dubai to Oman drive time depends mainly on the border crossing you choose and the city you travel to. The different routes have different driving times.

The estimated Dubai to Oman drive time are given below:

• Dubai to Muscat: 4 to 5 hours 
• Dubai to Sohar: 2 to 3 hours
• Dubai to Nizwa: 4 to 5 hours
• Dubai to Sur: 6 to 7 hours
• Dubai to Salalah: 12 to 20 hours
• Dubai to Musandam: 2 to 3 hours

Oman to Dubai by road visa requirements

A visa is the most critical aspect when travelling between two countries. Oman to Dubai by road visa requirements depend on your nationality.

Omani Nationals do not need a visa to enter Dubai. Nationals of certain countries are eligible for a visa on arrival. While all others need to apply for a Dubai visa before they enter Dubai. Oman residents can apply for a Dubai visa online through the official website of the Government of Dubai.

Required Documents for E-Visa 

Here are the documents for the Oman to Dubai by road visa requirements:

1. A valid passport or travel document is required to enter the country.
2. A copy of the residence permit or an electronic extract stating the profession and validity of residence.
3. Personal photo (white background).

Steps of Visa Application for E-Visa

1. Log in to the website https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae.

2. Register as a user.

3. Choose the service.

4. Fill in the data.

5. Pay the due fees.

6. The visa is sent to the user’s email after approval.

Frequently ask Questions About Dubai to Oman

Q#1 How to go to Oman from Dubai

Ans: Oman and Dubai are neighboring countries with friendly relations. You can easily go to Oman from Dubai by any of the following means;

Bus: The most affordable and easiest option for people who do not want to drive. Several comfortable and good bus services in Dubai will take you to various cities in Oman. Many tourism companies offer guided bus tours of different cities in Oman from Dubai.

Flight: It is the fastest travel mode to Oman from Dubai. The flights will take you to one of the following airports in Oman.

•  Seeb International Airport.  
•  Salalah airport in Oman.
•  Sohar Airport.

Car: You can also travel to Oman by road. This option is well-suited for people who love to drive and explore the raw beauty of Arabia.

Q#2 How to get a Dubai visa from Oman?

Ans: The procedure to get a Dubai visa from Oman depends on your Nationality.

Omani Nationals do not need a visa to enter Dubai. Nationals of certain countries are eligible for a visa on arrival. While all others need to apply for a Dubai visa before they enter Dubai.

Q#3 How to get a Dubai visa online from Oman?

Ans: The residents of Oman can apply for a Dubai visa online from Oman through the official website of the Government of Dubai. Documents required to apply for an e-visa are,

1.  A valid passport or travel document is required to enter the country.
2.  A copy of the residence permit or an electronic extract stating the profession and validity of residence.
3. Personal photo (white background).

Here is the step-by-step guide to apply for a Dubai online visa from Oman

1. Log in to the website https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae
2. Register as a user.
3. Choose the service.
4. Fill in the data.
5. Pay the due fees.
6. After approval, the visa is sent to the user’s email.

Q#4 Can I take a rental car from Dubai to Oman?

Ans: Yes, you can take a rental car from Dubai to Oman. However, there are strict rules and regulations for this purpose to avoid theft and other mishaps. You need to have a few mandatory documents for this purpose, which are:

• No Objection certificate from the rental car company.
• Orange card (Insurance).
• Original vehicle registration card.
• Driving license.

Q#5 Can we take rent a car to Oman from Dubai?

Ans: Yes, you can take a rental car from Dubai to Oman. However, there are strict rules and regulations for this purpose to avoid theft and other mishaps. You need to have a few mandatory documents for this purpose, which are:

• No Objection certificate from the rental car company.
• Orange card (Insurance).
• Original vehicle registration card.
• Driving license.

Q#6 Can you drive a rental car from UAE to Oman?

Ans: Yes, you can rent a car from the UAE to Oman. However, there are a few things to remember before doing so.

• Find a good rent-a-car company that has branches in the UAE and Oman.
• Always check the latest document requirements of official websites to avoid inconvenience.  
• Gather all the required documents. 

Conclusion 

Driving from the UAE to Oman is a delightful and adventurous experience. But this experience can become stressful if you don’t plan it properly. Renting a car from Dubai to Oman will be a breeze of air if you keep these points in mind:

• Select a rental car company with branches in both Dubai and Oman.
• Provide all the documents to the rental car company.
• Always ask your rental car company for a no-objection certificate, original Mulkiya and Orange Insurance card for immigration at the border.
• Before travelling, confirm which border crossings are open for expats on the official government website. 
• Apply for the Oman E-Visa beforehand to avoid a long waiting time at the border.
• Try to book a high-road clearance vehicle. 
• If you plan an overnight layover, book your hotel in advance.
• Keep an emergency kit with car tools in case of any car breakdown.
• A first aid kit is also handy when you are travelling by road.