OSAC Country Security Report

Last Updated: August 9, 2021 Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Oman at Level 4, indicating travelers should not travel to Oman due to a high level of COVID-19 infection within the country. Do not travel to the Saudi Arabia and Yemen border areas due to terrorism and armed conflict. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Oman 73 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a Medium state of peace. Crime Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Oman.

The crime emergency line in Oman is 9999. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

While violent crime remains rare, non-violent property crime rates throughout Oman are comparable to rates in U.S. metropolitan areas. In general, crime in Oman is limited to crimes of opportunity and petty theft. High-value items that can be easily transported remain the most commonly stolen items.

Violent crimes, including assaults, rapes, and murder, are rare; a few incidents did occur in 2020. There were other reports in Omani media outlets of occasional violent crimes; the victims and alleged suspects usually knew each other. Such incidents did not demonstrate a pattern of targeting U.S. citizens or other Western interests.

There have been isolated residential break-ins throughout Muscat. These do not appear to be part of larger organized criminality. Criminals target homes due to the opportunity the house poses.

A continued reduction in oil prices, revised government labor laws, and COVID-19 related economic challenges could result in higher levels of unemployment and displacement of foreign workers, which could potentially cause an increase in opportunistic, financially motivated crime.

Crime: Areas of Concern

There are no areas of the country more susceptible to criminality than others.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

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Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Oman. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

Kidnapping is not a major threat in Oman.

Drug Crime

Drugs are illegal in Oman, but drug use and drug-related crime remain issues. To combat illegal narcotics, the Royal Oman (ROP) upgraded its counter-narcotics section from a Directorate to a General Directorate, which made more resources available for enforcement. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe; convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information. Terrorism Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Muscat as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Oman, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Oman.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2020 ranks Oman 135 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having no impact from terrorism.

Terrorism: General Threat

Oman is an important regional counterterrorism partner and works actively to prevent terrorists from conducting attacks within the country, using it as a safe haven, or using it as a transit point for weapons and materiel. There are no domestic terrorist groups known to operate in Oman. There have been no instances in which U.S. citizens or facilities in Oman have been subject to terrorist attacks.

The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the region by known terrorist groups or “lone wolf” attacks by individuals sympathetic to terrorist causes. Treat mail or packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. Leave unusual mail or packages unopened, and report them to local authorities. Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Muscat as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Elections/Political Stability

The Sultanate of Oman is a hereditary monarchy, and the sultan has sole authority to enact laws through royal decree. Oman’s bicameral parliament is composed of the Majlis al-Dawla (upper house or State Council), whose 85 members are appointed by the sultan, and the elected 86-member Majlis al-Shura (lower house or Consultative Council). In 2019, nearly 350,000 citizens participated in the Majlis al-Shura

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elections for the Consultative Council; there were no notable claims of improper government interference. Organized political parties are prohibited in Oman.

Protest & Demonstration Activity

Spontaneous and/or planned public demonstrations can take place in response to world events or local developments. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful have the potential to escalate into violence. Those in Oman should remain attuned to readily available English and/or Arabic-language media outlets and avoid public demonstrations. There were no reported large or violent protests in 2020. In May 2021, Oman experienced rare protests in and Salah over job layoffs and poor economic conditions. There was some violence between demonstrators and security forces. These scattered demonstrations did not extend beyond May.

For more information, review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest. Concerns: Security Agencies

The Royal Office, ROP, Internal Security Service, and Defense Ministry comprise the security apparatus. There were no reports that members of the security forces have committed abuses.

• The Royal Office is responsible for matters of foreign intelligence and security. • The ROP, which includes Civil Defense, Immigration, Customs, and the Coast Guard, performs regular police duties as well as many administrative functions more similar to an Interior Ministry in other countries. The ROP maintains a Regional Police Headquarters within each of Oman’s 11 governorates, with subordinate police stations located at the wilayat (provincial) level. An inspector general serves as the head of the ROP, which is a ministerial-level position that reports directly to the sultan. • Formerly under the Royal Office, the Internal Security Service is now an independent body headed by an official with ministerial-level rank. The Internal Security Service investigates matters related to domestic security. • Sultan Haitham appointed his brother as deputy prime minister for defense affairs, although the sultan remains the supreme commander of the armed forces. The sultan, as well as the senior civilian and military authorities who reported to him, maintained effective control over the security forces.

Police Response

The ROP is a capable and well-equipped police force. It rarely provides the U.S. Embassy specific details regarding local criminal or investigative matters, unless they relate directly to the U.S. Embassy.

While some countries will automatically notify the Consular section of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested, that may not always be the case in Oman. Anyone arrested may have limited opportunities to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance; do not consider it an automatic process. To ensure that the U.S. Government is aware of your arrest or detention, request that Omani police and prison officials notify the U.S. Embassy immediately after arrest or detention. For Consular assistance in Oman, contact +968 2464-3400 or [email protected].

Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

The emergency line in Oman is 9999. For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

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Transportation Security

Road Safety

Call the ROP at 9999 for all traffic-related emergencies.

Road conditions, lighting, and traffic safety in cities and on major highways in populated areas are good. The condition of rural roads varies from good to poor. Travel between cities, especially at night, may be dangerous because of poor lighting, weather conditions (rain can wash out roadways), wandering livestock, pedestrians crossing highways, slow-moving cargo vehicles, and speeding drivers.

Police generally enforce traffic laws; the consequences for violating them may be severe by U.S. standards. For example, running a red light results in mandatory detention without bail for 48 hours, followed by confiscation of the offender’s license, vehicle registration, and car registration plate until the judicial process concludes, which may take several months.

Other common traffic violations that carry strict penalties, up to and including jail sentences, fines, and/or deportation, to include driving without a license; driving under the influence of alcohol; failure to wear a seat belt; talking on cellular telephones (other than using hands-free technology) while driving; speeding excessively; overtaking (passing) another vehicle from the right lane vs. the left lane; screeching a car’s tires; or failing to keep one’s car clean.

Roadway monitoring in Oman includes traffic light and speed-detection cameras. In the event of a traffic violation and fine, cooperate with police officers, remain respectful, and do not attempt to pay or negotiate payment during a traffic stop.

Those considering driving should familiarize themselves with police procedures for handling road and traffic accidents to reduce traffic jams. These procedures are available on the ROP website under “Minor Road Traffic Accidents.” Minor accidents are those causing minor damage to one or more vehicles that do not result in injuries, deaths, or material damage to public/private property. Parties involved in accidents in Muscat should immediately move their vehicles to the side of the road. Those involved in accidents outside the Muscat area should not move their vehicles from the accident location until the ROP gives them permission; police may interpret moving a vehicle as an admission of guilt.

Traffic circles are ubiquitous. The driver on the inside lane generally has priority. A driver flashing high beams is generally asking for a chance to pass. Turning right on a red traffic signal is illegal.

Do not drive without a valid license. Short-term visitors in possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license may drive rental vehicles, but residents must have an Omani driver’s license. Residents may insure their vehicles outside the Sultanate; however, they must purchase local third-party liability insurance.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

For more information, review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Safety

Public transportation is generally safe. Many women avoid public shared vans. Taxis, minivans, and small buses may swerve suddenly to the side of the road without signaling to pick up passengers with little regard for other vehicles. Many persons patronizing taxis negotiate rates for transportation prior to embarking to avoid disagreements for payment at conclusion of the trip.

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For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Aviation Concerns

All airports in Oman adhere to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines on safety and security.

Maritime Security

Western-linked ships have been the subject of maritime harassment at the hands of Iranian security forces and Iran-backed proxy forces in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. The maritime attacks against Western-linked ships began a year after the U.S. withdrew from the U.S.-Iran nuclear agreement.

Consult with the Stable Seas Maritime Security Index for detailed information and ratings regarding rule of law, law enforcement, piracy, and other maritime security indicators. Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

Although Oman is a relatively safe environment, exercise personal security while traveling alone at night.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

Women travelers are more likely to be affected by actions taken due to religious and cultural beliefs, and may face greater obstacles, especially when travelling or living alone.

The law criminalizes rape with penalties of up to 15 years in prison. The law does not criminalize spousal rape explicitly, but it does criminalize all “sex without consent.” The government generally enforces the law when individuals report cases. Foreign nationals working as domestic employees occasionally report that their sponsors have sexually assaulted them. According to diplomatic observers, police investigations result in few rape convictions.

The law does not specifically address domestic violence, and judicial protection orders prohibiting domestic violence do not exist. Charges could be brought, however, under existing statutes outlawing assault, battery, and aggravated assault, which can carry a maximum sentence of three years in prison. Allegations of spousal abuse in civil courts handling family law cases reportedly were common. Victims of domestic violence may file a complaint with police, and reports suggested that police responded promptly and professionally. The government operates a hotline at 1100 for reporting incidents of domestic violence, and a shelter for victims.

The law prohibits gender-based discrimination, but the government does not appear to enforce the law effectively. Local interpretations of Islamic law and practice of cultural traditions in social and legal institutions discriminate against women. In some personal status cases, such as divorce, a woman’s testimony is equal to half that of a man. The law favors male heirs in adjudicating inheritance.

Despite legal protections for women from forced marriage, deeply embedded tribal practices ultimately compel most citizen women towards or away from a choice of spouse.

Consider composite scores given to Oman by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Oman, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

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Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

The penal code criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual conduct with a jail term of six months to three years, but it requires a spouse or guardian complaint to initiate prosecution. The government does not actively enforce this law. Advocating for LGBTI+ rights is illegal.

The penal code identifies “crossdressing” (defined as males dressing in female clothing) as a criminal act punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment.

Public discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity remains a social taboo. There are no known LGBTI+ organizations active in the country, although regional human rights organizations focus on the human rights of LGBTI+ individuals. Authorities take steps to block LGBTI-related internet content.

Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

Public transportation is generally inaccessible to those with disabilities. Handicapped parking spaces are scarce. Most medical facilities and public buildings in cities have wheelchair ramps and elevators. Outside of urban areas, access is greatly reduced. Omanis will generally try to accommodate reasonable requests for assistance.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

Omani law declares Islam to be the state religion, but prohibits discrimination based on religion and protects the right of individuals to practice other religions as long as doing so does not “disrupt public order or contradict morals.” According to the law, offending Islam or any other Abrahamic religion is a criminal offense. There is no provision of the law specifically addressing apostasy, conversion, or renunciation of religious belief. Proselytizing in public is illegal. All religious organizations must register with the government.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith- based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Instances of anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment in Oman are rare.

Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency

The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, and the government generally implements these laws effectively. There have been reports of government corruption, including in the police, ministries, and state-owned companies. Political and social favoritism are widespread in public and private institutions.

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The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention. The government generally observes these requirements. Persons arrested or detained are entitled to challenge the legal basis of their detention in court.

The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Oman 49 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.

Communication Issues

The law permits the Information Ministry to review all media products, including books produced within or imported into the country. Headlines in both public and private media print outlets are subject to an official nontransparent review and approval process before publication. Journalists and writers often exercise self-censorship. Authorities tolerate limited criticism in privately owned newspapers and magazines, but editorials generally are consistent with government views. Although mainstream social debate occurs in traditional and social media (especially on Twitter), the government- and privately-owned radio and television stations generally do not broadcast political material criticizing the government. Some journalists report harassment by high-level government officials for printing stories perceived as critical of their particular ministries.

The law restricts free speech exercised via the internet, and the government enforces these restrictions. The law allows authorities to prosecute individuals for any message that “violates public order and morals” sent via any medium. Omani law prohibits criticism of the sultan in any form or medium, as well as any “provocative propaganda to undermine the prestige of the state,” electronic communication that “might prejudice the public order or religious values,” and “defamation of character.” Therefore, it is illegal to insult any public official or private citizen.

Courts issue fines and prison sentences and order the confiscation of several individuals’ phones for disseminating rumors and messages violating public order, the Supreme Committee on COVID-19 announced in April.

Authorities reportedly used intimidation to discourage some activists from calling for reforms or writing about the country’s political situation following the death of Sultan Qaboos. According to one report, one activist living in exile said that he and members of his family in Oman received threats from Omani officials, who instructed his family to refrain from posting anything on social media.

Authorities monitor the activities of telecommunications service providers and oblige them to block access to numerous websites considered pornographic, or culturally or politically sensitive. Authorities sometimes block blogs as well as most voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technologies, but in March, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) lifted its ban on VoIPs such as Skype, Google Meet, Zoom, and WebEx during what the TRA called the “exceptional period” of COVID-19.

Social media users exercise self-censorship and share warnings exhorting users to follow local laws and regulations.

The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Oman 133 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report rates Oman’s internet freedom as Not Ranked, and its Freedom in the World report rates Oman’s freedom of speech as Not Free.

Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad.

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Health Concerns

Emergency Health Services

Modern medical facilities and Western-style pharmacies are available. Local medical treatment varies from average to inadequate, depending on location. Hospital emergency treatment is available.

Ambulance service is generally adequate, with varying response times, and operates throughout most of the country. Go to the nearest hospital or clinic yourself, when possible.

Consider purchasing travel insurance, including medical evacuation (medevac) coverage. Many hospitals may not accept international travel insurance and will require payment up front. Most major hospitals accept common credit cards.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Oman, indicating that Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that temporarily disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccinations are required if you are coming from a country with yellow fever outbreaks.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Oman to ensure the medication is legal.

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Water Quality

Tap water from modern facilities in Muscat is potable. If you are unsure of the quality of the water source, drink bottled water.

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

Severe weather conditions, such as cyclones and flash floods, average one or two occurrences per year. Infrequent inclement weather, including rain and sandstorms, can cause traffic delays, flooding, and accidents.

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Oman’s approximately 1,300-kilometer eastern coastline borders the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Tidal currents between the calmer Gulf of Oman and the larger, more turbulent Arabian Sea cause strong rip tides; undertows make swimming in open water dangerous. Public beaches in naturally occurring alcoves along Oman’s coast tend to offer safer swimming conditions than areas with direct exposure to the Arabian Sea. Oman does not post lifeguards, nor does it post signs warning of dangerous sea conditions. Cybersecurity Concerns

Cybercrime is on the rise due to common scams requesting money upfront for promised services or chances to obtain more money with a down payment. There have also been reports of ATM/credit card fraud. Additionally, the Omani security services have reported an increase in WhatsApp message scams that attempt to blackmail the recipient.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage. Counterintelligence Issues

Omani security agencies maintain a robust ability to control and remotely monitor mobile phones and internet. Omani telecommunications agencies actively block websites (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and others, including pornographic sites) that the government views as inappropriate. In March, the TRA lifted its ban on VoIPs such as Skype, Google Meet, Zoom, and WebEx during what the TRA called the “exceptional period” of COVID-19. While many individuals use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to circumvent restrictions, these too occasionally encounter interference. Other Security Concerns

Landmines

There are no known landmine issues in Oman.

Import/Export Restrictions

Any items construed as intelligence-gathering equipment, military gear, or electronics that are not off-the- shelf commercial items run the risk of confiscation. In all reported cases, the items were eventually released to their owners.

A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Photography

Photography of government and military installations is not permitted in Oman. Omani law prohibits the photography and online publishing of individuals without their consent.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

ID Requirements

Protect passports and keep them in safe and secure locations. If a passport is lost or stolen, the government of Oman requires the victim to advertise the loss in local newspapers before it will issue a replacement visa.

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Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Omani critical infrastructure is fairly developed. The government can shut down all telecommunications should it deem doing so necessary for national security. OSAC Country Chapters

Muscat has an active OSAC Country Chapter. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa team with any questions. Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy: Jamiat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair Area (Shatti Al-Qurum), Muscat

Mailing address: PO Box 202, Medinat Al Sultan Qaboos 115

Embassy Operator: +968-2464-3400

Emergency calls after normal business hours: +968-2464-3555

Hours of Operation: 0800-1700, Sunday to Thursday. Routine American Citizens Services are available by appointment every Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Trustworthy News Sources

• Oman Daily Observer • Al Shabiba • Muscat Daily • Times of Oman Other Helpful Info

• State Department Country Information • OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Travelers Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) • How OSAC Analysts Can Benefit Your Global Security Operations

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