What crew need on the ground
Muscat is laid out as a line along the coast rather than around a centre, so every layover plan here is really a transport plan, and drink, dress and public conduct are all governed by law rather than by custom.
Taxis and the Mwasalat bus stand are both on Level 0 now; nothing walks from this airport.
Street taxis and apps are now the same system: five licensed platforms, fares set by ministerial decision.
Updated information about regional tensions following recent strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran ('Warnings and insurance' page).
Read the full advice at UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office →One district and the drive back, and only if you pick the near half of the city.
One district, properly, chosen before you land.
The full spread: the old port end and the newer western districts, with the road time between them budgeted rather than assumed.
The old port end: the corniche, the covered souq and Port Sultan Qaboos. The furthest of these districts from the airport.
Commercial and business district at the eastern end of the strip, and the site of the main city bus station.
Shopping and commercial area, with the beach and the mangrove nature reserve behind it.
Long public beach, hotels and an embassy concentration, with the Royal Opera House adjacent.
Ministries and offices, in Bawshar wilayat, and the nearest of the main districts to the airport.
Drink, dress and public conduct are all governed by law here, and vapes are illegal to import or use at all.
Tourists and visitors can buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues such as hotels, restaurants and clubs. The legal drinking age is 21. Drinking alcohol in public, being drunk in public and drink-driving are all offences.
It is illegal to import or use e-cigarettes or vape products in Oman. There are severe penalties for importing, trafficking, smuggling and possessing drugs, even residual amounts, and in some cases offenders could get the death penalty.
Clothing should cover the tops of your arms and legs below the knee, and underwear should not be visible. Do not wear swimming costumes or beachwear in public areas, except on tourist beaches or at swimming pools.
It is illegal to live with or share a hotel room with someone of the opposite sex if you are not married or closely related.
Do not photograph people without their permission, and it is illegal to photograph some government buildings and military sites. Flying a drone or other remote-controlled flying device without a valid licence, or in restricted airspace, is illegal. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public in daylight hours are forbidden for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, as is playing loud music, dancing or swearing in public.
Airport taxi services at Muscat International were relocated to Level 0, effective 7 December 2025. Follow the updated signs to the Taxi Services Counter and the new Taxi Station; taxis previously worked from the taxi area just outside the main terminal building on Level 1.
Getting out of the airport in fullThe traditional white and orange taxis have been integrated with licensed ride-hailing apps, in effect from 1 April 2025, extending from the airport rollout to those working at hotels, commercial centres and ports. The approved platforms are Oman Taxi, OTaxi, Marhaba, Hala and Tasleem, all operating under the Aber platform.
Ride-hailing in fullOmantel sells a Tourist SIM Pack, available from an Omantel outlet or partner with a valid passport. The Tourist SIM is valid for 30 days from SIM activation.
Staying connected in fullMuscat (Seeb) climate normals put June at a mean daily maximum of 40.0C and a mean daily minimum of 30.3C. July follows at 38.0C and 30.1C, August at 35.6C and 28.2C.
Weather in fullVAT is charged at a standard rate of 5% on most goods and services.
Eating near the crew hotels in fullVAT is 5%. Visitors, tourists and diplomats are still charged it on their taxable purchases, and can obtain a refund based on certain conditions specified in the Regulations, including the type of items eligible and a minimum value.
What to buy in fullNothing here on tipping in Muscat. Tell us what crew should know
Save the guide and its 7 sections now, and read them on the crew bus before you have a SIM.
Fares, timetables and rules change. Where a figure matters to your plan, the publisher above is the one to check.