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Oman Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A |
Sometimes |
| Malaria |
No |
| Rabies |
Sometimes |
| Tetanus |
Sometimes |
| Typhoid |
Sometimes |
| Yellow Fever |
No* |
Oman's healthcare system is modern and well-developed, with good facilities in Muscat and other major cities. The standard of medical care is generally high, and private hospitals and clinics are widely used by expatriates and visitors. Treatment must usually be paid for upfront, so comprehensive travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly advised.
Pharmacies are common in cities and towns and are well stocked with both local and international medicines, although some prescription drugs available in other countries may be restricted in Oman. Travellers should carry personal medications in their original packaging and bring a copy of the prescription. Bringing controlled medicines, such as strong painkillers or sedatives, may require prior approval from Omani authorities.
In rural areas, medical facilities are more limited, though emergency evacuation services are available. In the event of serious illness or injury, transfer to Muscat or repatriation may be necessary. Tap water is generally safe in cities but bottled water is widely available and preferred by most visitors.
Food hygiene standards in Oman are high, especially in hotels, resorts and reputable restaurants. Street food and small local eateries are usually safe if the food is freshly prepared and served hot. As a general rule, it is best to avoid undercooked meat or seafood and unpasteurised dairy products.
Tap water in Muscat and other major towns is treated and considered safe, but most visitors prefer to drink bottled or filtered water, which is inexpensive and widely available. Ice in hotels and restaurants is usually made from purified water, though in rural areas caution is advised. Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly or choose peeled varieties when eating outside urban centres.
In Oman's heat, staying hydrated is essential, so travellers should always carry water when sightseeing, hiking or driving long distances. Fresh fruit juices and laban (a salty yoghurt drink) are popular and safe choices for cooling off.
The most common health risk in Oman is heat-related illness. Temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F) during summer, so visitors should avoid strenuous outdoor activity in the middle of the day, wear light, breathable clothing, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.
Flash floods can occur suddenly in wadis and low-lying areas after heavy rain, even when skies are clear nearby. Travellers should never attempt to drive through flooded roads or riverbeds and should heed local weather warnings.
There is no significant risk from infectious tropical diseases or dangerous wildlife, though care should be taken when hiking in remote areas. Always wear sturdy shoes and be alert to rough terrain or loose rocks. Medical help is generally accessible in emergencies, especially along major travel routes.
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