Oman – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Oman?

Before you can drive away in a hire car in Oman, you must satisfy a combination of age, licence, and payment conditions. These vary to some degree between providers, so it pays to review the terms of your specific booking carefully. The definitive authority on road regulations and licensing in the country is the Royal Oman Police (ROP), which administers traffic law throughout the Sultanate.

Minimum age: At many of the principal rental companies in Oman, the minimum age to take out a hire car is 21, on the condition that the applicant has held their licence for at least twelve months. A young driver surcharge is applied to anyone below the age of 25. The upper age limit for rentals typically falls between 70 and 75, depending on the company. Age thresholds vary between operators, so always confirm the exact requirements with the provider you intend to use when making your booking.

Licence: Every driver must produce a valid driving licence, photographic identification, and a credit card to process the transaction. If your licence is printed in a script other than Latin or Arabic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is compulsory, and you must carry your original national licence alongside it at all times.

Credit card: A credit card carrying sufficient available credit to cover the security deposit is essential, as most rental companies will not accept debit cards for this purpose. Both the deposit and an estimate of the total rental cost are typically held at the point of collection. One leading operator sets a deposit of OMR 150 across all vehicle categories (as of 2025); confirm the amount applicable to your booking before you travel.

Additional documents: Some agencies may request that tourists produce a return ticket to verify the intended duration of the rental. Should you be stopped by police while driving, a valid Oman visa may be required. Always keep your insurance certificate, vehicle documentation, and passport with you whenever you are behind the wheel.

Which major car rental companies operate in Oman, and where can I find them?

Oman’s car hire market is mature and well-served, with global chains operating alongside respected local and regional providers. Rental facilities are available at all three of the country’s main international airports: Muscat International Airport (MCT) in the capital, Salalah International Airport (SLL) in the south, and Duqm International Airport (KHS) on the eastern coast.

The following major companies operate in Oman:

• Sixt — Sixt has branches conveniently positioned at airports and city-centre locations in both Muscat and Salalah. Book at sixt.com.
• Hertz — Operates a counter at Muscat Airport. Book at hertz.com.
• Enterprise — Enterprise Rent-A-Car maintains airport branches at Muscat, Salalah, and Duqm. Book at enterprise.com.
• Europcar — Has a presence at Muscat Airport. Book at europcar.com.
• Avis — A multinational operator with branches across Oman. Book at avis.com.

Beyond the international names, local and regional operators are well worth considering. NAB Rent a Car, based in Muscat, offers competitive rates and a straightforward rental experience at Muscat Airport and popular tourist destinations around the country. Visit nabrentacar.com. Mersad Car Rental covers both short- and long-term hire needs, with daily, weekly, and monthly arrangements available and a vehicle range spanning economy cars through to SUVs and luxury models. Visit mersadcarrental.com. Smaller local companies can also offer greater flexibility when it comes to deposit arrangements and accepted payment methods compared with the global chains.

At Muscat Seeb Airport, around 15 well-known companies operate around the clock and maintain emergency contact lines for customer assistance. Reserving a vehicle in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during busy travel periods, to guarantee both vehicle availability and the most favourable rates.

How does car rental pricing work in Oman, and what should I watch out for?

With hire car rates that are relatively modest and petrol prices that rank among the cheapest on the planet, Oman is an outstanding destination for a road trip. Rental pricing is typically built around a daily or weekly base rate, with additional charges layered on for insurance products, optional extras, and cross-border permissions where applicable.

Fuel policy: The fuel arrangement applying to your rental will depend on the specific product and country of hire, so read the terms carefully at the time of booking. Most vehicles are handed over with a full tank. The standard practice is a full-to-full policy — you collect a full tank and are expected to return the car with an equally full tank. Bringing the vehicle back with less fuel than it left with will usually trigger a refuelling fee, often charged at a rate considerably higher than standard forecourt prices. Stopping at a petrol station before returning the car is the simplest way to avoid this cost.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): In Oman, a standard Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is typically bundled into the headline rental price, providing cover for damage attributable to a third party. Depending on where you are going and what you plan to do, it is worth discussing additional cover options with the rental agency. Unlike practices in some European or North American markets where CDW is almost always sold separately, it is commonly included in the base rate in Oman — though this should not deter you from carefully reading the excess clause, which defines the sum you remain responsible for in the event of a claim.

One-way rentals: Certain operators permit one-way rentals between their branches within Oman, though this depends on the applicable rate plan. A one-way journey from Muscat to Salalah — roughly ten hours’ drive apart — is one route that some companies accommodate. One-way fees can add substantially to the overall cost, so compare them carefully before finalising your booking.

Cross-border driving: Permission to drive a hire car across an international border is not automatic. Some operators restrict their Oman fleet to the UAE as the only permitted destination beyond Oman’s borders, and written authorisation from the rental branch is required, with a supplementary fee payable. Review your rental agreement in detail before assuming that any border crossing is permitted.

Deposits and payment: Most major operators require a credit card — widely accepted brands are standard, but prepaid and debit cards are generally not accepted for the deposit. If you encounter a billing dispute, the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the consumer protection arm of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion can advise on renters’ rights in Oman.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Oman?

Whether or not you need an IDP to drive in Oman is one of the questions most frequently raised by people preparing for a trip, and the answer depends on both the type of licence you hold and the particular requirements of your rental company. The most authoritative guidance on this point comes from the Royal Oman Police, the body responsible for licensing and road regulation across the Sultanate.

According to the Royal Oman Police (ROP), an International Driving Licence is not formally compulsory for every visitor. However, most car hire companies will ask for a valid IDP alongside your national licence when you arrive to collect the vehicle as a tourist. Some agencies will accept a foreign licence alone — but to be on the safe side, travelling with an IDP is strongly advisable.

An IDP becomes a specific legal requirement when your driving licence is issued in a script other than Latin or Arabic. Licences from countries that use Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Cyrillic, or other non-Latin, non-Arabic scripts fall into this category. In these cases, the IDP serves as an official translation of your licence and must be carried alongside the original document at all times.

Nationals of European Union countries and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states generally do not need an international licence for their first six months in Oman. That said, individual rental companies are free to impose stricter documentation requirements than the law mandates, so always contact your chosen provider ahead of travel to confirm what they require.

Regardless of whether an IDP is strictly necessary for your circumstances, obtaining one from your national automobile association before you leave home is a sensible precaution. Having it to hand eliminates any ambiguity at the rental counter and provides important supporting documentation in the event of a traffic stop or accident — insurers may seek to contest a claim if any required paperwork is absent. Always verify the current position with the Royal Oman Police website and your rental company before departure, as requirements can be updated.

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Oman?

Driving in Oman is widely regarded as one of the more enjoyable motoring experiences in the region. The infrastructure is of a high standard across the majority of the country, road signs include Latin script alongside Arabic, and traffic volumes outside Muscat are generally light enough to make navigation relaxed and straightforward.

Side of road and speed limits: In Oman, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. Drivers accustomed to left-hand traffic — such as those from the UK, Ireland, Japan, or Australia — should exercise particular care at roundabouts and when pulling out of side streets. Within built-up areas, speed limits range from 40 to 80 km/h; on rural roads the limit is 90 km/h; and the maximum permitted speed on highways is 120 km/h.

Speed cameras and enforcement: Fixed speed cameras are a common feature on Omani highways, and mobile units operated by police officers are also deployed. Visitors should familiarise themselves with local traffic regulations, as the authorities enforce them rigorously. One rule that admits no exceptions is the complete prohibition on driving after consuming any alcohol whatsoever — unlike some countries that permit a small blood alcohol level, Oman operates a total zero-tolerance policy.

Highway driving culture: As in neighbouring UAE, motorists in Oman tend to travel at speed on highways. The left lane is reserved for overtaking, and drivers who wish to pass will typically signal by flashing their headlights repeatedly. On receiving this signal, you should complete your overtake and move back to the right lane promptly.

Off-road and mountainous terrain: Oman’s landscapes encompass dramatic coastlines, rugged mountain ranges, and vast desert expanses — all of which require different driving skills and equipment. Destinations such as Jebel Akhdar, Jebel Shams, and many of the famous wadis (gorges) demand a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle. While remote tracks are sometimes passable, conditions can change and surfaces vary enormously. If your plans include any off-road exploration, book a suitable 4WD and check explicitly that your insurance extends to off-road use before setting out.

Parking: Paid parking is the norm in larger towns, cities, and popular tourist areas. Payment can typically be made through a dedicated mobile application or by sending an SMS containing your vehicle registration number and the desired duration — the charge is then billed directly to your mobile account. Parking is prohibited on pedestrian crossings, bridges, inside tunnels, and at road corners.

Navigation: Road signs throughout Oman are displayed in both Arabic and Latin lettering, making independent navigation straightforward. GPS applications and mobile data work well in and around major urban centres. Fuel is inexpensive and filling stations are plentiful on main routes, but it is worth downloading offline maps before venturing into remote regions where mobile signal can become unreliable.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Oman?

Taking time to understand precisely what your rental insurance covers — and, equally importantly, what it excludes — is an essential step before you collect the keys. Oman’s rental insurance framework broadly mirrors conventions common elsewhere in the Middle East, but there are local nuances that every driver should know about.

Standard cover: A standard Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is generally included in the total rental price when hiring a car in Oman, providing cover for damage caused by a third party. This is broadly comparable to the third-party liability element built into standard European hire agreements. However, virtually all CDW policies carry an excess — a defined figure representing the maximum amount you can be held personally responsible for in any single damage claim. Make sure you know this figure before signing the agreement.

Optional upgrades: Most operators offer a Super CDW or excess waiver product that reduces or eliminates your personal liability for that excess amount. At the very least, third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement; comprehensive cover is advisable, particularly for newer or higher-value vehicles. It is worth noting that third-party liability protects other road users and their property, but provides no cover for damage sustained by your own rental vehicle.

What is typically not covered: Standard CDW arrangements in Oman commonly exclude damage to tyres, the windscreen, the vehicle’s underside, and its interior. Damage resulting from off-road driving is also routinely excluded unless you have purchased a specific off-road extension — an especially important point given the popularity of Oman’s desert and wadi driving routes. Scrutinise the exclusions section of your rental agreement before you drive away.

Credit card insurance: Certain internationally issued credit cards include rental car excess protection as part of their benefits package. However, coverage for rentals in Oman is not guaranteed under these arrangements, and the definition of “excess” used by the card issuer may not align with that in your rental contract. Confirm your coverage directly with the card provider before relying on it, and ask the rental company whether they recognise such card-based insurance.

In an accident: If you are involved in a significant road traffic accident, you must remain at the scene and contact the Royal Oman Police on 9999. Do not move the vehicle until the police have authorised you to do so, as this can have serious implications for your insurance claim. Driving without the correct documentation and subsequently having an accident can entitle the insurer to decline the claim on the basis that you were technically not licensed to drive.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Oman?

The licensing rules that apply to you in Oman depend heavily on whether you are in the country as a short-term visitor or as a long-term resident. Understanding the distinction is vital — not only for legal compliance, but for ensuring that your insurance remains valid throughout.

Short-term visitors: Provided you hold a visit visa, you are entitled to drive in Oman for a period of up to three months using your home country licence. Carrying an IDP alongside your national licence is strongly recommended both for reassurance and to meet the documentation requirements of most hire companies.

Residents must obtain an Omani licence: Anyone who takes up residency in Oman is required to obtain an Omani driving licence. The entitlement to drive on a foreign licence is a privilege extended to short-term visitors only and ceases to apply once you are resident in the country. Individuals in the process of applying for a residence visa may continue to use an international driving licence during that period, but once the residence visa is granted, switching to an Omani licence becomes mandatory.

Licence conversion: Citizens of certain nations — including the United States, the United Kingdom, and several EU member states — are eligible to convert their existing foreign licence to an Omani one without having to sit a full driving test. GCC nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are similarly entitled to convert their licences directly. Contact the Royal Oman Police (ROP) to confirm which nationalities qualify for this streamlined process. Applicants from countries not included on the recognised list will generally be required to pass both a theory examination and a practical driving test.

Licence validity for residents: The Royal Oman Police has confirmed that a driving licence issued by the Omani authorities remains valid until its stated expiry date, regardless of any subsequent change in the holder’s residency status. Expatriates can return to the ROP Directorate of Traffic to renew their licence without retaking the driving examination.

For current and authoritative guidance on licence conversion procedures, residency requirements, and the full list of eligible countries, consult the Royal Oman Police directly. This is an area where rules have changed in recent years and may continue to evolve — do not rely on outdated or third-party information alone.

Renting as a resident: Once you hold a valid Omani driving licence, the car hire process for residents is essentially the same as for any other customer. You will need your Omani licence, your residency card, a credit card to cover the deposit, and to satisfy the minimum age requirements. Both local and international operators offer long-term and monthly hire packages suited to residents, expatriates, and corporate clients requiring a vehicle for an extended period.

How do I rent a car in Oman step by step?

1. Check your licence: Confirm whether your home country licence is valid in Oman and whether you need an IDP. If your licence is not in Arabic or Latin script, obtain an IDP from your home country automobile association before departure. Verify current requirements with the Royal Oman Police.
2. Choose a rental company: Compare rates across international operators (Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise, Europcar, Avis) and local firms (NAB, Mersad). Use a comparison platform or book directly via the company’s website. Book in advance, especially for peak periods.
3. Select the right vehicle: Think carefully about your planned itinerary. If you intend to visit wadis, mountain areas, or desert regions, opt for a 4WD or SUV. For city and main highway use, a standard saloon will be perfectly adequate.
4. Review the insurance options: Find out the excess figure on the standard CDW and decide whether purchasing a Super CDW or excess waiver makes sense for your trip. If you are planning to rely on credit card insurance, verify with your card issuer that cover extends to rentals in Oman before you travel.
5. Prepare your documents: Assemble your valid driving licence, IDP (if required), passport with a valid Oman visa, and a major credit card in your own name. Note that some rental companies additionally request a return flight ticket.
6. Collect the vehicle: At the rental counter, examine the car thoroughly before accepting the keys. Record all pre-existing damage on the rental agreement or capture it with time-stamped photographs. Confirm the current fuel level and clarify the fuel policy in force — typically full-to-full.
7. Drive safely and within the law: Keep all documentation in the vehicle at all times, respect Oman’s posted speed limits, observe the zero-alcohol rule absolutely, and load a reliable offline map application for use in remote areas where mobile signal can be patchy.
8. Return the vehicle: Refuel the tank to the level specified in your agreement before returning the car. Carry out a joint inspection with a rental agent and obtain written confirmation that no new damage has been identified.

Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Oman

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Oman?

At a number of the larger hire companies operating in Oman, the minimum permitted rental age is 21, provided the applicant has held their licence for at least one year. A young driver surcharge is levied on anyone below the age of 25. Many agencies express a preference for drivers aged 25 and over, and while some will rent to those aged between 21 and 24, additional charges may apply in the event of an incident. Always confirm the specific age requirements and any associated surcharges directly with your chosen company, as of 2025.

Can I drive in Oman with just my home country driving licence?

Visitors are permitted to drive using a valid home country licence for up to three months. An IDP is legally required if your licence is not printed in the Latin or Arabic alphabet. Regardless of the script on your licence, many hire companies request an IDP as standard, so bringing one is strongly recommended. Verify current requirements with the Royal Oman Police before you depart.

What happens if I have a road accident in a rental car in Oman?

Following any serious road traffic accident, you are legally obliged to remain at the scene and call the Royal Oman Police on 9999. The vehicle must not be moved until the police have given you permission to do so, as moving it prematurely can prejudice both the legal outcome and any insurance claim. Contact your rental company as soon as practicable and follow the procedures set out in your rental agreement. Visitors should also be aware that all outstanding traffic fines must be settled before leaving the country.

Can I take a rental car across the Oman border into another country?

Driving a hire car across an international border requires explicit written authorisation from your rental company and is far from universally permitted. Where cross-border travel is allowed, it is typically restricted to the UAE, and a supplementary fee plus written approval from the rental branch is required in all cases. Oman enforces strict requirements around cross-border vehicle movements, and the vehicle must be shown to be properly authorised and insured for entry. Always confirm cross-border permissions at the time of booking and never assume they are included automatically.

What fuel policy should I expect when renting a car in Oman?

The predominant arrangement is a full-to-full fuel policy: the vehicle is provided with a full tank and must be returned with the tank filled to the same level. Specific fuel terms can vary depending on the type of rental and the operator selected, so review these conditions before finalising your booking. Returning the car with less fuel than it contained when collected will result in a refuelling charge, typically applied at a rate substantially above what you would pay at a petrol station. Topping up before handing the car back is the simplest way to avoid this expense.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle for driving in Oman?

Public transport connections in Oman are largely confined to routes between major urban centres, and many of the country’s finest attractions — including its wadis, beaches, mountain passes, and desert expanses — are accessible only by private vehicle. For travel along principal highways and within towns and cities, a conventional saloon car is entirely suitable. However, for off-road excursions — whether into the Wahiba Sands, along mountain tracks leading to Jebel Shams, or through wadi terrain — a 4WD vehicle is strongly advisable and in some cases indispensable. Always confirm that your insurance policy covers off-road driving before you venture off-piste.

How long can an expat resident drive on a foreign licence in Oman?

Holders of a visit visa are entitled to drive on a foreign licence for up to three months, or 90 days with a valid IDP. Once you become resident in Oman, however, a foreign licence is no longer sufficient and you must obtain an Omani driving licence. Always verify the current residency threshold and the list of countries eligible for direct licence conversion with the Royal Oman Police, as the rules in this area can change.

Is it safe to drive in Oman at night or in remote areas?

Oman consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, and driving there is generally a reassuring experience for foreign visitors. Nevertheless, extra care is warranted when travelling through remote areas after dark — roads may be unlit, and camels or other animals straying onto the carriageway represent a genuine hazard, particularly on desert routes. Download offline maps before heading into areas with unreliable mobile coverage, carry an adequate supply of water, and make sure someone knows your planned route if you are venturing well off the beaten track.