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|  | OMAN COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | The Sultanate of Oman occupies the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula with 1700km (1062 miles) of coastline stretching along the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Gulf. It is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west and the Republic of Yemen to the south. The United Arab Emirates lies to the northwest of Oman and to the east lies the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al Said ousted his father and has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world and has preserved a long-standing political and military relationship with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries. Oman is a middle-income economy in the Middle East with notable oil and gas resources, a substantial trade surplus, and low inflation. The government is privatizing its utilities and diversifying its economy to attract foreign investment. Oman continues to liberalize its markets and joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in November 2000. To reduce unemployment and limit dependence on foreign countries, the government is encouraging the replacement of expatriate workers with local people, i.e., Omanization. Training in information technology, business management, and English support this objective. Industrial development plans focus on gas resources, metal manufacturing, petrochemicals, and international transshipment ports. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map Server Travel-Island.com. | 
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|  | RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | Note
Entry into mosques is forbidden to non-Muslims.
Muscat
Oman's capital is divided into three main districts: Muscat, Mutrah and Ruwi. Muscat, the old walled port town, is dominated by the sultan's palace, buildings of the Royal Court and government offices. Two well preserved 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani, guard the entrance to Muscat, and the city walls contain three beautifully carved original gates. The town's old houses and narrow streets are overlooked by the hillside Mutrah Fort. The Ali Mosque and the New Mosque beside the sea add to the district's charm. Mutrah port is the capital's commercial centre and its fish market, souk and many bazaars are well worth visiting. Ruwi is the capital's business district and has excellent streets for shopping. The National Museum, featuring fine displays of Omani silverwork, and the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum, which outlines Omani history, are located here.
Salalah
The capital of the southern region is a city set amongst coconut groves and banana plantations, sprawled along sandy beaches that run the length of its plain. The lush vegetation makes Salalah seem almost tropical, particularly as it is one of the only places in the Arabian peninsular that catches the monsoon. The Al-Balid ruins, site of the ancient city of Zafar, are a major tourist attraction.
Sur
Situated in the northeastern province of Sharqiya, Sur is a seafaring town, a fishing village and a trading port all rolled into one. Famous for its traditional ship building, Sur started trading along the African coast as early as the sixth century. It is an old town with winding streets, carved wooden doors and old arabesque buildings. The nearby village of Tiwi is also worth a visit.
Sohar
There is a very large and functional souk (market) here full of tailors, fruit-sellers and fishermen. An imposing four-storey fort with six towers overlooks the bay.
Matrah-Muscat
Archaeological excavation of the tumuli at the site of Souks Bausharios is fascinating.
Nizwa
Now the main town in the interior province, with an immense palm oasis stretching for 13km (8 miles) along the course of two wadis, Nizwa had once been the country's capital during the sixth and seventh centuries. Famous for its gold and silver handicrafts, the centre of the town is dominated by the huge circular tower of one of Oman's oldest and largest forts.
Jabrin
The 17th-century fortified palace situated here is notable for its painted wooden ceilings and the splendid view across the desert to the mountains.
Bahla
Dating back to the third millennium BC, this ancient town has seven miles of ancient defensive walls and is a World Heritage Site. There is a good souk here and the town is known for its pottery. The picturesque village of Al Hamra can be found nearby.
Jebel Akhdar
Literally 'The Green Mountain', and rising to nearly 3000m (10,000 feet), Jebel Akhdar is noted for its date palm groves, valleys and terraced villages, including Bani Habib and Sharijah.
On the northern slopes of the Jebel Akhdar are the fortress of Al Hazm, built in 1708, and the oasis town of Rostaq, containing the tombs of Oman's early rulers. On the side of a deep wadi on the south slope of the Jebel Akhdar, sits Misfah, one of the most picturesque villages in Oman.
Qurum
Encapsulates Oman's archaeology, history and culture. The National Museum has a collection of silver, jewellery, weapons and ancient stone artefacts. From here dhows cruise along the palm-fringed coast and there are excellent fishing grounds and beaches. | | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
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