A comprehensive guide to driving from UAE to Oman by Car. Whether it’s for a quick escape during a long weekend or a short trip for a visa change, Oman has become a favorite destination for many UAE residents. Its proximity, straightforward visa process, and stunning landscapes make it an ideal road trip.
Here’s everything you need to know about travelling from dubai to Oman by car, including documents, routes, and entry costs.
Documents Required for Own Car from UAE to Oman
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Residents traveling from UAE to Oman need to carry the following documents:
1- Original passport.
2- Original visa or a copy of the e-visa (obtained online or at the border, subject to nationality).
3- Emirates ID.
4- Car registration card (mulkiya).
5- Orange card (car insurance valid in Oman).
6- An International Driving Permit might be required when renting a car in UAE as a tourist.
7- NOC certificate for a rental car or if you are driving a borrowed or leased car.
8- For vehicles registered in Dubai-Certificate to Use the Vehicle Outside the UAE for Tourism Purposes (UAE-expats only).
9- For UAE expats going from Dubai to Oman: UAE residency should be valid for at least 3 months and passport for at least 6 months after the visa issue date.
How to Get an Orange Card for Oman?
When driving from the UAE to Oman, it’s crucial to obtain an “orange card” from your insurance company. This card serves as a car insurance policy covering your vehicle while you’re in Oman. It is required when traveling in GAIF (General Arab Insurance Federation) countries, which include Oman.
If your car insurance policy already covers the Oman territory (many larger insurance providers do), you will receive the orange card free of charge. If not, you can request your insurance provider to include coverage for Oman and issue an orange card for an additional fee.
Important: Contact your car insurance company a few days before your trip to request the issuance of an orange card.
Good to know: When I request an orange card for my trips from Dubai to Muscat, I usually receive it via email the next day from my insurance company. However, sometimes you may need to collect it in person, and it might take a couple of days for the insurance company to issue the card. Therefore, it’s best to call your insurance company and inquire about the processing times and any associated costs.
Obtaining Oman Car Insurance at the UAE-Oman Border
If you’re driving from the UAE to Oman by road and forgot to obtain the orange card, don’t worry. You can get a car insurance policy that covers driving in Oman right at the border. The latest information indicates that this insurance costs 105 AED for a minimum of 5 days.
Important: The orange card purchased at the UAE-Oman border only covers damages caused by the insured to a third party in a foreign GAIF member country (including Oman). This means that any damages to your own car will not be covered.
Q: Can I Use My UAE License to Drive in Oman?
A: Yes, as a UAE resident, you can use your UAE driving license to drive in Oman.
Driving a Rental Car from Dubai to Oman
If you’re planning to drive a rental car from the UAE to Oman, you’ll need to ensure you have the following essential documents:
Required Documents for Driving a Rental Car from UAE to Oman:
1- Driver’s License:
The driver must be the same person who rented the car.
2- Car Registration Card (Mulkiya):
3- NOC Certificate:
Provided by the car rental company.
4- Car Insurance Policy:
Specifically for driving in Oman, issued by the car rental company.
Obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Before your trip, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your rental company. Contact your rental agency (whether through Discovercars, Rentalcars, or directly) at least 2-4 days ahead of your trip. The agency will require your driver’s license and passport copy to process the NOC and additional car insurance.
Important Note: Not all rental vehicles are permitted to be taken to Oman. Ensure your booked vehicle falls under the permitted category.
Car Insurance Policy for Oman
To drive in Oman, you must purchase an additional car insurance policy issued by your UAE rental company. Other car insurance policies will not be valid. Note that you cannot obtain Oman car insurance at the border for a rental car.
Cost of NOC and Additional Insurance
The cost for the NOC and additional insurance varies by rental company. For example, Avis charges:
1 to 3 days: 450 AED, plus 100 AED for each additional day
7 days: 750 AED, plus 100 AED for each additional day
1 month: 1500 AED, plus 100 AED for each additional day
You will receive the NOC certificate and insurance when you collect the rental car. Keep these documents handy to show at the border if requested.
Extra Costs and Mileage Cap for Rental Car from UAE to Oman
Most rentals in the UAE and Oman have a mileage cap of around 200-250 km/day, calculated over your rental period. Exceeding this allowance incurs an extra charge of around 1 AED per kilometer. Given that Oman is significantly larger than the UAE, it’s easy to exceed the mileage allowance when driving from Dubai to Oman.
Is an International License Valid in UAE and Oman?
Country of Residence: You must have a valid driving license issued in your country of residence, which should match the residency stated on your passport.
Do Tourists Need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to Drive in the UAE and Oman?
International Driving Permit (IDP): In many cases, tourists may be required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their original driving license. However, there are exemptions based on nationality.
Countries Exempt from IDP Requirement:
Tourists from the following countries do not need an IDP if their passport and driving license are issued from the same country:
1- GCC Countries:
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait
2- European Countries:
Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Slovakia, Finland, Spain, Netherlands, Greece, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, Turkey, Denmark, Portugal, Austria, France, United Kingdom, Norway, Romania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Serbia, Lithuania
3- Other Countries:
United States of America, Canada, Japan, Australia, Singapore, People’s Republic of China, South Korea, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Africa
4- For Nationals from Other Countries:
If your passport and driving license are not from the same country, or if you are from a country not listed above, you must hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your original driving license to drive in the UAE and Oman.
Route Options from Dubai to Oman by Car
Q: Can I Drive My Car from Dubai to Oman?
A: Absolutely! As a UAE resident, you are permitted to drive your own car from Dubai to Oman.
1- Hatta, Al Wajajah Border
For travelers from Dubai to Oman, the Hatta, Al Wajajah border is the most popular route. It’s direct and safe, typically taking 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. Located about 140km from Dubai, motorists should take the E102 route. This is also a prime route for those coming from Sharjah and other northern emirates via Mleiha Road.
2-From Mleiha Road to Oman, there are two options
E84 Exit:
This route goes towards Hatta, Fujairah, and Khorfakkan, ideal for those looking for a quicker journey.
Wadi Al Helo, Kalba Road:
This scenic route is perfect for those who want to enjoy mountainous landscapes and wadis.
3- Meyzad, Hafeet Border from Abu Dhabi to Oman
For residents of Abu Dhabi, the Meyzad, Hafeet border is the preferred option. It’s 180km from Abu Dhabi and 160km from Dubai. This route is also convenient for those in Al Ain and those heading towards southern Oman.
4- Dibba Border
If your destination is the stunning Musandam with its vibrant corals and clear waters, this route is ideal. It takes around 2 hours from Dubai, covering 146km. This border is open to expats without an Oman visa and visit visa holders, but they can only stay in the Dibba Musandam area. To explore Khasab town in Musandam, residents can use the Al Darrah border crossing from Ras Al Khaimah, just 35km away. However, an Oman visa is required for this route.
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UAE to Oman Checkpoints and Border Crossing
When taking the Hatta route from Dubai, you’ll see a ‘Leaving Hatta’ sign about 500 meters from the Oman border, indicating the first checkpoint. Here, UAE security personnel will ask for the car’s registration card and the passports of all passengers. An exit fee of Dh35 is required at this point.
Next, you will reach the Oman border for passport control. You may need to leave your car and enter the building for officials to stamp your passport and check your Emirates ID. Finally, at the last checkpoint in Oman, some vehicles might be inspected by officials.
Wrapping Up
Traveling to Oman by car from the UAE is a convenient and enjoyable experience with the right preparation. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and choose the route that best suits your journey. Enjoy the scenic drive and the beautiful landscapes of Oman.
