Muscat: Oman has seen a significant uptick in tourists as yet another year comes to an end. To put the scope of tourism into perspective, according to official sources, Oman expects over seven lakh tourists from India this year, breaking the previous year’s record.

One key way to explore Oman’s natural beauty is via the road. If you have been a long-term resident of Oman, then you know the beauty of hopping in your car and going for a drive. But if you are a tourist, you often have to rely on a rental service or a private taxi to take you around. If you are unsure of the rules regarding driving a vehicle as a tourist in Oman, here’s how you can do that.

The Royal Oman Police released an official statement recently announcing that visitors holding valid driving licenses issued in their home countries are permitted to drive in Oman, subject to specific conditions.

The policy applies exclusively to visitors in Oman for tourism or transit purposes. The foreign or international driving license must remain valid for up to three months from the date of entry into the country. Additionally, international driving licenses recognized by Oman must be issued by official vehicle associations.

The IDL, also known as the International Driving Permit (IDP), is a United Nations-recognized translation of your national driving license. It ensures you can drive abroad without additional tests or permits, making travel smoother and more enjoyable. However, it’s crucial to carry both your IDL and your national license at all times to avoid fines or legal issues.

Before we go into the details of issuing a valid international driving license, we need to understand what can go wrong in this process. Speaking to sources in India regarding issuing an international driving license, if you were to do it yourself, the official government website would charge a fee of 1000 Indian rupees, where as private driving institutes charge upto 4000 Indian rupees. 

Some sources claimed that since they find the process of going to the government website tedious and frustrating because of the lack of optimisation, they often have to opt for an outside source to do it for them. 

Now, if you are in Oman and planning to travel abroad, here’s how to avail of your IDL.

To apply for an IDL in Oman, you must visit the Oman Automobile Association in Muscat or use convenient online options such as WhatsApp or email. Once processed, you or a representative can collect it from their reception. Post offices in Oman also facilitate applications, adding to the ease of access.

Documents required:

• Completed IDL Form
• Valid Residency and Omani ID
• Copy of Valid Omani Driving License
• Two recent passport-sized photos

The cost of an IDL is RO 19.500. With this permit, you can drive confidently and legally in multiple countries, unlocking countless road trip opportunities.

It is advisable to contact official channels to get your IDL rather than relying on alternative sources that might not even be legally authorised.

Now that you have ticked this off your checklist, it’s time to plan for your next road trip!