MUSCAT : The Guiding Manual for Cash Declaration by Oman Customs reminds travellers and businesses about the legal requirement to declare cash, negotiable bearer instruments, and gold when entering, leaving, or transiting through the Sultanate. Failure to comply can result in fines, imprisonment, or both, under the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Law.

As per the guide, every individual entering or leaving the Sultanate must declare cash or equivalent financial instruments to the Customs Authority if the total value meets or exceeds the set threshold.

The mandatory declaration limit, set by the National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, is RO 6,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. This threshold also applies to precious metals like gold, whether manufactured or in bullion form.

As global financial markets become increasingly interconnected, Oman Customs emphasises the importance of regulating the movement of cash and precious metals across its borders to prevent financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorist financing.

According to Article 53 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Law (Royal Decree No. 30/2016) and Decision No. 1/2017 by the National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering, any person carrying currency or negotiable bearer instruments valued at RO 6,000 or more – or arranging their transfer into or out of Oman – must declare them to the Customs Authority.

Declaration Requirements:

• Incoming Funds: Travelers or entities must provide official documents, customs declarations, invoices for proceeds from goods, bank statements, commercial registration (if applicable), and a certified power of attorney for third-party funds. Import customs declarations are required for legal entities.

• Outgoing Funds: Similar documentation applies for funds leaving Oman, with export customs declarations required for legal entities.

• Transit Funds: Cash in transit must be carried in a dedicated bag, accompanied by official documents, transit customs declarations, bank statements, commercial registration, travel tickets matching the flight schedule, and certified powers of attorney for third-party funds.

Gold, whether in manufactured or bullion form, must also be declared if its value exceeds RO 6,000, with a customs statement issued upon completion.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

Under Article 98 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Law, failing to declare or providing false information can result in:

• Imprisonment for up to three years, a fine not exceeding RO 10,000, or both.

• For legal entities, a minimum fine of RO 10,000, with additional confiscation of funds involved in the violation.

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