Muscat – As travel activity surges during the summer holiday season, the Royal Oman Police (ROP), represented by the Directorate General of Customs, has urged citizens and residents to familiarise themselves with customs regulations before travelling to or from the sultanate to avoid legal violations and delays at border crossings.

The awareness campaign highlights a range of items whose import or export is prohibited under the GCC Unified Customs Law and Omani legislation. These include explosives, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, firearms and ammunition, military-style clothing and equipment, toy guns resembling real weapons, concealed weapons such as sword canes and disguised sharp objects, natural ivory, electric stun devices, and rifle scopes and night-vision equipment.

ROP stressed that carrying such items, even unintentionally, could result in confiscation, legal action or criminal penalties.

The campaign also explains the actions that constitute customs smuggling under Article 143 of the GCC Unified Customs Law. These include attempting to bring goods into the country without passing through designated customs points, failing to declare goods or commercial quantities of products, submitting false or forged customs documents, hiding undeclared goods in vehicles or luggage, transporting restricted or prohibited items without authorisation, and removing goods from customs zones before completing the required procedures.

Authorities noted that customs offences are not limited to deliberate attempts to evade duties. Travellers can also face penalties for providing inaccurate information, concealing goods, bypassing official inspection procedures or failing to comply with declaration requirements.

The force said adherence to customs rules helps facilitate faster border clearance, protects public safety and national security, and supports legitimate trade while preventing the movement of prohibited goods.

ROP encouraged travellers who require clarification on customs procedures or restricted items to contact the Customs Call Centre before travelling to avoid inconvenience and ensure a smooth journey.

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