Muscat – All foreign visitors and tourists, who hold valid licences issued by their country, are allowed to drive in Oman, Royal Oman police (ROP) stated on Monday.

An ROP official said, “Foreign visitors and tourists who hold valid international driving licences or licences issued by their countries are allowed to drive in Oman.”

The official stressed that any visitor can drive up to three months – from the date of his/her entry into the sultanate – with a foreign licence.

Muscat Daily spoke to a few owners of car rental companies to find out about their opinion on the decision.

Ahmed al Kalbani, from Malik al Nabhani Car Rental in Al Khoud, said, “The decision is good because it will revive tourism and the car rental market in Oman. But we prefer to rent our cars to those who hold an international licence to ensure the safety of our cars from accidents.”

Nasser al Rahbi, owner of Safari Car Rental in Muscat, believes the decision will help revitalise the car rental market, especially after the lull due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This decision is set to revive tourism, especially since the number of tourists coming to Oman is increasing now after the pandemic.”

Driving instructor Nasser al Hosani said the roads of the sultanate are safe and world-class, allowing anyone to adjust to the conditions easily. “I feel the decision will support the tourism sector in particular, boost the economy and allow tourists to move easily around the sultanate.”

In 2021, ROP issued a decision allowing nationals of 103 countries to visit Oman visa-free for 14 days, a major catalyst in promoting tourism in Oman.

The visa exemption is subject to certain requirements, including a prior and confirmed hotel booking, health insurance and a return ticket.