Customs in Oman: allowances for travellers and import rules for business

Oman's customs are run by the Directorate General of Customs, part of the Royal Oman Police, and follow the unified customs law of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The rules are straightforward, but a few items cause problems every year. This guide covers travellers, new residents and businesses.

Duty-free allowances for travellers

According to published travel guidance (check before you fly, as limits change):

• Goods and gifts up to a value of about OMR 200.
• Tobacco: around 200 cigarettes or the equivalent in cigars or tobacco.
• Alcohol: a limited quantity for non-Muslim adults arriving by air; no alcohol may be brought in by land.
• Cash: amounts above the declaration threshold (reported at around OMR 6,000 in all currencies combined) must be declared on arrival.

Goods above the allowance are charged the standard customs duty, usually 5% of their value.

Prohibited items

• Narcotics and psychotropic drugs.
• Pork and pork products.
• Weapons, ammunition and explosives without a permit.
• Counterfeit goods and pirated media.
• Publications and materials considered offensive to public morals or religion.
• E-cigarettes and vaping products have been restricted; check the current rules.

Restricted items

• Medicines containing controlled substances (some strong painkillers, sedatives and ADHD medicines) need prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Carry a prescription and the original packaging for any medicine.
• Drones, satellite phones and some telecoms equipment need permits.
• Plants, animals and food need health certificates.

Moving to Oman

New residents can usually import used personal and household effects free of duty once, with a residence visa, a packing list and the shipping documents. Cars need to meet Omani specifications and age rules to be registered; check before shipping.

Importing for business

• Companies need a commercial registration and an importer registration with customs.
• Declarations are made through Bayan, Oman's electronic customs system.
• The GCC Common External Tariff applies: most goods at 5%, many basic foods and medicines exempt, and much higher rates for tobacco and alcohol.
• Goods moving between GCC states are generally duty-free once duty is paid at the first point of entry.
• Free zones in Sohar, Salalah and Duqm offer customs exemptions for goods stored, processed or re-exported there.

How R2LUX helps

When clients move to Oman after buying a home, we connect them with relocation and shipping partners familiar with these rules. Current listings are below.