Oman customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Oman prohibits alcohol importation for Muslims entirely; non-Muslims require a permit from the Royal Oman Police. Duty-free allowance for personal goods is OMR 300 (approx. USD 780). Cash or monetary instruments exceeding OMR 10,000 (approx. USD 26,000) must be declared. These rules apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
See notes
Non-Muslim travellers may import alcohol only with a valid permit from the Royal Oman Police; otherwise, import is prohibited. No standard duty-free allowance exists. Muslims are strictly prohibited from importing any alcohol.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$26,000
Cash or monetary instruments (e.g., cheques, promissory notes) exceeding OMR 10,000 (approx. USD 26,000) must be declared on the customs arrival form.
Goods duty-free
$780
Personal goods and gifts up to OMR 300 (approx. USD 780) are duty-free. Above that, duty and taxes apply.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis and CBD products)
  • Alcoholic beverages for Muslims or for non-Muslims without a permit
  • Pork and pork products
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without prior authorization from the Royal Oman Police
  • Pornographic materials and any content deemed offensive to Islamic values
  • Counterfeit currency and goods infringing intellectual property rights

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, tramadol) – require a doctor's prescription and prior approval from the Ministry of Health
  • Live animals, plants, and agricultural products – require an import permit and health certificate
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles – require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority
  • Satellite phones and radio communication equipment – require a license from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
  • Religious materials (e.g., Bibles, non-Islamic texts) – may be inspected and require declaration

Rules worth knowing

Alcohol Import Permit Required

Non-Muslim residents and tourists can import alcohol only with a permit from the Royal Oman Police. Without it, alcohol is confiscated and fines apply. Muslims are strictly prohibited from importing alcohol.

Strict Drug Penalties

Oman has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs. Even trace amounts of narcotics can lead to imprisonment or deportation. Prescription medications must be accompanied by a doctor's note and may require prior approval.

Pork Products Banned

Import of pork and pork-based products is prohibited. Travellers should avoid carrying any such items in luggage.

Currency Declaration Threshold

Any person entering or leaving Oman with cash or monetary instruments exceeding OMR 10,000 (approx. USD 26,000) must declare it. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Only non-Muslim tourists may import alcohol, and only with a permit from the Royal Oman Police. You must apply in advance. Without a permit, alcohol will be confiscated and you may face fines. There is no duty-free alcohol allowance.
Personal goods and gifts up to OMR 300 (approx. USD 780) are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to customs duty of 5% plus any applicable taxes.
Yes, if your medication contains controlled substances (e.g., codeine, tramadol, diazepam). You must carry a valid doctor's prescription and may need prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Carry medications in original packaging with a letter from your doctor.
Drones require prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority. Without a permit, your drone will be confiscated at customs. Apply well in advance of travel.
Failure to declare cash or monetary instruments exceeding OMR 10,000 (approx. USD 26,000) can result in seizure of the funds and legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
Non-Islamic religious materials (e.g., Bibles, crucifixes, religious books) may be inspected by customs. While generally allowed for personal use, proselytizing or distributing such materials is prohibited.

Official source

Royal Oman Police – Customs Directorate

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Royal Oman Police – Customs Directorate before travelling.