Oman

Specific Information

Approximate customs clearance times:

A valid Oman residence visa is required for customs clearance. The consignee must be registered in the BAYAN e-customs system before the shipment arrives. This can be done by the consignee personally if present in Oman, or by the local destination agent through the Directorate General of Customs. The destination agent can provide full details and assist with registration.

Used household goods are duty-free if the items have been owned and used for a minimum of 6 months. New items within a shipment are subject to a 5% customs duty. All personal effects shipments are subject to 100% physical inspection by customs authorities.

Multiple shipments may be imported at any time; there is no restriction on the number of entries.

All wood crating, packing cases, and lift vans must be heat treated and bear a clearly visible ISPM 15 stamp. Wood packaging with timber thickness exceeding 6 mm that is not treated and stamped will not be admitted, and non-compliance can result in fines and penalties.

A small quantity of dry foodstuff may be included as part of removal goods, provided items are in original sealed packaging with expiry dates clearly visible and the expiry date is well beyond the arrival date. Perishable foodstuff is prohibited.

Books, films, audio/video materials, CDs, records, computer software, and similar media are detained by customs on arrival for censorship screening by the Ministry of Information. This process takes approximately 3 weeks. If material is found unsuitable, it will be destroyed and the consignee may be fined. Items should be packed separately and near the container doors for easy access. Any detained prohibited articles may be destroyed without the consignee's consent.

Sea FCL: 6-7 business days; Sea LCL: 7-9 business days; Air: 4-5 business days.

During Ramadan: Sea FCL: 8-9 business days; Sea LCL: 10-12 business days; Air: 5-6 working days.

Customs and port authorities allow 7 days free storage for FCL shipments (some shipping lines such as Maersk allow only 5 days), 15 days for LCL, and 3 days for air shipments. Storage charges apply after these periods.

Fridays and Saturdays are non-working days for Customs.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Proof of ownership (original vehicle registration papers and/or purchase receipt)
• Copy of passport
• Copy of Oman visa
• Copy of Oman Residence Card (consignee)
• Certificate of Export from the country of origin
• Authorization letter from the consignee to clear the vehicle on their behalf
• Original Bill of Lading
• Statistical report (BAYAN/MAKASA report from country of origin, required for GCC vehicles claiming duty exemption)
• Proof of insurance (must be obtained at least 24 hours before vehicle arrival in Muscat)

Specific Information

All motor vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers must be left-hand drive and manufactured to comply with GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) specifications. Vehicles older than 7 years from the date of manufacture cannot be imported.

All vehicles are subject to a minimum 5% customs duty. Non-compliance with documentation requirements may result in confiscation or financial penalties.

Insurance must be obtained at least 24 hours before the vehicle arrives in Muscat. The destination agent will file insurance documents with Customs.

Upon customs clearance, Customs issues a green form that the consignee must submit to the Royal Oman Police for vehicle registration. Destination agents are generally not involved in the registration process itself but can assist for an additional fee.

For vehicles from GCC countries: Vehicles registered within 1 year in another GCC country may be admitted duty-free, provided they were not originally imported under a duty-free scheme and are accompanied by a statistical/BAYAN report (MAKASA) from the country of origin confirming duty was paid there. The original statistical report must be filed with Oman Customs. No Ministry of Commerce permission is required for GCC-origin vehicle imports.

Pets

• Import Permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Department of Animal Health (must be obtained before shipping)
• Veterinary health certificate issued by the health authorities in the country of origin
• Vaccination record confirming rabies vaccination administered no less than 1 month and no more than 6 months before the travel date
• Authorization letter from the consignee to clear the pets on their behalf

The Import Permit is an online application and must be submitted along with a copy of the pet's rabies vaccination record and health certificate. The permit can be obtained through a local sponsor in Oman and must be secured before the pet is shipped.

Pets less than 4 months old are not permitted entry.

When transported by air as cargo (rather than as accompanied baggage), pets must be manifested as cargo on an Air Waybill.

Confirm current requirements and species/breed restrictions with the destination agent and the Ministry of Agriculture prior to shipping, as regulations can change.