If you are planning to spend your next vacation in Dubai, you may consider going outside the UAE on the Dubai to Oman road.
The thought of seeing the landscape of the desert and the international borders that you would pass through and finally have a look at the attractions of Oman excites you. However, before you pack your bags and start driving, still wondering: Can I get a car to rent in Dubai and take it to Oman?
The short answer is: Yes, you can! But, of course, there are a few things you need to know before you start on your journey.
You have to understand the kind of necessary documentation required, know about the rental policies and so on. Here are a few important factors to consider to ensure that the drive is smooth and hassle-free.
All the requirements, car rental policies, and tips for a smooth road trip from Dubai to Oman are described below. So if you are ready to travel to one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the Middle East, read on!
Is It Possible to Rent a Car in Dubai and Drive to Oman?
The car rentals in Dubai allow you to go all the way to Oman, but this has a lot of caveats. Generally, most car rental companies in Dubai, although they permit cross-border travel, have standards and documents attached.
So you can go from Dubai to Oman as long as you cross over at the border, but that again requires paperwork, border taxes and the expectation of a car being ready for international traveling.
The border between Dubai and Oman makes it the most sought-after destination for travelers mostly traveling to explore mountains, beaches, and unique heritage sites that Oman has to offer.
Some of the best places in the world to drive to, including the capital of Oman, Muscat, and the breathtaking coastal town of Salalah, provide a great opportunity to witness the beautiful route.
Requirements for Driving from Dubai to Oman
These initial requirements are mostly the Pre-Flight Checklist and you must do it.
There are some very important requirements that must be met before you take off. Let me highlight the main requirements to ensure everything goes well for a seamless trip.
Both the UAE and Oman have specific rules that you’ll need to follow in order to ensure a smooth and legal journey. Below are the essential requirements you’ll need to prepare for.
Valid Driver’s License
The first thing you are supposed to have an international driving permit is what you require. If your home country’s driver’s license is in English, you might use it.
If it’s not in English, then you will need to carry an official translation or IDP. Be sure to inquire about the car rental agency in Dubai about the requirements.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Although it is not always a requirement, it is highly recommended that you obtain an International Driving Permit.
An IDP will translate your driver’s license into the languages of other nations, thus bettering the understanding of the officials.
Make sure to ask your local car rental company if you will also need an IDP besides your regular driver’s license in Dubai, as some companies do require this.
Passport and Visa
You will need your passport, as you will be crossing the border from Dubai into Oman. For most countries, one requires a visa to enter Oman, so ensure you have your relevant visa before you enter Oman. In fact, for most nationalities, you can get an e-visa online to enter Oman. Just apply as early as possible.
Rental Car Permission for Cross-Border Travel
All car rental companies in Dubai will let you travel out of and back into the Emirates, of course, but you will let them know that. They might provide you with some specific paperwork or a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) for the car so that it can take you into Oman. Without that, they mightn’t permit the vehicle to leave the UAE.
Insurance Coverage for Oman
The tag might be as Oman for entry. This requirement for entry that vehicles coming into the country must be adequately insured.
Ensure the rental car’s insurance allows travel to Oman. If the standard cover provided by the rental company excludes Oman you might need to purchase additional insurance specifically to cover the border crossing.
It’s essential to request these details from your rental company before taking off on the trip to avoid an unpleasant surprise at the border.
Payment Methods for Border Fees
Some payment methods for the fees vary depending on the country’s border crossing point, sometimes even by type of fee, so it may include visa fees, border crossing fees, and possibly tolls to pay when crossing the border.
A good thing to have would be credit or debit cards accepted universally. It would also be helpful to have some amount in Omani rials as some of the fees cannot be paid through card.
Just confirm with your rental company exactly how much the fees are and have that payment in place so that you have a hassle-free passage.
The most common and used payment method is handy cash. Most border crossings accept cash payments, especially in local currency or like other countries that majorly colle ct cash as international currencies such as USD or EUR.
Secondly, credit cards can be used to pay for services at borders or entry points, especially at more advanced or developed areas. Also, other online payments are available. Some countries and even entry posts will accept advance payment of fees online. This happens in the case of visa fees or electronic travel authorization.
However, some fees can be paid through Bank Transfers. For increased fees or at certain border crossings, a bank transfer is often necessary to make ahead of time, or mobile payments are also accessible. Many regions also offer mobile payment systems, which include Apple Pay, Google Pay, and local pay apps.
Always be sure to check with either the border crossing website or local authorities before entering the park to confirm the types of payments accepted.
Vehicle Registration Documents
The rental agency will give you the car registration documents. These will save you many times when crossing a border, depending on what the border control will require them to do. They will ask for them when inspecting the car. So make sure to carry them along not to be delayed or have a hassle when crossing the borders.
Rental Company Policies on Cross-Border Travel
Not all car rental companies are the same with respect to cross-border travel, so be sure to ensure that you book a rental company that allows it. The vast majority permit it without any problem, but some others charge extra, while still a few demand extra paperwork.
Be sure to ask questions while making your booking. Is it permitted to go cross-border to Oman? How is the mandatory documentation accessed, like a NOC? Is there an additional cost or fee to travel to Oman? Does car insurance cover the travel in Oman?
The following responses will prepare you and also not catch you off guard with these situations while you are visiting.
Fees and Additional Charges
There could be additional costs for traveling by car from Dubai to Oman. These could be Cross-border fees, Oman has some rental agencies that charge one a fee for traveling to Oman.
Likewise, if the insurance of your rental car does not cover Oman, you have to purchase extra coverage. And, other border crossing fees that One needs to pay fees each time they cross through border checkpoints, and this depends on the route taken.
However, there is a surcharge as Toll fees: Some highways in Oman and the UAE are toll roads, so keep cash handy. It is best to seek help from the car rental agency beforehand so you can budget for some of the extra costs involved.
Tips for a Smooth Journey from Dubai to Oman
To make sure that the drive from Dubai to Oman will be as smooth and pleasurable as possible, here are some helpful tips:
Using navigation apps or maps will help plan the journey and find the quickest, safest route.
Tourist should be informed about the border crossing times because border crossing times are not the same so it would be wise to know about the opening hours and possible wait times at the border before one heads off to the border.
Carry your passport, visa, driver’s license, and car rental documents with you. That way, one’s process would not get delayed in line at the border.
Always check the car before you leave and inform the company of any existing damages so that you are not held liable for damages you do not cause.
Understand both the driving laws of the UAE and Oman. For instance, the use of seat belts in both countries is compulsory. Always be sure to follow the speed limits in both countries.
Conclusion
Driving from Dubai to Oman is a great way of discovering both countries’ attractions, giving you the space to discover hidden gems that you might not be able to reach with public transport. The whole process of renting a car and crossing the border may seem complicated at first, but with proper preparation, it is doable.
Knowing how to enter the country, ensuring that your rental car meets all of your permissions and insurance, and watching for extras and hidden costs should make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Do you feel ready to embark on this wonderful trip through the landscapes of Oman? The preparation is all done if you follow the advice given. Have a great time!
Also Read: How old do you have to be to rent a car in Dubai?
