The borders have finally opened between Oman and the UAE for vaccinated travelers (with approved vaccines)! So naturally, we immediately booked a trip to Musandam, Oman.

Pre- trip it’s important to check the requirements for travel to Oman and make sure that you are allowed to enter.

We had to:

  1. Do a PCR test (for anyone over the age of 12)
  2.  Get the orange card for our car insurance (if you are driving)
  3. Upload our vaccine status and our PCR online
  4. Get a visa on arrival at the border for 5.000OMR (you can also try to do an e-visa online pre trip). You also need to check that the border crossing is open as apparently some of the land borders are still closed. In any case, we went via RAK and Musandam and the border crossing was relatively smooth (if somewhat slow).

Dhow Cruise Trip | Oman | QiDZ | Family Blog UAE

We had booked an overnight dhow trip (Musandam Sea Adventure Travel and Tourism) and from the moment we set sail, it was magical. Everything was perfect: the boat, the crew, the scenery, the sea, the temperature, the food etc. We stopped to snorkel and visit Telegraph Island, we jumped off the sides of the dhow, we ate under the moonlight, and we sat up talking late into the night whilst the kids slept on the deck. We later slept on the deck too – so its not for those seeking luxury. But there is something special about sleeping under the stars to the gentle sound of waves lapping.

In the morning we were served fried eggs and naan, fruit, tea and coffee. Then we were off sailing again to find beautiful spots to snorkel and swim. We also kayaked and we had the luck to be accompanied by 6 dolphins that swim with us for a little while. We were back on land around 4pm so it is exactly a 24 hour trip.

Kayaking in Oman | QiDZ | Family Blog UAE

This is a perfect weekend getaway and an incredible way to disconnect from it all. As there is only intermittent/no internet/data coverage, the scenery is beautiful and rugged and it really is a wonderful family trip.

Top tips:

  • Check out all Oman entry requirements
  • Book ahead of time – as it is very popular
  • Ask if you can have a private dhow – especially for the overnight part
  • Take games to play on deck and some magazines and books to chill
  • Bring some fun snacks/desserts as food is great but no dessert
  • Take Sun creams, sunglasses, sun vests
  • We took sleeping bags – not sure they are needed but it was good to have a back up
  • Eye mask as it gets light very early
  • Goggles and snorkel (although the boat had some too)
  • Don’t forget to check entry requirements for coming back into UAE (PCR valid for 72 hours so we took one in the UAE before leaving and used the same one to come back)

So will you be planning a trip to Oman soon with the family? Share this with someone who wants to take a trip to Oman!

 

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