Do you need an International Driving Permit in Oman?

Oman and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in Oman

Oman applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Oman

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in Oman

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in Oman, for stays of up to 42 days.

Emergency services

general 9999, police 9999, ambulance 9999, fire 9999

The UK Foreign Office names the 1949 convention for Oman. Note this differs from the United Nations depositary record above, so carry both your licence and the permit and check locally.

Common questions about driving in Oman

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Oman?

Up to 3 years. Oman joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 9 June 2020 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in Oman on my national licence alone?

The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive a rental car in Oman for the first 6 weeks after you arrive." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Oman's road authority before you travel.

What do I dial in an emergency in Oman?

Reach general on 9999, police on 9999, ambulance on 9999, fire on 9999. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Oman. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in Oman?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.