Airports In Oman- Muscat International Airport

As part of increased security at certain airports, and for passengers travelling to certain destinations, security personnel may require passengers to turn on their electronic devices including mobile phones, lap top computers, tablets and e-readers among others. If the devices do not have power, they will not be allowed on the aircraft and will be couriered to the passenger’s destination, at their expense.

Airports and destinations where checks will take place remain unconfirmed by officials. This means that all passengers should be prepared to have their mobile phones checked by security staff at the security check area, and at the gate. The checks will be random.

Passengers will be informed of the new regulations at the check in desk and they will be given ample opportunity to either stow their electronic devices into their hold luggage or to retrieve a charger from their hold luggage.
We recommend that you ensure that your electronic devices are fully charged before you depart for the airport. Always carry a charger in your hand luggage. Bigger airlines aircraft have USB and plug points in every seat making charging your phone easier.

Plug points can be found at airports around the world, you may have to carry an adapter plug with you. If you find yourself with an uncharged phone see if there is an electronics retailer nearby that will allow you to use one of their chargers to give your mobile phone a bit of battery life. Many airports have charging stations installed with power cables that fit all the mayor smartphone brands.

How you can conserve your mobile phone battery    

• If you own a smartphone turn it to “Airplane mode” when charging, your phone will charge faster.

• Turn your cellular data off and use only Wifi, if you’re in an area with Wifi. Your battery will last twice as long.

• If you turn your wifi and cellular data off, your phone battery life will be extended considerably.

• Avoid playing games on your mobile phone.

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You might also be interested in:

• Pet Travel

• Flying with the kids

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There are 2 international airports in Oman- one in Muscat and one in Salalah... here we take a closer look at them...

Muscat International Airport

Muscat International Airport is situated approximately 32 km west of Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. Muscat International Airport is the primary gateway to Oman and provides excellent connections to a number of International destinations particularly in the Gulf, Middle East, Europe and the Far East. The airport is the hub base for Oman Air.

The passenger terminal building of Muscat International Airport consists of departures, arrivals, transfer area and duty free shopping, a separate VIP building is located next to the passenger terminal and is used for high ranking dignitaries, a separate dedicated Cargo terminal building is located on the airport premises and used for handling international and domestic air freight import and export services.

Apart from the civil operations at Muscat International Airport, the airport is a joint user facility for the Royal Flight, Royal Air Force and Royal Oman Police Aviation, these units are located alongside the terminal and are self contained, each with its own road access, terminal and aircraft apron, but sharing the emergency services, air traffic control facilities, taxiways and runway.

Visa on Arrivals

Travellers obtaining visa on arrival can pay for this facility at the Travelex Foreign Exchange counter located at the entrance of the arrivals hall.

Foreign Currency Exchange transactions can be made at this counter or at the arrivals hall landside counter.

E-immigration Gates

Travelers, both Omanis and expatriate residents who possess the civil status Identity Card (ID) can proceed directly to the new device and use their ID’s, according to the instructions shown on the system.

The electronic gates utilise the concepts of smart card and finger print identification to automate the entry or exit process. The E-gates are expected to speed up the immigration process, citizens and residents are no longer required to pass through immigration counters and get their passports stamped while arriving or departing through Muscat International Airport.

The E-immigration gates is an initiative by the Royal Oman Police which speeds up the immigration process, currently 3 E-gates are available at departures and 3 E-gates on the International Arrivals.

To find out more about Muscat INternationa Airport you can visit their website...

www.omanairports.com

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Salalah Airport
Salalah is situated in the southern region of Dhofar and is a popular destination with regional and international tourists during the Khareef season (the summer Indian Ocean Monsoon Season). The airport handles international schedule flights all year round with strong demand for flights during the Khareef season.

Salalah Airport is located approximately 5 km from the main city centre, the Hilton Hotel is 20 km to the West and the Crown Plaza Hotel is 11 km to the East of Salalah.

The arrivals hall of Salalah Airport has several Rent a Car companies, National Bank of Oman ATM Cash Machine, Foreign Currency Exchange Booth, Mobile Telephone information counter for Oman Mobile and Nawras. Most of these counters are only manned during flight timings.

New Airport

The new terminal at Salalah Airport envisages an expansion of capacity to 1 million passengers annually by 2014. The airport has been designed to allow for further expansions to cater for future demand growth to 2 and 6 million passengers annually when the demand is required.

The expansion of Salalah Airport is part of a strategic offensive to develop Salalah as a tourist destination. The town is located 1,000 km south of the capital Muscat, and with a much cooler climate during the summer months, it's a magnet for both Omanis and other Arabs.

Find out more on www.omanairports.com

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Duty Free Customs Allowance

Arriving passengers are allowed to carry the following duty free items into the country:
Tobacco: 400 Cigarettes
Perfume: 100ml
DVD's: 5 Nos.
Wine or Liquor:* 2 bottles (max 2 litres) or 24 cans.

* Passenger who are Non Muslims and over the age of 21.

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Customs

Items which are banned to enter Oman are:

Weapons, arms and ammunitions.
Fireworks.
Drugs stuff and tolls which are banned by the international conference of Opium and Drugs.
Leaves, flowers, seeds and stems of cannabis.
Raw or prepared opium.
Pornographic publication and material

Travelers on medication which come under banned "Narcotics Drugs" need to have a medical prescription from their doctor, which has been certified by the Ministry of Health in their respective countries and further attested by their Omani Embassy or consulate, before bringing the same into the country.

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Carrying Valuables

All individuals, establishments and companies which carry, import or export R.O 6,000 (Six thousand Omani Rials )or more or its equivalent from any other currency or bearer negotiable instruments ( such as cheques , bills of exchange, stocks and shares etc.), precious metals or precious stones, must declare them to the customs authority, using the declaration from in compliance with the law of money laundering and its executive regulation.

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Duty Free Allowances for other Countries

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* NEW: Australia has ammended it's duty free allowances. Passangers are now allowed to bring in only 50 cigarettes or 50g of tabacco and 2,250ml of spirits.

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