Oman

The Sultanate of Oman remains, in 2025, one of the few islands of stability in a region marked by geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, and competing spheres of influence.

Under the leadership of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the country continues to pursue a policy of cautious neutrality, centred on regional mediation and non-interference. This diplomatic stance, inherited from the late Sultan Qaboos, allows Muscat to play a discreet intermediary role in several sensitive matters, including indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, as well as peace talks and ceasefire discussions in Yemen.

Muscat (the capital), along with Salalah, Nizwa, Sur, Jebel Akhdar, Wahiba Sands, and most major roadways, are considered safe for travellers, with adequate infrastructure and a good level of security. Nevertheless, Oman’s proximity to multiple areas of geopolitical tension—particularly Yemen and the Strait of Hormuz—calls for caution.

Areas to avoid or monitor include:

The border region with Yemen (Al-Mahrah governorate on the Yemeni side / Dhofar on the Omani side): This area is exposed to risks such as infiltration by armed groups from Yemen, smuggling of weapons, drugs, and fuel, the movement of refugees and migrants, and increased military presence with regular checkpoints. Vigilance is particularly advised in the border areas around Sarfait and Al-Mazyunah, as well as on secondary roads near the frontier.

The Arabian Sea coastal area, in the southeast of the country: In this zone, suspicious maritime activity (smuggling and trafficking), a resurgence of piracy near the Gulf of Aden, and heightened coastal and naval surveillance mean that unaccompanied recreational sailing should be avoided, and port authority guidelines strictly followed.

Certain areas require supervision and precautions:

The Strait of Hormuz and Omani territorial waters in the Gulf of Oman: These are highly militarised zones, with Iranian, American, and Omani naval presence. The risk of naval incidents, particularly between Iran and the United States, remains high.

The deep desert zones of the Rub al-Khali (Empty Quarter): Due to the lack of infrastructure (roads, emergency services, mobile coverage) and extreme heat, this region is considered hostile and difficult to access. Travel there should be avoided without an experienced local guide and coordination with the authorities.

The tense regional context, particularly since the escalation in Gaza in October 2023, exposes the Sultanate of Oman to collateral risks. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have intensified their maritime and aerial operations, targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in support of Gaza:

Increased activity of armed groups near Al-Mahrah: The Omani-Yemeni border, especially the Sarfait/Shahan crossing, has become a major route for arms trafficking to the Houthis. In response, Omani authorities have stepped up seizures and surveillance amid the rise of armed networks in the area.

Cross-border ties between Al-Mahrah tribes and Oman, combined with the latent presence of AQAP, expose the region to risks of community destabilisation and jihadist manipulation in the event of a security vacuum.

In response to the growing threat of drone attacks and sabotage linked to Houthi operations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Oman has strengthened surveillance of its ports and energy infrastructure, mobilising its navy and detection capabilities.

On the humanitarian front, the Sultanate of Oman faces growing migratory pressure:

Since the outbreak of the Yemeni conflict in 2015, and especially since renewed violence in the south of the country in 2023–2024, Oman has become one of the few safe exit points for Yemeni civilians, particularly those from the governorates of Al-Mahrah, Shabwah, and Hadramout.

Oman is also dealing with a steady influx of undocumented migrants from South Asia (Pakistan, Bangladesh, India), arriving by sea via the Al-Wusta coast and the port of Duqm. These migrants mainly aim to access the informal labour market in Oman or seek to reach the United Arab Emirates.

Though largely under control, this situation is progressively putting a strain on reception capacities and generating social tensions over access to housing, employment, and public services in some localities in Dhofar and Al-Wusta.

In summary, the Sultanate of Oman remains, in 2025, a key player in regional stability and one of the safest destinations in the region. Travel is therefore possible, but requires increased vigilance in sensitive areas and regular monitoring of the security situation.