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EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Hunaina Sultan AL-MUGHAIRY
Embassy: 2535 Belmont Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980 through 1982
Fax: [1] (202) 745-4933

US Diplomatic Representation:
Chief of Mission: Richard J. Schmierer
Embassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 202, Postal Code No. 115, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
Telephone: [968] 698989
Fax: [968] 699189


Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Oman
Embassy of the United States of America in Oman
Embassy of Oman in Washington DC


FOREIGN RELATIONS

When Sultan Qaboos assumed power in 1970, Oman had limited contacts with the outside world, including neighboring Arab states. Only two countries, the United Kingdom and India, maintained a diplomatic presence in the country. A special treaty relationship permitted the United Kingdom close involvement in Oman's civil and military affairs. Ties with the United Kingdom have remained very close under Sultan Qaboos. Bilateral ties with China have also increased considerably since 2007, as trade between the two nations has expanded rapidly.

Since 1970, Oman has pursued a moderate foreign policy and expanded its diplomatic relations dramatically. It supported the 1979 Camp David accords and was one of three Arab League states, along with Somalia and Sudan, which did not break relations with Egypt after the signing of the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty in 1979. During the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, Oman maintained diplomatic relations with both sides while strongly backing UN Security Council resolutions calling for an end to the war. Oman has developed close ties to its neighbors; it joined the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council when it was established in 1981.

During the Cold War period, Oman avoided relations with communist countries because of communist support for the insurgency in Dhofar. In recent years, Oman has undertaken diplomatic initiatives in the Central Asian republics, particularly in Kazakhstan, where it is involved in a joint oil pipeline project. In addition, Oman maintains relations with Iran, and the two countries regularly exchange delegations. Oman is an active member in international and regional organizations, notably the Arab League and the GCC.

Oman has traditionally supported Middle East peace initiatives, as it did those in 1983. In April 1994, Oman hosted the plenary meeting of the Water Working Group of the peace process, the first Gulf state to do so. From 1996-2000, Oman and Israel exchanged trade offices. Oman closed the Israeli Trade Office in October 2000 in the wake of public demonstrations against Israel at the start of the second intifada.

U.S.-OMANI RELATIONS
The United States has maintained relations with the Sultanate since the early years of American independence. A treaty of friendship and navigation, one of the first agreements of its kind with an Arab state, was concluded between the United States and Muscat in 1833. This treaty was replaced by the Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights signed at Salalah on December 20, 1958.

A U.S. consulate was maintained in Muscat from 1880 until 1915. Thereafter, U.S. interests in Oman were handled by U.S. diplomats resident in other countries. In 1972, the U.S. ambassador in Kuwait was accredited also as the first U.S. ambassador to Oman, and the U.S. embassy, headed by a resident charge d'affaires, was opened. The first resident U.S. ambassador took up his post in July 1974. The Oman embassy was opened in Washington, DC, in 1973.

U.S.-Omani relations were deepened in 1980 by the conclusion of two important agreements. One provided access to Omani military facilities by U.S. forces under agreed-upon conditions. The other agreement established a Joint Commission for Economic and Technical Cooperation, located in Muscat, to provide U.S. economic assistance to Oman. The Joint Commission continued in existence until the mid-1990s. A Peace Corps program, which assisted Oman mainly in the fields of health and education, was initiated in 1973 and phased out in 1983. A team from the Federal Aviation Administration worked with Oman's Civil Aviation Department on a reimbursable basis but was phased out in 1992.

In March 2005, the U.S. and Oman launched negotiations on a free trade agreement that were successfully concluded in October 2005. The FTA was signed on January 19, 2006, and entered into force on January 1, 2009.

In 1974 and April 1983, Sultan Qaboos made state visits to the United States. Vice President George H.W. Bush visited Oman in 1984 and 1986, and President Bill Clinton visited briefly in March 2000. Vice President Richard Cheney visited Oman in 2002, 2005, and 2006.

Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Richard J. Schmierer
Deputy Chief of Mission--Victor Hurtado
Chief, Political/Economic Section--John Clarkson
Economic/Commercial Officer--Elizabeth Powers
Public Affairs Officer--Robert Arbuckle
Consular Chief--Tracey Thorton

The international mailing address of the U.S. Embassy in Oman is:
P.O. Box 202, Postal Code No. 115, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.


TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Oman check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (OMR) Omani rial
Electrical 240 Volts
Telephones Country Code 968, City Code, Dhofar 2+5D, Izki 34+4D, Bahla 41+4D

Climate and Clothing: Wear summer clothing almost year round, but bring a sweater for the cool winter evenings. Because of cultural sensitivities, conservative dress is advised--no sleeveless tops, short skirts, shorts, or tight- fitting clothing for women. Men should only wear tank tops or shorts when engaged in athletic activity.

Health: Basic, modern care and most medicines are available. Typhoid and gamma globulin shots are recommended, as well as up-to-date tetanus and polio. Take malaria suppressants. Tapwater, including ice, is not reliable.

Telecommunications: Telephone service is available in the capital area, in Salalah, and several other towns. Telegraphic and telex service is available; telefax and mobile telephones are also available. Oman is nine hours ahead of eastern standard time.

Transportation: Flights are available from several regional and European cities to the international airport at Seeb, about 42 km. (26 mi.) west of Muscat. Taxis can be rented for the ride or by the day. Rental cars also are readily available. Driving is on the right.

Hotel Accommodations: There are several international-class hotels in the Muscat area, but they often are heavily booked during the cooler months (October-March), and reservations should be made well ahead of travel. The Omani Government promotes limited tourism. Tourists who wish to visit Oman must be sponsored; hotels may arrange visas and sponsorship. Contact your hotel for further information. Business people are welcome under proper sponsorship.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco...................................................200 Cigarettes

Liquor......................................................Prohibited

Perfume...................................................Reasonable For Personal Use

Cameras................................................. No Restrictions

Film.........................................................Reasonable For Personal Use

Gifts........................................................Reasonable Amount

Currency..................................................Must Be Declared On Arrival

Prohibited:................................................Narcotics, Fresh Foods, Firearms (Including Toys And Replicas) And Pornographic Films/Literature. Videos Are Subject To Censorship.



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