Renting a car in Dubai to drive to Oman is going to allow you to discover two fantastic countries in one go, you are going to experience some breathtaking landscapes, cool historical spots, and the wonderful cultures that both the UAE and Oman have.
But before hitting the road, make sure you buckle up and get a grip on all the details of this cross-border trip. To help you with that, let's go over everything from requirements and policies to tips, helping your journey be smoother.
Yes, you can totally rent a car in Dubai and drive it to Oman, but there are a few things you should know. Not every car rental place lets you travel across the border and the ones that do usually have some specific rules and extra charges.
So, it's super important to check this out with the rental company when you're booking, to dodge any nasty surprises.
While driving from Dubai to Oman, you’ll get to explore some of the most beautiful roads in the region. The route is simple enough from Dubai to Oman if you take the highways.
You will just cruise through incredible desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and cute little villages. But before you drive off in your rental car, make sure you have all the proper documents, because crossing international borders in a rental is much more complicated than just getting in and driving.
If you want to cross from Dubai into Oman, you have to have some documents, permits, and make a few preparations. Without those, you might get stuck or even turned away at the border. So, let’s go over the basic stuff you need.
Alright, so first things first, you must have a valid driver's license. If you live in the UAE, your UAE driver's license is all good for renting and driving a car across the border.
Now if you are just visiting Dubai as a tourist, a slew of rental places will accept foreign driver's licenses from various countries, provided they're in English or Arabic.
Yet, still: it's probably a good idea to call ahead to the rental company to confirm that your license is okay for international driving in their cars.
A valid foreign license usually gets the job done, but sometimes you will want to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition.
Basically, this permit translates your license into official language use in many, many countries, Arabic, for instance. You don't need it anywhere, though; it comes in handy greatly when crossing borders and can help out greatly with the authorities when meeting them as a visitor.
Your passport is very important to take across the border. So make sure it's good for at least six months from when you're traveling.
Also, double-check that your visa lets you come back to the UAE after cruising around Oman as you will probably want to drop the car back off at the rental place in Dubai.
Most people find the visa business pretty easy but make sure to check out which one you need based on your nationality.
Taking the car isn’t enough to cross the border. You would require prior permission from the renting agency and generally, they issue something known as a No Objection Certificate.
Present it at the time of border crossing. Just in case, do not expect each one to give you unless you ask.
If you are renting a car in the UAE, standard insurance does not usually cover trips to Oman. You will have to pick up some extra insurance for that.
Usually, you can get this extra coverage from the rental company, but you should really make sure to check the details to ensure you are totally covered in Oman if something goes wrong, such as an accident or a breakdown.
While crossing the border between the UAE and Oman, you'll be paying a couple of fees: a leave fee from the UAE, an entry fee from Oman, and so forth some fees depend on location or trip, and some of them will be accepted as either AED or OMR-bring along your credit card, too but in case of paying fee and unexpected expenses bring it with you in AED and OMR, at least.
You should also get a copy of the vehicle registration docs, which people usually refer to as mulkiya in the UAE. You definitely need these at border controls, the checking officers might ask for them any time during your trip.
Every car rental in Dubai has its own policy of allowing crossing borders or not. Maybe the big international chains are a little more relaxed; the local smaller branch could, however, have stricter rules, as they might even straight up refuse to let you take their cars to Oman.
Always check their cross-border policy when you are renting a car. Some places only allow certain types of cars into Oman, like SUVs or bigger rides. Others may have mileage limits or want you to return it in a different spot if you're heading back to the UAE.
Plus, most car rental companies charge you an inter-country fee for processing the documents and additional insurance.
Make sure to read the fine print in your rental agreement and ask about anything that's confusing you. A quick call or chat with the rental agency can totally save you from any mix-ups down the line.
Of course, crossing borders can become pretty pricey. You surely have to budget all those extra fees in advance. So let's break down some of the likely costs.
Driving from Dubai to Oman is such a cool experience, but a few little preps will make your experience way easier. Check out these tips to avoid any problems you might face:
The most popular border is at Hatta while driving from Dubai to Oman since the road is super nice. Map ahead of time and use GPS or a good travel app.
Even though most border posts are open all the time, it’s a good idea to double-check the hours. A few smaller border posts have limited hours during the day.
You’re probably going to stuck when crossing borders over the weekend or during public holidays. To avoid delay, plan your journey for a weekday or early morning.
Make sure you carry enough water, snacks, and must-haves if you are taking kids along. Do not forget to add first-aid kits and emergencies in your car as well.
As rules keep varying due to borders and travel requirements, it’s super important to consult the current up-to-date information when traveling. These include those pertinent Covid-19 policies.
The traffic laws in both UAE and Oman are quite rigid. Sometimes, the fines tend to be steep for some offenses. Always keep to speed limits, wear seatbelts, and do not use your phone while driving.
Make sure your cellphone's contact has your rental company and an insurance provider in its book besides the local emergency contact, if possible.
Renting a car in Dubai and driving into Oman is not just possible – it’s the ultimate way to explore two incredible countries at your own pace.
With the right preparation and information from rental companies, you can plan a seamless and unforgettable journey.
Stunning desert landscapes, the serene beauty of Oman’s cool wadis, and centuries-old forts are all awaiting you at every turn. The drive is as scenic as it is adventurous, with countless destinations begging to be discovered.
So, pack your bags, double-check your documents, and get ready for an epic road trip. Adventure is calling, answer it with an unforgettable journey across these remarkable lands!
Also Read: How old do you have to be to rent a car in Dubai?
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