Oman Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Oman customs guide supports families and professionals planning international moving, overseas relocation and import of personal effects into the Sultanate of Oman. Customs regulations are enforced by the Royal Oman Police Customs Directorate, and all inbound shipments must meet documentation and inspection requirements.

Home To Home Relocations provides end-to-end support for international moves to Oman from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada, including export packing, shipping, customs documentation and delivery in Muscat, Sohar, Salalah, Duqm and other locations.

1. Moving to Oman – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Household Goods

Oman allows duty-free import of used household goods if:

You hold a valid employment or residency visa
Goods are used for at least 6 months prior to import
Items are for personal use, not commercial resale
The shipment arrives within 6 months of your entry into Oman

Important: New items, electronics, and high-value goods may attract duty and VAT charges. Keep receipts ready for inspection.

1.2 Oman vs Other GCC Countries

Oman participates in GCC customs harmonization but maintains its own exemptions, documentation rules and VAT requirements, making relocation procedures unique compared to UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Passport copy and residence/employment visa
Bill of lading / air waybill
Detailed packing inventory
Proof of residence in Oman
Authorization letter for customs clearance

2.2 Inventory Requirements

Provide itemized inventory with brand and serial numbers for electronics
Avoid general terms such as “household goods”
New items must be highlighted and invoiced
Electronics and luxury products attract scrutiny

H-H Relocations Tip: Used personal effects clear faster than new items. If buying furniture or appliances before moving, ship receipts separately and expect duty assessment.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Oman

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicles can be imported into Oman but must comply with GCC standards. Duties apply unless exemptions are available for diplomats or returning residents under specific conditions.

Left-hand drive vehicles only
Vehicle must be less than 10 years old
Environmental and safety compliance required

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original vehicle registration/title
Bill of lading
Insurance documents
Omani residence visa copy

Important: Vehicle duty is based on invoice value plus freight and insurance. Luxury cars attract higher VAT.

4. Bringing Pets to Oman

Oman allows importation of pets, subject to veterinary approval, vaccination records and import permits. Dogs and cats are the most commonly approved pets.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Microchip identification recommended
Valid rabies vaccination certificate
Health certificate issued within required period
Import permit issued by Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources

Pet Travel Tip: Begin paperwork early. Permits can take time and documentation must match travel dates.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Oman enforces strict controls on alcohol. Importation is limited and may require permits. Duty applies to any imported alcohol, and quantities beyond personal-use limits may be confiscated.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products are taxable and subject to customs inspection. Commercial quantities without a license are prohibited.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Food imports must comply with Oman’s public health and safety regulations:

Meat, poultry and dairy items require permits
Plant products may require phytosanitary certificates
Non-compliant goods may be denied entry

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicines require a doctor’s letter and may need prior approval
Chemicals, laboratory equipment and hazardous goods require import licenses
Weapons, ammunition and military-grade materials are restricted

Important: Oman prohibits the import of products that conflict with Islamic values. Review cultural regulations before shipping personal media or printed materials.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Oman

Oman bans the importation of certain goods, including:

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Weapons, ammunition and explosives without authorization
Obscene or pornographic materials
Religious publications viewed as offensive to Islamic values
Counterfeit goods and unlicensed media
Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials
Protected wildlife and products listed under CITES

Attempting to import prohibited goods can lead to fines, seizure or criminal prosecution.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Oman

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Toronto to Oman, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Match your shipment arrival date with your residency visa approval
Pack electronics and new items separately for inspection
Keep receipts for large or high-value items
Confirm delivery access for villas or high-rise accommodations

7.2 Why choose an Oman relocation specialist

Oman’s customs procedures are straightforward when documentation is correct. Working with a professional international moving company provides:

Accurate customs declarations and VAT guidance
Reduced risk of shipment delays
Door-to-door delivery coordination within Oman
Support for restricted goods and special clearances

Relocation Tip: Start visa arrangements early. Customs clearance cannot start until visas or work permits are confirmed.

8. Useful Official Links – Oman

Use these links to verify current regulations:

This guide supports planning for relocation to Oman. Final import decisions rest with Oman Customs and relevant ministries.