UAE residents can visit Musandam by road through Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah, usually with a visa on arrival at the Omani border.
- Borders: the Al Darah–Tibat crossing leads to Khasab; the Dibba crossing leads to Dibba and Zighy Bay.
- Visa on arrival: OMR 5 (about AED 48) for up to 14 days.
- Longer stays: apply for an eVisa in advance for up to 30 days.
- Leaving the UAE: pay the AED 35 exit fee at the UAE post.
- Carry: your passport, Emirates ID and car papers, and check your insurance covers Oman.
Checked on 30 October 2026 against Royal Oman Police guidance as reported by Gulf News (May 2026) and our Oman guide. Sources are at the end.
At a glance
| Khasab route | Dibba route | |
|---|---|---|
| UAE side | Al Darah border post, Ras Al Khaimah (via E11) | Dibba border post, Fujairah (via E99) |
| Oman side | Tibat, then the coast road to Khasab | Dibba Al Baya, Zighy and the Dibba coast |
| Visa on arrival | OMR 5, up to 14 days | OMR 5, up to 14 days |
| UAE exit fee | AED 35 | AED 35 |
| Best for | Khasab dhow trips, Jebel Harim, fjords | Dibba dives, Zighy Bay resorts |
Do UAE residents need a visa for Musandam?
Yes, unless you are a GCC citizen. Musandam is part of Oman, so Oman’s rules apply:
- Visa on arrival: available at the border, OMR 5, up to 14 days. No advance application.
- eVisa: apply in advance on evisa.rop.gov.om for stays of up to 30 days. Approval usually takes 4–5 working days.
- Your profession and passport can matter. Oman’s resident visa has been tied to an approved list of professions shown on your Emirates ID, and some nationalities face extra checks. If in doubt, apply for the eVisa before you drive. See our Oman visa guide for UAE residents.
How to drive from the UAE to Khasab: step by step
- Check your car insurance covers Oman. Many comprehensive UAE policies do. If yours doesn’t, buy the Orange Card at the border: third-party only, about AED 106 for a minimum of 5 days.
- Drive to the Al Darah border in Ras Al Khaimah.
- Exit the UAE: show your passport and Emirates ID, and pay the AED 35 exit fee.
- Enter Oman at Tibat: get the visa on arrival (OMR 5), or show your eVisa. Present the car documents.
- Drive the coast road to Khasab, about 40 minutes.
- Return the same way. Keep your Omani entry paper until you exit.
Documents to carry at the border
- Passport valid for 6+ months.
- Emirates ID (original) and a valid UAE residence visa.
- UAE driving licence.
- Vehicle registration (mulkiya) and proof of ownership.
- Insurance covering Oman, or the Orange Card.
- Borrowed, financed or company car: a NOC from the owner, bank or company. If the car is borrowed, the NOC must be notarised and translated into Arabic.
- eVisa printout, if you applied in advance.
How much does a Musandam trip cost at the border?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| UAE exit fee | AED 35 per person |
| Oman visa on arrival | OMR 5 (about AED 48) per person |
| Orange Card insurance, if needed | About AED 106, minimum 5 days |
| Typical border total | About AED 83 per person, plus insurance if needed |
Going on a dhow tour or by bus
Many Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah operators sell Khasab dhow day trips that include transport to the border. You still need a valid passport, Emirates ID and residence visa, and the visa and exit fees are usually included or collected separately. Ask the operator what’s included before you pay, and check the Oman visa rule for your passport.
Mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting the car NOC for a financed, rented or company car.
- Leaving your Emirates ID at home.
- Assuming UAE car insurance covers Oman. Check your policy.
- Taking a rental car without the rental company’s written permission for Oman.
- Arriving late on public holidays, when queues at Al Darah can be long.
Questions people ask
Do UAE residents need a visa for Khasab?
Yes. Khasab is in Oman. Most UAE residents get a visa on arrival at the Tibat border for OMR 5, valid up to 14 days, or apply for an eVisa in advance.
How much is the Musandam border fee?
AED 35 to leave the UAE, plus OMR 5 (about AED 48) for the Omani visa on arrival: about AED 83 per person.
Can I drive my financed car to Musandam?
Yes, with a NOC from the bank and insurance that covers Oman.
Can visitors on a UAE visit visa go to Musandam?
The resident route is for UAE residence visa holders. Visitors depend on their passport’s Oman visa rules, and need a UAE visa that allows re-entry. Check both before the trip.
Related guides
Sources
- Gulf News (updated 20 May 2026): going to Oman from the UAE by road, covering visas, documents, car insurance and border posts
- Royal Oman Police: eVisa portal: evisa.rop.gov.om
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not sell tours or process applications. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.