The thing about spontaneous trips is that while you get to roll the day with no concrete plans, the more you get excited and look forward to exciting (mis)adventures. Such was the case with us as we left Dubai for the EID holidays, just a few weeks ago.

So, in one stiflingly hot afternoon, with nothing but a small bag and my Google maps ready, away we go to the most unusual destination in the Middle East—OMAN.

I wasn’t really aware of the primary border crossings between the UAE and Oman, so it was only when we set off that I started to google which route to take. Little did I know, we were in for a fail attempt of crossing the border just because of the wrong information I got from the internet. So, the page I was reading through says that the expatriates were advised instead to use the Sharjah route via Kalba Road, which avoids crossing the Oman enclave between Al Madam and Hatta Road. And guess what happened next… Well, we reached the said border only to be turned away.

It took us at least an hour and a half to get to the Al Wajajah border. This is basically the downside of not having any plans at all—YOU WASTE A LOT OF TIME. In our case, we’ve wasted a full day. But, as they say, if anything goes wrong, charge it to experience.

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So which is a SURE route to take?

Wadi Hatta – Al Wajajah Border (tip: type in Al Wajajah Border on Waze)

Note: Make sure you’ve successfully downloaded the full map of Oman to your Google Maps, because you’re sure to need it once you get to Oman, trust me.

Step 1: Exit Dubai

Once met by the officer:

1. 1. Hand over your passport and/or IDs along with 35 AED in cash (exit fee)
   2. The officer should return your passport with a stamp on it and an exit sticker will be given to you
   3. You can now drive towards the border. The Omani border post Al Wajajah is approximately 3kms over the border where you can park and do some paperwork.

STEP 2: Customs

There’s really nothing to worry about here. They’re just going to check the back of your car, check your papers and/or credential, and issue a customs ticket for your vehicle. Do not lose this, as you will need this for immigration.

STEP 3: Entry Oman (Oman/Hatta Border)

1. 1. Upon reaching the border, park your car, bring your credential with you, get down and make your way to the entrance to the building.
   2. Secure the immigration form and be prepared to file a queue. The process wasn’t that difficult, although it was time-consuming. Just waiting at the immigration already takes two hours of your time, and it might take more depending on the queue.
   3. Hand over the form, your passport, car insurance/papers, exit sticker, and pay AED 50 for the visa fee.
   4. Make sure you have the entry stamp and then off you go!

Take note that toilet facilities are not particularly well maintained, so always make sure that you have your toilet paper and/or hand wash with you all the time.

Now, prepare and enjoy the 5- to 6-hour travel time to Muscat!

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