Pre-Trip Checklist: Salalah

Chronological Planning Timeline

What to do 3 months, 1 month, and 1 week before your trip.

Your Planning Journey

A timeline to guide your preparations for Salalah.

+ Months Before

Passport & Visa

Confirm passport validity and apply for eVisa.

Flights & Hotels

Book major flights and main accommodation.

Health Check

Consult doctor for vaccinations and prescriptions.

Month Before

Car Rental & IDP

Book car rental and obtain International Driving Permit.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, like World Nomads.

Itinerary & Packing

Plan detailed itinerary and begin packing list.

Week Before

Digital Prep

Download offline maps and useful apps.

Financial Notice

Inform bank/credit card companies of travel plans.

Final Pack

Assemble first aid kit, pack adapters and power bank.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure your main arrangements ahead of time.

Reservations

Flights are most important to book in advance.
Accommodation should be booked ahead of time.
Rental cars are important to secure early.
Book specialized tours like an Empty Quarter safari early.

Pre-Trip Research

Familiarize yourself with aspects of Omani culture and travel.

Research Topics

Read about Omani culture and etiquette.
Familiarize yourself with basic Arabic phrases.
Understand the Khareef season (weather, activities).
Arrange for home care (mail, pets, security).

Home Preparation

Ensure your home is set before you depart.

Mail & Pet Care

Arrange for mail collection.
Organize pet care services.
Consider house-sitting services.
Confirm all arrangements are in place.

Security & Notification

Notify neighbors or friends of travel dates.
Secure your home, check all locks.
Unplug unnecessary electronics.
Consider setting up home security if you have one.

Financial & Documents

Print copies of essential documents.
Store digital copies on cloud storage.
Assemble your personal first aid kit.
Exchange some local currency (OMR).

Tip: Digital Backup

Create digital copies of all important documents and save them to a cloud service or email them to yourself. This provides a backup in case physical documents are lost.

Arrival Checklist

These steps prepare you for a smooth transition upon landing in Salalah.

First Steps at the Airport

Immigration
Clear immigration efficiently with your passport and eVisa.
Luggage
Collect your luggage from the carousel.
SIM Card
Purchase a local SIM card at the airport for immediate connectivity.

Currency & Transport

Currency Exchange
Withdraw OMR from an ATM or exchange currency at an authorized counter.
Transportation
Pick up your rental car or arrange a taxi to your accommodation.
Initial Purchases
Purchase bottled water immediately, as tap water is not potable.

Orientation Strategies

Settle In

Settle into your accommodation and unpack.

Familiarize yourself with basic directions around your hotel.

Local Amenities

Locate nearby amenities like a supermarket and pharmacy.

Identify good local restaurants for dining.

Route Planning

Pre-plan your initial routes to nearby attractions.

Consider walking to nearby sites to experience the local atmosphere.

Important Tip

Ensure you have some local currency (OMR) in small denominations upon arrival for immediate needs like taxis and small local purchases.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure to have a relaxed end to your trip.

Souvenir & Shipping Considerations

Plan for specific souvenirs, especially frankincense from the souq.
Consider luggage weight limits if buying heavy items.
Shipping from Oman is available via courier services for larger purchases.
Oman does not currently have a VAT refund scheme for tourists.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow 2-3 hours for travel to Salalah International Airport (SLL) for international flights.
Allow 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights.
Account for potential traffic or car return procedures at the airport.
Check out of your accommodation according to their policy.

Return Trip Prep

Ensure everything is ready for your journey home.

Final Checks

Pack your luggage.
Account for all belongings.
Collect all personal items from accommodation.
Confirm airport transfer arrangements.

Home Prep Reminders

Arrange for mail collection or forwarding.
Organize pet care.
Consider house-sitting services.
Notify neighbors or friends for security.

Final Tip for Departure

Create digital copies of all important documents and save them to a cloud service or email them to yourself.

This provides a backup if physical documents are lost during your return journey.

Pre-Trip Checklist