Filming in Oman

Fixer in Oman

Filming in Oman, you will be delighted with the spectacular sites the country has to offer. So, what do you need to know before coming here? We have put together a list of facts below. Also, our fixer in Oman would like us to remind you that Friday is considered a day of celebration here. The weekend starts on Thursday though, and these two days are truly enjoyed by everyone. However, there is controversial talk about moving time off to Friday and Saturday.

Visa for Oman

If you are traveling from the US for business, you will need a visa, for which you should allow ample processing time. The total amount you will have to pay will depend on the number of travelers and the number of business days available to process your order, starting with the day the application is submitted. Consular fees are subject to change without notice. The same goes for filming in Oman if you are traveling from Europe.

Film Permits in Oman

In what film permits are concerned, a letter from the Ministry of Information is generally all you need for low-impact shoots that do not require exclusive use of public space. Larger shoots that require traffic control, sizeable setups, stunts, or pyrotechnics, require additional permission and plenty of lead time. Drone filming is allowed with the consent of the Royal Oman Police. Please note it is illegal to photograph certain buildings. Our fixer in Oman will tell you more once you are at the scene.

Special equipment renting info

Some standard grip, lighting, and camera equipment such as Red Scarlet, Red Epic and Black Magic cameras are available locally. DJI drones are available locally. Larger specialized gear such as the Russian Arm, Technocrane, and gyro heads, can be easily brought in from abroad. Oman is not an ATA carnet country but the process of bringing in film equipment is easy. Our film fixer can help you understand all the technicalities and buy gear and transportation at the best local prices.

Cultural facts

Now that we have established film permits in Oman are not something to worry about, here is what you should know from a cultural standpoint. In Oman, a person needs a license issued by the police to buy alcohol. Remember to never drink in public or appear intoxicated. Instead, coffee is a huge part of the culture and the national beverage. It is typically mixed with cardamom and offered to guests alongside fruit and a big bowl of dates.

Weather when filming in Oman

Winter is considered the best time for filming in Oman. The summer season is always unbearably hot, while the winters offer more of a Mediterranean climate. You will experience pleasant temperatures – rarely above 30C degrees – in the months from October – March. Out of these months, March brings about the most daylight, approximately 12 hours, one hour longer than the yearly average for Muscat. The wettest month is February with an average of 30mm of rain.

Tax rebate in Oman

As per our fixer in Oman, there are no tax incentives for productions in Oman now. The country is also not cheap. The very cheapest hotel rooms start at around 12–15 OR per night (US$30–40), at least double this for mid-range places, and anything from 75 OR ($200) and upwards for top-end places. Please consider that larger shoots will need to bring in key talent, which will add to those costs. The Emirates is the closest major production center, a 5-hour drive away.

Filming in Oman

Tourists to Oman might receive a visa on arrival. As you are coming here on business, you will need one beforehand. Our fixer in Oman could handle it for you, to save you the trouble and time. As everything else in Oman, expect it to be a bit costly. Fixer Oman will be transparent with you and obtain the best local prices for your stay and shooting.

We will get your film permits at reasonable prices for even the most high-end locations. However, you might want to have a little extra personal budget, for souvenirs or tours during your downtime. By the way, dates are one of the country’s largest exports and make for a great gift from Oman.

Get in touch

hello@fixeroman.com