Expatriates, beware; Gulf country changes law, do not carry these items when going home or returning 

MUSCAT: The Customs Authority has revised the guidelines for those entering Oman. The new guidelines have been issued for those entering through land, sea and air borders. The guidelines state that travellers should inform the authorities if they have money or other valuables, and they should not hesitate to say so if they have items that fall within the scope of disclosure.

Passengers entering or leaving Oman must declare any cash, cheques, securities, shares, payment orders, precious metals (including gold), diamonds, precious stones, etc., with a total value of 6,000 Omani Rials (OMR) or more, or the equivalent in other currencies. The declaration can be made through the customs website.

Do not accept bags or luggage from unknown persons. Personal use video cameras, musical instruments, mobile phones, TVs and receivers, baby strollers, chairs and strollers for the disabled, computers, mobile printers, clothes and personal effects, personal jewellery, personal sports equipment, and medicines for personal use are exempted from customs duty.

Travellers must also obtain approval from the relevant authorities to bring medicines, medical machines, live animals, plants, fertilizers, pesticides, publications, media materials, MAG transmitters, wireless devices such as drones, and cosmetics. They are also advised to inform the authorities if they see other passengers in possession of prohibited or restricted items.

Weapons, narcotics, explosives, toy weapons, clothing resembling military uniforms, and ivory are prohibited from being exported or imported under the Unified Customs Law. Violators of these laws face heavy fines. Providing false information can result in imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of 10,000 riyals.