Visas and border crossings ^57
Always check the embassy website of the country you visit for visa
requirements and border crossing procedures, as these can change
unexpectedly.
At the time of writing, the following applied:
There are 44 countries whose citizens can enter UAE without a visa
for a specified period (from 30 to 180 days) and 22 nationalities that
can apply online for their visa. To find out which category you belong
to, you can use iVisa Visa Checker. It will tell you what you need to
know.
Oman will only issue tourist eVisas. That means the only way to get a
tourist visa to Oman is online, not at a consulate or upon arrival in
Oman. Visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months
beyond the date of entry into the UAE or Oman.
Traffic and Road conditions
The heat can make long-distance cycle touring a challenge. The UAE
and Oman are known for their fast cars and excellent road conditions,
particularly on major roads and freeways. Drivers have, therefore,
little respect for cyclists. Bicyclists are prohibited from riding their
bikes on major roads or highways for the very reasons mentioned
above, although police do not consistently enforce this.
Health and safety hazards (please check the CDC website
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov)
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip.
These vaccines include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine,
diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
and the polio vaccine.
Respiratory illnesses are common in the desert and elsewhere in the
Gulf. One in three people suffers from allergies here, triggered by
pollution, airborne dust, and sand.
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are always a risk in high
temperatures. It's essential to drink plenty of water and try to stay
out of the sun during the middle of the day.
Natural Disasters in the UAE & Oman
The monsoon season is from June to September, when flooding may
occur. Oman has occasional cyclones, particularly during the monsoon
period.
Rains can result in localised flooding of roads, including in mountain
areas and river valleys. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads.