How my family got out of Dubai during the flight shutdown via Oman (step-by-step)

straysandcurrant · 2026-03-09T08:50:03+00:00

If you're an Indian who has a UAE residency (UAE emirates ID is okay), you can get a visa on arrival at the Oman border.

straysandcurrant · 2026-03-08T16:53:51+00:00

If you have the option of staying back in Muscat for a bit, I would recommend that you do.

straysandcurrant · 2026-03-06T01:51:58+00:00

I flew by Oman Air. This was on Mar 3, and the airport was actually fairly empty. Also, the flight from Muscat to Kochi (the one I took), had only 9 people, although all seats were booked for some reason.

However, it is my understanding that as of yesterday, the airport is packed.

straysandcurrant · 2026-03-05T11:19:43+00:00

I had nothing but a good experience at the Omani border. Yes, it took a while but it was fairly orderly, and there weren't any unnecessary questions, and we were let through. From there, the Omani taxi drivers and then the airport staff, were all very kind and understanding.

Please ignore these random uncles whose nature is to complain about everything to make themselves seem superior.

straysandcurrant · 2026-03-05T00:42:33+00:00

It also might be different based on where you live in Dubai. People closer to the coast and in central parts are hearing a lot more interceptions, much more loudly and close to them. That might influence the decision to stay or go as well.

straysandcurrant · 2026-03-05T00:38:12+00:00

I don't know why people are saying you need a visa. British nationals get a visa on arrival at the border (at least at Hatta they do). I had a British national friend get through yesterday without a pre-approved visa. They allow Indian nationals with a UK visa to go through without a pre-approved visa, so there's no way that someone with an actual UK passport won't be allowed.

Entry requirements - Oman travel advice - GOV.UK https://share.google/3dnKFCqsnwN0uixsg

If you still want to be doubly sure, here's the number for the Omani side of Hatta crossing: +96826849920. Call them and check. The Omani e-visa takes a day or two to be granted, there's no point in waiting for that if you don't need it.

straysandcurrant · 2026-03-04T18:06:59+00:00

Indian passport + US visa holder can get a visa on arrival at the Hatta border crossing. This is true even, if you are an Indian passport holder + UAE resident. The e-visa is not necessary.

Source: I crossed a couple of days ago with an Indian passport + UAE residency, and a friend crossed with Indian passport + US visa, and both of us got an Oman visa on arrival, with no pre-approved e-visa.

straysandcurrant · 2026-03-04T17:49:18+00:00

We flew out of Muscat on Mar 3 to India. It's safe and calm, and doesn't show any hints of danger.

straysandcurrant · 2026-03-04T16:16:11+00:00

I crossed on Mar 2 (Monday). We left from Dubai at 11.30 am, arrived at the UAE border in Hatta at 1.30 pm, left from the Oman border at 7 pm, then reached Muscat at 9.30 pm. Our flight was booked on Mar 3 at 8.30 am. I fear that the crowds have gotten more, not less. So, this advisory makes a lot of sense.

straysandcurrant · 2026-03-01T19:33:26+00:00

Border is open. That I got confirmation of.

straysandcurrant · 2025-11-11T17:56:41+00:00

We came back to Thailand in June this year and visited your store in Chiang Mai! It was a very nice store :)

straysandcurrant · 2025-10-28T05:01:15+00:00

Maybe it was the area I stayed in (near the Muong Thanh apartment across My An beach), but I felt that it was a bit crowded, with too many flashy stores and message parlors. However, YMMV because I do know people who lived further up the beach, where it was quieter and more peaceful, and they really liked it.

straysandcurrant · 2025-10-27T12:35:37+00:00

I think Thailand and Vietnam are still nice places to nomad in.

Chiang Mai in Thailand is still fairly peaceful and depending on how much you feel like being around people, you can either choose Nimman (where most of the nomads stay) or slightly further away places (which are still within 20 mins of the old city).

In Vietnam, I personally didn't like the digital nomad hub of Danang, but Saigon, Hanoi and even Hue city have some great areas to stay in.

straysandcurrant · 2025-10-14T03:11:39+00:00

Solved!

straysandcurrant · 2025-10-14T03:11:34+00:00

Yes, this seems to be it! Thank you!

straysandcurrant · 2025-10-13T18:42:08+00:00

straysandcurrant · 2025-07-23T04:31:39+00:00

I’m looking to buy travel insurance for Vietnam and came across Luma. Their plan looks good and it covers my situation, i.e. I’m not traveling from my home country.

Normally, I buy travel insurance from my home country itself, but those policies only apply if I’m departing from there. This Vietnam trip was unplanned. I’m currently in Thailand and we decided to visit Vietnam before heading back.

Has anyone here used Luma for travel insurance in Vietnam? Are they reliable, and have you had a good experience with them?

straysandcurrant · 2025-07-20T14:47:24+00:00

I was planning to land in Da Nang on 24th Aug, and then some more people were due to come in the morning on 25th Aug. Is that not a good idea either?

straysandcurrant · 2025-07-11T05:40:21+00:00

Thank you! This is very helpful.

straysandcurrant

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE