Many Omani residents are on the lookout for a cheap and quick vehicle export from the UAE to Oman. With so many car options available in the UAE, it is no surprise that buyers from Oman are flocking to get their hands on well-maintained, GCC-spec cars to bring back to their home country. This article will cover all the details regarding exporting, whether you do it yourself or use a shipping company. It will outline all the regulations, required documents, approved border crossings, and duty exemptions available in 2025.
Oman Vehicle Import Conditions
Every imported vehicle into Oman is regulated by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and Omani customs, much like in any other country.
Here's what you need to know:
1. Import Eligibility by Vehicle Type
- Private Passenger Vehicles: Less than 7 years old (from manufacture date)
- Old Trucks and Buses: Less than 10 years old
- Heavy Equipment: Less than 15 years old
- Tricycles / 4-Wheelers (Restricted): Allowed only for goods transport in non-public areas
2. Classic Vehicles
- Allowed if 30+ or 50+ years old
- Must be approved by the General Traffic Department
- Technical inspection is mandatory
3. Prohibited Imports
- Motorcycles under 70cc – requires a permit from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- Passenger tricycles (e.g., tuk-tuks) – require special authorization
4. General Conditions
- Vehicle must meet Omani safety and emissions standards
- Importer must be at least 18 years old
- All vehicles must pass technical inspection upon arrival
Vehicle Export Options from the UAE
To export a vehicle from UAE to Oman, you may do so in the following ways:
1. Self-Drive Export
Drive the vehicle across the border using export plates.
Required Documents (Buyer):
- Valid Omani ID
- Valid Omani Driving License
- Export Passing Certificate (vehicle inspection)
- Export Insurance (temporary)
- RTA Export Fee receipt
Note: Export plates are issued by Dubai RTA, Abu Dhabi Traffic Dept., or Sharjah Police.
2. Land Transport Export (Shipping Company)
Ship the vehicle to Oman without driving it.
- Required Documents (Buyer):
- Valid Omani ID
- Valid Land Transport License (in the name of the transporter)
- Export Passing Certificate
- RTA Export Fee receipt
Important: The shipping company’s name must be included on the Export Certificate.
Documents Required at UAE Customs Border
Before a vehicle can legally leave the UAE, the following documents must be prepared and submitted at the border or via authorized channels.
1. Commercial Invoice / Export Invoice
- Issued by: The seller (e.g., First Choice Cars)
- Required for:
- Customs declaration
- Oman customs duty and VAT assessment
Must include:
- Vehicle Details: Make, Model, Year, VIN
- Declared Value: AED
- Country of Origin: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Destination Country: Oman
- Buyer Information: Full name, Omani ID number, contact info (mobile/email)
2. Export Declaration
The Export Declaration is a UAE customs document confirming the vehicle is being exported. It is essential for:
- Customs clearance
- Issuing the Exit Certificate
- Completing legal export filing
How to Obtain It:
Self-Drive Export:
You can obtain the Export Declaration directly at the UAE border. There are licensed customs clearance agents located near all border posts (Hatta, Mezyad, Khatmat Milaha, etc.) who will type and submit the document on your behalf. Once typed, they will also generate the Exit Certificate, which is part of the final export packet.
Land Transport Export:
If using a shipping company, the Export Declaration is usually submitted electronically through:
- Dubai Trade portal
- Abu Dhabi Customs portal
- Sharjah e-services
When exporting through First Choice Cars, the vehicle is sold under an official Export Invoice, meaning no 5% UAE VAT is charged at the point of sale.
After obtaining the Export Declaration and Exit Certificate (typed and issued by a licensed customs clearance agent at the UAE border), you must hand over all export documents to First Choice Cars.
This step is essential for legally marking the vehicle as exported from the UAE in the traffic system and for accurately closing the sale under the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) export compliance rules.
3. Export Certificate
- Issued after RTA/Traffic Department inspection
- Required for:
- Vehicle release for export
- Loading onto transporter
- Oman customs clearance
Post-Arrival in Oman: Border-Side Registration Procedures
After entering Oman through any UAE–Oman border post (such as Hatta, Mezyad, or Khatmat Milaha), you must complete the following steps before registering and legally driving the vehicle.
1. Customs Clearance at the Border
At the Oman customs checkpoint:
Submit the following documents:
- Statistical Report (MAKASA), if applicable
- UAE Export Certificate (issued by RTA or traffic department)
- Commercial Invoice (from seller or dealership)
- Omani ID or Residence Card
Pay 5% VAT on the declared value of the vehicle. (Note: Customs duty is waived if the MAKASA report is accepted). You will receive:
- Import Declaration
- Vehicle Customs Clearance Certificate (VCC)
These two documents are required to proceed with registration.
2. Technical Inspection (if applicable)
Vehicles older than three years must undergo a technical inspection at an authorized ROP or Ministry of Transport testing center.
Inspection includes:
- Brake system
- Lights and indicators
- Tires and suspension
- Structural integrity and chassis
- Emissions (if required)
Only vehicles that pass this inspection are eligible for registration.
3. Vehicle Insurance
Obtain valid vehicle insurance from a licensed Omani insurance company. This must be completed before registration and must match the buyer’s information and vehicle details.
4. Vehicle Registration via the ROP Online Portal
Once you have:
- The Import Declaration
- The VCC
- A passed inspection certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of insurance
You must submit your application through the Royal Oman Police (ROP) e-services portal:
- Complete the vehicle registration form
- Upload the required documents
- Pay the registration fee online via the official e-payment gateway
5. Issuance of Registration Documents and Plates
Upon successful registration:
- You will receive the official Vehicle Ownership Card (Mulkiya)
- Number plates will be issued at the registration center
- A registration sticker indicating the expiry date will be placed on the windshield
How to Use a Statistical Report (MAKASA) to Avoid 5% Customs Duty
A Statistical Report (MAKASA) is a UAE customs document that proves the vehicle is being exported for the first time. If accepted by Omani Customs, it exempts the buyer from 5% customs duty.
Eligibility Criteria for MAKASA Use
| Requirement | Condition |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Age | Less than 2 years (from manufacture date to UAE import) |
| Export Origin | Any emirate in the UAE |
| Vehicle Usage | Personal use only |
| Import History | First-time foreign import |
| Importer Status | Omani citizen or resident with a valid ID |
| Documentation | Export Certificate, Invoice, and MAKASA Report |
Steps to Obtain MAKASA
1. Use a licensed shipping company or customs broker
2. Submit:
- Export Certificate
- Commercial Invoice
- VIN and manufacturing date
3. Request the MAKASA report as part of the export declaration
4. Must be presented before the vehicle reaches Oman
Documents Required at the Oman Border (With MAKASA)
| Document | Issued By |
|---|---|
| Statistical Report (MAKASA) | UAE Customs |
| Export Certificate | UAE RTA or Traffic Dept. |
| Commercial Invoice | UAE Seller or Dealership |
| Omani ID / Residence Card | Importer |
Customs Duty Comparison: With vs. Without MAKASA
| Fee Type | With MAKASA | Without MAKASA |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Duty | AED 0 | AED 3,500 |
| VAT (5%) | AED 3,500 | AED 3,675 |
| Total | AED 3,500 | AED 7,175 |
| You Save | AED 3,675 | (~390 OMR) |
Approved UAE–Oman Border Crossings (2025)
| Border Post | Access Point | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hatta / Al Wajajah | Route E44 (Dubai/Sharjah to Muscat) | The most popular self-drive or transporter route |
| Mezyad / Al Hafeet | Al Ain to Central Oman (Ibri, Nizwa) | Commercial and personal use |
| Khatmat Milaha | Fujairah to Sohar, Muscat (Route E99) | East Coast self-drives or deliveries |
| Dibba Border Post | Fujairah to Musandam (via permits) | Dibba & Zaghi access for Musandam region |
| Al Darah (Ras Al Khaimah) | Access to Khasab (Musandam) | Requires prior entry permit |
| Wam Crossing (New) | Fujairah interior | Alternate east coast crossing |
Recommended Routes by Departure Location
| Departure Region | Recommended Border Post | Destination in Oman |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai / Sharjah | Hatta / Al Wajajah | Muscat, Sohar, Barka |
| Abu Dhabi / Al Ain | Mezyad / Al Hafeet | Nizwa, Ibri, Rustaq |
| Fujairah | Khatmat Milaha / Wam | Sohar, Sur |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Al Darah | Khasab (Musandam) |
| Dibba / East Coast | Dibba Crossing | Southern Musandam access |
Final Advice for Omani Buyers
Before exporting a car from UAE to Oman, buyers are required to ensure the vehicle they have purchased is GCC-spec and meets Oman’s import eligibility, which can be viewed on the official government website. Once that is assured, it is important to obtain the MAKASA report if the car is under 2 years old.
When it comes to vehicle export to Oman, it is imperative to work with a dealership that handles full export documentation to make sure everything is taken care of. The same applies to shipping companies, so buyers are advised to choose a trusted company for a smooth delivery. Lastly, prior to crossing the border with Oman, always confirm border post permits for Musandam access when required.
Export from the UAE to Oman is very common, with lots of vehicles being delivered every day. That means there are plenty of shipping companies that know how to handle the process smoothly, but it also means there are those who will try to take advantage of first-time buyers. Choosing a reliable shipping company and an expert car dealership like First Choice Cars will allow for a transparent and efficient car export to Oman.
Disclaimer: All information, including pricing, vehicle details, and legal requirements, is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change due to market conditions or policy updates. While First Choice Cars makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, we hold no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or outdated content. We recommend contacting our team directly to confirm the latest details before making any decisions.