Oman Customs has introduced detailed guidelines for travelers carrying cash or bearer-negotiable instruments across its borders, strengthening the country’s commitment to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. The new framework outlines declaration thresholds, documentation requirements, and strict penalties for violations, ensuring compliance with both domestic and international financial regulations.
Mandatory declarations for cash and negotiable instruments
All individuals entering, leaving, or transiting through Oman are now required to declare any cash or bearer-negotiable instruments valued at RO6,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies.This requirement also extends to funds sent or received by mail or shipping services. The obligation stems from Article (53) of the Law on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing issued under Royal Decree No. 30/2016, and Decision No. 1/2017 of the National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing.Travelers must make a cash declaration to the Customs Authority at checkpoints, supported by valid identification documents.Declarations may be submitted voluntarily through the electronic cash declaration system prior to arrival, or automatically during inspection by customs officers.The guidance clarifies that “currency” includes both banknotes and coins that are in circulation and accepted as a means of exchange. “Bearer-negotiable instruments” cover checks, promissory notes, and payment orders that are payable to the holder, can be endorsed without restriction, or are issued to a fictitious recipient. These also include signed or unfinished financial documents where the recipient’s name has been removed or left blank.
Documentation requirements for different categories of funds
The Customs Authority has specified detailed documentation requirements for incoming, outgoing, and transiting cash or instruments:Incoming fundsTravelers must provide:
- Valid identification documents
Customs declaration forms and invoices, if the funds originate from merchandise sales- A cash declaration from the country of origin
- Bank or wire transfer records
- Commercial registration certificates and a list of authorized signatories for legal entities
- A certified power of attorney if the funds belong to a third party
- An incoming manifest for funds held by legal entities (a standard declaration suffices for individuals)
Outgoing fundsFor funds leaving Oman, travelers are required to present:
- Incoming customs declarations and invoices related to the sale of goods
- Bank or wire transfer documents
- Commercial registration and authorized signatory lists for legal entities
- A certified power of attorney if acting on behalf of another person
- An outgoing customs declaration for funds owned by legal entities
Transit fundsCash or instruments transiting through Oman must be accompanied by:
- A cash declaration from the country of origin
- Bank and wire transfer details
- Commercial registration and authorized signatory lists, if applicable
- Flight tickets and verification of passenger identity against Omani documents and airport schedules
- A certified power of attorney if the funds belong to a third party
- Funds must be sealed in a customs-approved bag, with a transit customs declaration completed in full
Gold transactionsGold, whether in bars or manufactured form, is subject to the same threshold and declaration rules as cash. A declaration is mandatory if the value exceeds RO6,000.
Penalties and enforcement
Oman Customs has reiterated that non-declaration or false declaration is a criminal offense under Article (98) of the Anti-Money Laundering Law.
- Offenders may face imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine of up to RO10,000.
- For legal entities, fines will range from RO10,000 to the total value of the undeclared funds.
The law distinguishes between:
- False declaration — when misleading or inaccurate information is provided, or essential facts are concealed.
- Non-declaration — when the traveler fails to disclose required details, discovered during inspection.
The Customs Authority also reserves the right to request additional information about the source, ownership, or intended use of the funds at any point.
Promoting transparency and compliance
By enforcing these detailed declaration rules, Oman seeks to strengthen financial transparency and align with international standards on anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism-financing (CTF) efforts. The move also helps facilitate legitimate financial movements while identifying and deterring illicit activities.The inclusion of a voluntary electronic declaration option aims to make compliance efficient and traveler-friendly, allowing legitimate fund transfers while maintaining strict oversight of suspicious transactions.The definition of “beneficial owner”, included in the guidance, ensures clarity in identifying the natural person who ultimately owns or controls the funds, directly or indirectly, including those acting on behalf of others.Oman Customs emphasized that the directive is not merely procedural but a key element in safeguarding the integrity of the national financial system and supporting the Sultanate’s broader commitment to global financial security frameworks
