Oman still has some internet censorship and strict laws governing free expression. This can limit your internet access or activity while in Oman, and it may even jeopardize your privacy. That is why it is a good idea to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in Oman. Using a VPN on the internet keeps you safe, secure, and anonymous. By encrypting all traffic to and from your device and routing it through an intermediary server, the advanced software protects your actual location.
Privacy and security are just the start. By connecting to a VPN in another country, you can unblock online content and services from your home country that are normally blocked in Oman. Omani authorities have previously blocked VoIP services such as Skype and WhatsApp calls, as well as Tinder and adult websites. Blogs and news articles are also occasionally censored. If you are visiting Oman, this can make things difficult.
If you are currently traveling in Oman, you will require a VPN capable of circumventing blocks in order to access your home services. We’ll go over each of the best VPNs for Oman in depth.
What To Look for In the Best Oman VPN?
Now that we’ve covered some of the benefits of connecting to the Internet via a VPN-protected connection, let’s take a look at some of the best VPN providers you can subscribe to for guaranteed security. We’ve based our list on a few criteria that we believe define what a reliable VPN service should provide:
- A list of apps that make it compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices
- A large, well-distributed server list
- Military-grade encryption for maximum security
- A customer service team that is easy to reach and well-trained
- Unrestricted bandwidth
- Unrestricted server switching
- Dependable service
- 100% money-back guarantee
NordVPN
NordVPN is our top pick for an Oman VPN. It is the fastest VPN available and has been in operation for over a decade. This service provider follows a zero-logs policy. This simply means that it has no knowledge of user sessions, traffic, or timestamps. NordVPN is also incorporated in Panama, where data retention laws do not apply, so the policy is unlikely to change.
The service operates over 5,000 servers in over 60 countries, making it a useful option for all types of web activity. It’s one of the few VPN providers that categorizes servers based on specific needs like anti-DDoS, video streaming, double VPN, Tor over VPN, or dedicated IP.
NordVPN excels at streaming and works with the majority of online streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. It supports torrenting.
The 256-bit AES protocol and 2,048-bit SSL keys are used by the company to encrypt internet traffic. DNS leak protection is turned on. The specifications are thought to be top-tier VPN standards.
There are apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPN services available. The company has a large network of over 3,000 servers in 94 different countries, all of which are optimized for speed and quality. A number of these servers are located on India’s west coast and in the Middle East, providing nodes that are physically close to Oman to help reduce lag. And, if you ever suspect your connection is slow, ExpressVPN includes a built-in speed test so you can confirm and, if necessary, switch servers.
ExpressVPN has a zero-log policy and 256-bit AES encryption, which provides a solid foundation for online privacy and anonymity. Most versions of the service’s software include DNS leak protection as well as an automatic kill switch. All ExpressVPN plans include unmonitored and unlimited bandwidth, which makes them ideal for heavy VoIP users or anyone who enjoys streaming high-quality videos from Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or YouTube.
IPVanish VPN
IPVanish has servers in more than 60 countries. The closest locations are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Mumbai, India. If you want to travel further afield to avoid any restrictions in those countries, you have options all over Europe, as well as the United States and Australia.
Connecting to European servers will not only provide faster speeds, but will also allow you to access a completely unblocked internet, as many countries in Europe do not restrict websites.
In addition to unblocking access to sites that are blocked in Oman, you’ll be able to stream content from the BBC iPlayer in the UK and Hulu in the US.
SurfsharkVPN
Surfshark is an excellent choice for those looking to unblock restricted websites while in Oman, thanks to a number of useful features such as fast connection speeds, excellent security, an unlimited simultaneous connections policy, and a low price.
Users visiting Oman will appreciate the responsiveness of the Surfshark VPN network and its ability to unblock geo-restricted content from a wide range of countries.
Surfshark now has over 3,200 servers in over 65 countries, allowing users to access popular websites from locations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, without the inconvenience of local content restrictions in Oman.
Surfshark’s connection speeds are extremely fast, so you’ll have no trouble gaming, streaming, or file sharing.
Surfshark offers the highest level of security while browsing the web, with the best encryption standards available and a no-logs policy included with every subscription.
An internet kill switch, as well as DNS and IP leak protection, help to keep user data secure at all times.
There are simple apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android, as well as manual configuration support on some routers.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access offers its subscribers traffic ciphering and true Internet security, as well as geo-restrictions bypassing. You can connect to one of the 2700+ servers spread across the globe.
PIA is among the providers with a strict no-logs policy. Amazon Pay, credit cards, and PayPal are among the payment options.
Step-by-step instructions for using a VPN in Oman
Using a VPN in Oman is simple if you choose one of the VPNs listed in this article. This is due to the fact that they all have custom apps for all platforms that include the critical security and privacy features required to stay safe in Oman. To assist you, we will explain the entire procedure below:
- Join the VPN service that best meets your requirements (we recommend NordVPN as the best overall VPN for Oman).
- Install the VPN and sign in with your credentials.
- Go to the VPN app’s settings and make sure the kill-switch is enabled.
- Check the encryption settings and make sure you’re using a strong protocol, such as OpenVPN or IKEv2.
- Next, locate and enable the obfuscation (stealth) feature.
- Select a VPN server location and press the ‘connect’ button.
Methodology for Testing the Best VPN for Oman
These six VPNs for Oman mentioned above are all premium VPN providers with cutting-edge features. Here are six critical factors to consider when selecting the best VPN for Oman:
Fast Speed: Make sure the best VPN you choose has fast speed for uninterrupted calling and streaming HD content without lags.
Strong Encryption: The VPN you select should have 256-bit AES encryption and nothing less because it is the most secure. In addition to strong encryption, it should support the OpenVPN protocol, have a kill switch, and provide IP leak protection for maximum security.
Large Server Network: Make sure the VPN you choose has a large server network spread across the globe in various locations so you can access international content and unblock sites in Oman.
Multiple Connections: The VPN you select should support multiple connections, allowing you to protect more than one device at the same time. It should be able to support 5-10 devices at once.
Device Compatibility: The VPN for Oman you select should be compatible with all major devices and operating systems. It should have VPN apps for various devices and, most importantly, router support.
Money-back guarantee: When selecting a VPN for Oman, consider the length of the money-back guarantee. Using the VPN’s money-back guarantee, you can try the service risk-free and see if it meets your requirements.
Streaming Services in Oman
Streaming is very popular in the Sultanate of Oman, as it is throughout the Persian Gulf region. However, Netflix is the only option among the world’s most popular alternatives. When it first appeared in the region in early 2016, people rejoiced and rushed to create accounts, but many feared that the TRA would block it, which thankfully never happened. However, Oman’s Netflix library is not as large as that of other Western countries, and some of the most popular shows are still unavailable in the country.
Alternatively, OSN, Oman’s leading entertainment network, has created WAVO, a mobile streaming app with a variety of packages that include some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, various TV shows and series, Arabic and children’s content. All of this comes with English and Arabic subtitles, and the prices are reasonable.
Most music apps are also unavailable, though Oman residents can subscribe to Apple Music, which is available in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a VPN in Oman?
While VPNs are technically legal in Oman, they operate in the shadows. This is due to the legislation requiring express government approval to access any encrypted portion of the internet. Can you identify the problem here? Everything nowadays is encrypted, from messaging apps to online banking to payment networks. As a result, the aforementioned statute is routinely ignored, despite the fact that it could theoretically be used to prosecute you.
Is Telegram illegal in the Sultanate of Oman?
The use of any VoIP services, including Skype, WhatsApp, and Telegram, is prohibited in Oman, according to the Telecommunications Regulation Authority (TRA). The widely accepted rationale for this prohibition is that it helps local telecommunications firms generate revenue. Although Oman temporarily lifted restrictions on major messaging apps in 2020 to allow people to interact more freely during the COVID-19 outbreak, these restrictions have since been reinstated. However, by using a VPN, it is simple to get around Oman’s Telegram ban.
Is it possible to use a VPN to watch Netflix in Oman?
Certainly! You can access geo-restricted services by routing your data through servers in other countries, giving the impression that you are in a different location, using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Furthermore, your traffic is no longer restricted by local internet restrictions or filtering, allowing you to use Netflix, Skype, or Facebook in Oman.
In Oman, how can I keep an anonymous blog?
We’ve talked about how Oman’s deteriorating situation with regard to individual liberties has affected journalists, bloggers, and ordinary people.
Local law enforcement does not permit public dissent or criticism of the royal family in the sultanate. Any perceived deviation from the Islamic way of life is also viewed with contempt. If you’re a blogger, we strongly advise you to use a VPN at all times.
Please keep in mind that you should conduct research into the potential consequences of your activity before proceeding. Consult a lawyer if necessary; he or she may be able to provide more detailed advice.
How do I obtain Skype access in Oman?
Skype is blocked in the Middle Eastern sultanate of Oman because the government believes that the partially state-owned telecommunications company Omantel should not lose revenue.
VoIP services like Skype serve as a substitute for international long-distance calls, reducing a telecommunications company’s revenue.
If you want to use Skype while traveling in Oman, start by selecting one of the VPNs from our list. Register for the service and pay for it, then download and restart your device with the native software.
After you’ve created and activated your account, go to the VPN provider’s app (for your phone) or desktop client (for your PC/Mac) and select a server in North America or Europe. Even if you prefer a Middle Eastern server, we strongly advise against it. Because several nations in the Oman region prohibit Skype, a server based in that country will also be unable to access Skype.
After you’ve established a stable connection, you can simply launch Skype and use it on a regular basis.
Is a VPN required in Oman to use social media?
Social media is permitted in Oman. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are available across the country. However, there is precedent for website and service censorship. Skype, for example, was previously restricted in Oman. As a result, a VPN allows you to avoid content restrictions when they occur.
Conclusion
As with anywhere, there are compelling reasons to use a VPN while in Oman. To ensure you’re safe from online threats, the one you choose should have good security and a built-in kill switch. Furthermore, a strict no-logs policy will keep your activities private.
A good network of servers will also help you get around blocks more easily. If you want to view content that is restricted to Oman, don’t forget to look for servers in Oman as well.
Because of its excellent security and large server network, NordVPN is our top VPN for Oman. Except for having servers, it’s a fantastic service that checks all the boxes.
