Travel plans can get messed up especially when you are far from home in the mist of uncertainty. For Malawian citizens caught in the gulf conflict shouldn’t be worried there is always a way out. With limited air flights from Dubai the best way to return home is via Muscat, Oman.
The Bus Explorer will give you a clear guide on how to travel from the city of gold (Dubai) to the garden city (Lilongwe). We know it will cost you much extra, considering it wasn’t part of the initial plan. The important goal right now at the moment is to get you home safely and be with loved ones.
Due to the airspace closures across the Middle East region its not flexible like before just book and fly. Now the best option is to travel via Muscat, Oman by bus then fly all the way to Lilongwe.
Step 1: Apply for Oman visa:
The Oman eVisa is an electronic visa implemented by the Royal Oman Police in order to simplify the process of applying for an Oman tourist visa. If you are planning on travelling to Oman, you may now apply online for an eVisa. The application process takes less than 15 minutes. Prepare all the necessary documents, including your biometric passport and apply online to receive the approved Oman visa via e-mail!
Using the electronic visa system, you can easily travel to the Sultanate of Oman for tourism and business purposes. There are different types of eVisas to Oman travelers can use – multiple-entry and single-entry visas. Malawi passport holders require a visa to enter Oman.
Step 2: Booking your bus ticket to Muscat, Oman
Due to the high demand tickets are selling out fast. Its best to book directly at the office and know the exact date the bus has available seats.
Al Khanjry bus is a respected Omani-based transportation company renowned for its reliable and affordable passenger bus services connecting Dubai and Oman. With a commitment to convenience and modern service, Al Khanjry has become a key travel provider for the region. alkhanjryonline.com is the official online portal of Al Khanjry Transport, offering passengers a direct and easy way to book tickets, check schedules, and manage their travel plans with us.
You can book your seats via their WhatsApp numbers: +968 9255 0199 | +968 9241 9799 | +971 556 050 176.
Step 3: Book your flight ticket
Ethiopian Airlines offers daily flights to Muscat International Airport. Due to the increased demand for travel from Muscat the flights fill up petty fast. Secure the earliest avaliable flight. You can contact the Bus Explorer to book for you or directly on the Ethiopian Airline application.
The second option is to book through Oman air. The most likely direction for this option is three flights. Oman air will fly your to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from Jeddah Ethiopian Airlines will fly you to Lilongwe/Blantyre via Addis Ababa.
The third option is more expensive. Book a one way with Salaam air from Muscat to Nairobi avaliable twice weekly. Then book kenya airways one way ticket from Nairobi to Lilongwe. Unfortunately Kenya Airways doesn’t fly to Blantyre.
Travel to Muscat by bus:
Now that you have your Oman visa, confirmed flight booking and the bus ticket. Its time to hit the road. The most reliable bus operator between Dubai/Ajman (UAE) and Muscat is Al khanjry bus service. Their Dubai offices are located along port saeed stree behind the Dnata building the office is open daily from 06:00am to 22:00.
Al Khanjry bus service offer thrice daily departures that i.e 07:00, 15:00 and 22:00. The journey takes between 7 to 9 hours depanding on the road conditions, immigration and customs procedures at the border. As you depart Dubai the bus can pick up passengers at Ajman bus station if its full with go directly to border.
The bus exits UAE through the Hatta border and enters Oman through the Wajajah border. Please note that everyone has to disembark from the bus and stamp your own passport, after you go back to the bus and it takes a short drive to the customs section. Everyone disembarks from the bus again and offload all you bags and put them on the scanning machine. Once done all the bags are loaded on the bus and an immigration officer checks everyones passport one by one if its stamped as you enter the bus.
Once you cross into Oman the bus will stop for about half an hour recess at Khairanth al hajari coffee shop. Its the best time to visit the washroom and get some warm food and snacks for the remainder of the journey.
The final arrival point in Muscat is at Ruwi bus station. From there you will be able to get a taxi or other ride hailing services to the airport. Depending on your confirmed flight booking
Taxi/Cab in Muscat to the airport
Ride-hailing in Muscat is dominated by apps like Otaxi and Yango, which offer 24/7, app-based booking with fixed, transparent pricing. These services are generally preferred over traditional street taxis for convenience and affordability. Payments can typically be made via cash or card within the app.
Depending on how much time you have in Muscat between your bus arrival and flight departure. There are some affordable hotels close to the airport. At the moment entry to the airport is restricted to ticket holders only so its not possible to go wait at the airport if your flight is more than four hour before departure.
Hotels close to the airport
Finding the right accommodation near Muscat International Airport is essential for a convenient and enjoyable stay. There is a diverse range of hotels that cater to every budget, ensuring that travelers can find the perfect place to rest after a long journey.
Get great savings on your reservation. Book online, pay at the hotel. The nearby hotels are The Airport Hotel Muscat, Aerotel Muscat airport transit hotel, Novotel airport hotel, Radisson Collection Muscat, Hormuz Grand, Carnelian Muscat – Airport Hotel, etc.
Muscat International Airport:
Travelers will find a wide array of amenities to cater to their needs. From shopping areas featuring local handicrafts and international brands to comfortable lounges where passengers can relax before their flights, the airport is designed to enhance the overall traveler experience. With free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, charging stations, and a variety of dining options, guests can easily stay connected and refreshed during their time at the airport. The friendly staff is always on hand to assist with any inquiries, making the airport not just a transit point but a welcoming introduction to Oman.
Requirements for Oman visa:
- A valid biometric passport – which expiry date exceeds six months from the planned arrival in Oman.
- An active e-mail address – onto which you will receive your valid visa for Oman
- A photograph of the applicant. A scan or a digital photo of the bio-data page of your passport.
Tips for travellers:
- Valid passport with minimum validity of six months and two blank pages.
- For payments travel with both cards and cash for small payments as not all places with accept card payments.
- Be Flexible due to situation beyond your own control flights can be rescheduled or delayed.
- Don’t go and board the bus to Oman without your visa being approved. You might be denied to leave the UAE by the immigration officials at the border.
- Ensure you a confirmed onward flight ticket from Oman, without it Oman immigration might deny you entry.
- Respect local customs and norms.
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