Shinas to Khasab Ferry

Avoiding the UAE Border

Because the Musandam peninsula is an exclave separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates, travelers driving from Muscat typically have to cross two international borders.

The National Ferries Company (NFC), now operated under Mwasalat, provides a brilliant alternative: a high-speed catamaran ferry that links Shinas Port (about 3 hours drive north of Muscat) directly to Khasab. By taking the ferry, Omani residents and tourists entirely bypass the UAE border requirements and visa fees.

Taking Your Car

One of the biggest advantages of the Shinas-Khasab ferry is its Roll-on/Roll-off capabilities. You can drive your own vehicle—whether a small sedan or a heavy 4x4 straight onto the ship's lower cargo deck.

Vehicle Boarding Rules:

• You must arrive at the port at least 2 hours before departure for vehicle loading.
• The vehicle registration (Mulkia) must be in the driver's name, or you must have an official NOC from the owner.
• Car slots sell out extremely quickly during public holidays (like Eid or National Day).

Onboard Facilities

The catamaran ferries are heavily air-conditioned and feature comfortable airline-style seating. First-class seating is available for a premium. There is a small cafeteria onboard serving coffee, snacks, and light meals. The journey takes approximately 3 to 5 hours depending on sea conditions.

Note: The seas off the coast of Musandam can occasionally get rough. If you are prone to seasickness, it is highly recommended to take medication prior to boarding.

Schedules & Ticketing

Ferry schedules are highly variable and are subject to immediate cancellation due to wind or wave conditions. Generally, there are between 2 to 4 sailings per week.

Tickets must be booked in advance via the official Mwasalat website or their localized booking offices.