Whether you live in Dubai, or are simply visiting, a trip to Oman is a must. Best of all, you don’t need to fly. Â
Driving from Dubai to Oman is fairly straightforward, and a great adventure. I’ve done it twice. There are only a few things to bear in mind.
Read on for all the information and tips you need to help you plan your Dubai to Oman road trip.
Driving From Dubai To Oman: Route Options
First of all, there are a few different route options when driving from Dubai to Oman. Â
The two countries share several border crossings.  However, only certain border crossings are open to tourists and non-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Counsel) citizens.
Of these, there are three main crossings to consider.  Which one to take will depend on where you’re coming from/going to.
Note: if you are travelling from Oman to Dubai by road, these are also the three main border crossings I’d recommend you use.
Hatta – Al Wajajah border crossing
This is the border crossing which is closest to Dubai, so might make the most sense if you are pressed for time. From the centre of Dubai, it’s 140 kms to the border and takes about 1 hour 40 mins.
This is also the quickest way of travelling from Sharjah to Oman by road, and takes a similar amount of time.
Do not attempt to use the border crossing at Al Madam, on the E44 road, as this is only open to citizens of GCC countries (the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar).
Instead, take the E102, bypassing the small “spur” of Oman which sticks up into the UAE, before joining the E44 to cross the border at Hatta/Al Wajajah. (See below map, which shows this more clearly.)
Once you’ve been stamped out of the UAE, you need to drive 3 kilometres down the road before you reach the Omani immigration post.
From here, it’s 85 kilometres to Sohar (takes about an hour), or 310 km to Muscat (about 3.5 hours) along the main coastal road.
Using this route, the total distance from Dubai to Muscat by road is 450 kilometres. Â
Assuming the Oman border crossing is smooth and hassle-free (see below), the journey from Dubai to Oman by road should take between 5-6 hours.
Meyzad – Hafeet border crossing
Personally, I think this is a more interesting option, as you get to see a very different part of the UAE before crossing the border. It’s also a better option if you’re planning to head onwards towards Nizwa, Jebel Shams, or other destinations in central/southern Oman.
The Mezyad crossing is just the other side of Al Ain, the largest inland city in the UAE. If you have the time, it’s worth breaking the journey here and having an explore.Â
Al Ain, known as the “Garden City”, is an attractive place, built on an oasis in the desert, with lush greenery and tree-lined avenues.
It’s 160 kilometres from Dubai to the Mezyad border crossing, via the E66, and takes about 2 hours.
This is also a good crossing point if you’re coming from Abu Dhabi (190 kilometres, takes 2 hours). If you are travelling from Abu Dhabi to Oman by road, the border formalities (see below) are the same as for driving to Oman from Dubai.
Side note: if you’re planning to be in Abu Dhabi at any point between November and March, it’s well worth checking out the fantastic Sheikh Zayed festival. This annual festival showcases the cultural wealth and traditions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Khatm Al Shiklah border crossing
This is another crossing close to Al Ain, and takes a similar amount of time to get to as Mezyad.
The main difference is that, unlike Mezyad, the UAE and Oman border posts are nowhere near each other. Once you’ve been stamped out of the UAE, you need to drive almost 30 kilometres before you reach the Omani border post. Â
(This confused me a lot – I thought I’d accidentally driven into Oman without a stamp, but then didn’t know what to do about it so carried on driving…!)
As a result, this isn’t the best option if you’re simply driving to Oman from Dubai for a UAE visa run. But on the other hand, this crossing is usually less busy than the others, so you’ll probably get through more quickly.
Check out this post for some helpful Arabic words and phrases.
Border Formalities
The three border crossings noted above are usually hassle-free and fairly easy to navigate. Â
When crossing from the UAE to Oman by road, you’ll need to complete an immigration form. Customs officials may also want to have a look inside your car.  (It’s best to avoid any obvious evidence that you’re carrying alcohol, if indeed you are.)
How long the formalities take depends on how busy the crossing is. If possible, try to avoid weekends (Friday-Saturday) and public holidays, when there are often long queues of people travelling from Dubai to Oman by car.
Depending on the traffic, the crossing can take anything from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
There are someÂ
Exit fees
At the UAE border, you will need to pay an exit fee of 35 AED.  Card payments are usually accepted, though it’s a good idea to also carry cash, in case the card machine is having a bad day.
There is no fee to exit Oman.
Visas & visa services
Note: UAE citizens (i.e. UAE passport holders) can enter Oman without needing a visa. However, this does not apply to non-citizen residents of the UAE.
The process of applying for an Oman visa for (non-citizen) UAE residents is the same as for non-residents. It all depends on your citizenship (i.e. nationality), not where you have residency.
Citizens of many countries can obtain an Omani tourist visa on arrival. This costs 20 OMR and is valid for up to 30 days. You’ll need at least 6 months’ validity remaining on your passport.
Certain nationalities can apply for an Omani eVisa in advance, which speeds up the process considerably.
** I always use, and strongly recommend, iVisa.com. Their online visa processing service is quick, secure, and easy to use, and makes the whole visa application process very straightforward. **
If you do opt to get a visa on arrival, you should be able to pay the visa fee using credit/debit card. Â
Failing that, most major border crossings have ATMs, and/or a money exchange office where you can change AED to OMR cash.
When (/if) you cross back into the UAE, you’ll be given another UAE tourist visa on arrival for free. Unless you were previously travelling on another type of visa – in which case, double-check that it allows multiple entries.
Car Hire In Dubai (make sure you're allowed to drive to Oman!)
(This is important!)
Not all car hire companies in Dubai will allow you to drive their cars into Oman.
If you’re planning to hire a car in Dubai, you must check with the hire company that they’re happy for it to be taken to Oman. It’s a good idea to mention this to them when you’re shopping around for quotes, before you commit to the rental.
Some companies allow it, but others don’t. Unhelpfully, companies tend to change their policies on this fairly frequently, so it’s not really possible to provide a definitive list here. Always check before committing to renting a car.
Also, check to see if the rental company permits you to take their car off-roading if you intend to do any driving off the main paved roads.
The best deals on car hire in the UAE are usually found on localrent.com. They compare the prices of local car rental companies, which tend to be significantly cheaper than the big international hire companies.
Additional Oman entry requirements from UAE
You’ll need to ask the hire company for an NOC (No Objection Certificate), giving written permission for you to drive the car into Oman. There may, or may not, be an additional fee for the NOC. Â
Border officials will almost certainly ask to see a copy of this, so make sure you get one!
You must also ensure that you take the car’s registration card (called a “mulkiya“) with you. You need the original card (not a photocopy, which probably won’t be accepted by the border guards). Â
Check it’s still in date and hasn’t expired!
If you’re driving a friend’s car, you should have their proof of ownership, and their written permission for you to take the car into Oman (unless they are with you). Â
This isn’t always asked for, but I’d recommend having it to avoid potential issues at the border.
*NEW* Dubai RTA Rule (updated December 2023)
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently introduced a new rule requiring a “tourism certificate” to drive vehicles registered in Dubai outside the UAE.
To obtain this RTA approval/certificate, you need to take the following steps:
- Gather your Emirates ID or passport, the vehicle’s mulkiya/registration card, proof of ownership/NOC/written permission of the owner (if applicable), and company documents (for company-owned vehicles).
- Take these in person to any RTA “Customer Happiness Centre” or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centre in Dubai.
- Present your documents at the front desk.
- Pay the required service fees (typically around 170 AED for most vehicle types).
- Obtain the tourism certificate from the centre.
Oman Car Insurance
You will need valid Oman car insurance that explicitly covers you whilst driving in Oman. Â
Some Dubai car hire companies can provide this (ask for written proof of coverage). If not, you can buy Omani third party insurance at the border.
Not all insurers cover off-road driving. If this is something you’d like to do, check whether the insurers in question will cover you. Â
And you’d obvs need a 4×4. 🙂
For tips and inspiration to help you plan the perfect Oman road trip, also check out this article.
Other Practicalities
Driving from Dubai to Oman is, in general, very easy. Most main roads are paved and in excellent condition.
A 2-wheel drive car is fine for accessing most places. A 4×4 is only necessary if you want to head off road into the desert.
Once you get out of the main towns and cities, phone signal can be intermittent. Download offline maps in advance (e.g. Google maps offline) if you plan to spend much time outside of the main population centres.
In both countries, road signs are written in Arabic and English, and traffic drives on the right.
It’s not technically illegal to bring small quantities of alcohol with you across the border, but I wouldn’t recommend doing this, to avoid any issues with customs. (And if you do, keep it hidden.)
It’s obvious, but don’t drink and drive. Both countries have a zero-tolerance limit (with stiff penalties issued by the Royal Oman Police), and you are likely to be breathalysed if involved in an accident.
Make sure your medical travel insurance covers you whilst in Oman. Policies that cover the UAE probably also cover Oman, but it’s always worth checking.
Speed limits in Oman are usually 120km/h on highways, 80-90km/h on rural roads, and 40km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise shown.
Here are 179 of my favourite desert quotes and captions.
Dubai To Oman By Bus
If you don’t want to drive, Mwasalat operates a direct coach service from Dubai to Muscat, the capital city of Oman.
However, I don’t really recommend this option unless you only want to visit Muscat.  The public transport network in Oman isn’t very comprehensive and you might struggle to get around without a car.
In Dubai, you can catch the coach from Abu Hail station (in Deira), DXB airport T2, or Rashidiya Metro Bus Station. The service terminates in Muscat at Azaiba bus station.
Tickets cost 60 AED one way, and 95 AED return. However, you must purchase a ticket before boarding the bus. You cannot purchase a ticket online or on the bus itself. Tickets are available from Abu Hail station and the Mwasalat Office in Deira.
Check here for latest timetable information and further details.
Accommodation And Tours In Oman
Where to stay
You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options throughout Oman to suit most budgets.
As with most countries in the region, there aren’t many ultra-cheap/shoestring options. However, whether you’re looking for a simple guesthouse, a mid-range hotel, or a luxury five-star palace, you won’t struggle to find somewhere decent to stay.
Click here to compare the latest prices and more details.
Alternatively, you can search here:
Tours
Oman is a very safe country and is easy to explore independently (provided you have your own car).
However, if you would prefer a guided tour to see the country’s highlights, there are many excellent companies to choose from.
FAQs
Here are answers to some commonly-asked questions about driving to Oman from Dubai.
Is it safe to drive from UAE to Oman?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to drive to Oman from the UAE. The roads are in excellent condition and it’s an easy drive.
Do I need a visa to visit Oman by road from UAE?
Citizens of most countries need a visa to visit Oman, whether you’re arriving by road or by air. Check on iVisa.com to see which Oman visa rules apply to you.
Dubai to Oman distance?
The distance from Dubai to Oman is 140 kilometres to the Hatta border, or 160 kilometres to the Mezyad border.
See here for the best family-friendly places to visit in Dubai. And see here to read more about hotels, jobs, and other things in Dubai.
** Love road trips? Me too. Check out some of my other road trip-related posts, including:
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51 Comments
Hi Alex,
thanks a million for your very interesting and useful blog! We hope to be able to travel to Oman in January (if Covid lets us in;-). We’ll first fly from Europe to Dubai, and hope to find a rental company which allows us to drive their cars to Oman. May I ask you a couple of questions as you seem to know A LOT about UAE/Oman: among the 3 border crossing points you mention, do you know if they are all ok for European tourists with a UAE-Dubai-rental car or would you recommend one of them? Do you know if it is possible to get the Oman-visa at the border crossing points too (and not at the airport since we would enter the country by car), or would you advise to apply for it online? I read that a visa for up to 10 or 14 days is free of charge for EU citizens at the Mascate airport, but was not able to figure out if the same conditions apply for land crossing points. THANKS A LOT IN ADVANCE for your help, and best regards! Anne (from Brittany, France, best place on Earth hahaha)
Hi Anne, glad to be able to help.
All 3 of the border crossings I mention in this article are fine for European tourists with a Dubai rental car.
In terms of which of the three crossings to use, the Hatta – Al Wajajah crossing is the closest to Dubai and probably the most popular one to use.
However, the drive from the Meyzad – Hafeet border to Muscat is more scenic and interesting. Personally, I’d use the Meyzad – Hafeet border, though any of those 3 are fine.
If you’re a French/EU citizen, unless the Omani authorities decide to change the rules last minute (always a small possibility), you should be able to get a free visa on arrival at the border (applies to land borders and airports equally). You’ll either get 10 or 14 days — I can’t work out whether there’s a rule on who gets 10 and who gets 14… but if you’re only planning to be there for 10 days or less, you’ll be fine either way 🙂
You could apply for an e-visa in advance if you prefer, but it’s not technically necessary, and I don’t think it’s free. Personally, I think it’s fine to just get the free one at the border (though keep an eye on the news in the days running up to your trip, in case there are any changes to the rules). I’d also definitely bring a couple of printed passport photos with you. They have photo booths at the main border crossing points, but you can’t always rely on these to be working.
You’ll need to show the immigration people QR codes confirming you are fully vaccinated against covid, and have received a negative PCR test result (taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in Oman).
Before entering Oman, you also need to complete a pre-registration form at the eMushrif website (https://covid19.emushrif.om/) and upload your vaccine certification and PCR test result.
In terms of car hire, not all companies allow you to take their cars from UAE into Oman. The list of companies which allow it does change periodically, so you should call them up and check before paying for one. Bigger international companies like Avis and Hertz are more likely to say yes than small local ones, but definitely call them to check first!
Enjoy your trip! Oman is awesome
If traveling by land, from EUA to Omand without any covid -19 vax certification what are the issues if any? Thanks
Hope you are good, and really appreciate for in-depth info, just wondering that if i have a bank mortgaged car on my name is it ok to travel to oman in the same car or shall i be requiring any sort of NOC from the Bank.
Hi Alex,
Do you have any format or sample of NOC letter to be shown at border if iam taking my friend’s car
Hi Anne
We’re planning a trip to Oman in February 2022. We also want to rent a car in Dubai to cross the border to Oman. The car rental I normally use doesn’t allow to cross the border.
Can you tell me the name of the car rental you used?
@Alex: your detailed information about crossing the border is so useful to plan our trip. Thanks!
Many thanks Alex for the blog which I found very useful for my recent road trip from Dubai to Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman. We used the Mezyad crossing as you suggested and it was really quick both ways. We left early around 5 am on 1 December, the beginning of the 4 day long weekend in UAE, expecting long queues at the border. But barring a pack of bikers, which marginally delayed the departure from the UAE side of the border, it was a very smooth exit. All counters were drive through (unless you don’t have an evisa for Oman in which case you will have to leave the car at the parking lot on the Oman side to walk to the visa office). There were 2 on UAE side, one to check and stamp the passports and the next one to validate. On the Oman side, you first drive to the counter where the vaccination records and pcr reports are checked. Then drive to the passport control counter where your evisa, passport, vehicle registration and drivers license are checked. It is best to obtain an evisa, otherwise you will need to drive to an adjoining visa office, apply and get one on the spot. On busy days, this can be delayed. Then drive to the vehicle inspection bay where you may be asked to open the boot and perhaps the bags as well for customs. It took us just below an hour from the beginning of the Mezyad border post on the UAE side to the end of the Oman side of the crossing.
Returned today (4th December), through the same crossing. Took less than 5 minutes on the Oman side of the immigration (drive through) and another 20 minutes on the UAE side. We are a family of 4 so on the UAE side we were asked to park the car and go to the departure hall nearby where passport control formalities were completed in 5 minutes. Then we drove to the medical counter where our pcr and vaccine records were checked and finally car contents checked at the last stop. All in all very smooth exit and entry back to UAE.
One point to note is that on the Oman side after the border crossing, there are no good cafes or restaurants. So best to stock up on food and drink.
Glad you had a good (and easy) trip!
Thanks very much for the extra detail and info here, all incredibly useful.
Hi Mr.Alex
Please let me know if I have bank loan with my car,I can cross Oman border from Dubai.
Hi Alex,
we are planning to stay in Oman for 6 days.
Do we (currently) have to take a PCR test before going back to the UAE?
Thanks!
Each of the emirates has their own rules regarding testing for (re)entry. For example, Abu Dhabi has stricter rules than Dubai.
But my understanding is that most (if not all) of the emirates currently require you to show proof of a negative PCR test, taken no more than 48 hours before travel.
I’d recommend checking the health section of the official website for the emirate you will be returning to, to ensure you have the most up to date information. For Abu Dhabi, it’s https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel
thanks a million Alex for all your hints!!
Great to see the other message concerning border crossing Oman/UAE, too, very useful.
Best regards from Brussels!
Anne
You’re very welcome! 🙂
Hello Alex,
This is Pratheep, I am planning to visit Muscat with my family, driving my car that is still under bank loan. Do we have to carry NOC from the bank to cross the border?
Kindly advise
Thanks
Pratheep
Hi Pratheep, I don’t have any personal experience with this I’m afraid.
My understanding (from doing some online research) is that it depends on the terms of your mortgage with the bank. Some banks require NOCs, others don’t. Each bank will have its own rules, there’s no hard and fast rule that covers all, unfortunately. You could ask your bank and see what they say?
Many people appear to have done the crossing without obtaining a NOC (even if they technically should’ve had one), with no issues. This might be a breach of the terms of your mortgage agreement with the bank (depending on what it says). I’m afraid I can’t advise whether it’s worth taking that risk, it’s up to you. I’m sorry that’s not a perfect answer.
Planning to drive to oman after obtaining thr dubai/oman join visa at arrival DXB will be driving to buriami via hatta/AL wajajah border on a rental car. Do I need a NOC as well as an orange card ?
Hello Pradeep,
Can you tell me about your experience on taking ban financed car to Oman?
It is allowed? Do we need letter?
Going to Oman with a mortgaged car is allowed as long as it belongs to you or your spouse. You don’t need any additional document apart from Registration card and and insurance that is valid in Oman.
Hi Navin, thanks for the info. But how can we prove that the car belongs to me if it’s mortgaged, because on the mulkiya, the owner name will be the bank’s. Please advise. Thanks.
Hi Hanne,
Unfortunately, we ended up cancelling our trip to Oman in January because of a major incident in our family, but do hope to be able to go in March. So I can not give you any feedback about the car rental company and how it worked out the cross the Omani border. The company’s name is Dollar Car rental. They have several offices at the airport and downtown Dubai. You can check online for their deals.
I might come back to you later in February, maybe you will be able to tell me how it worked out for you. We should be leaving on March 4th. Enjoy your trip !! Best regards, Anne
I need to know the method for a US citizen who once visits Dubai, stays there for 30 days, drives to Oman and return back to Dubai getting a re entry for UAE for 30 days the same day.
Hi Alex,
Great article! Much appreciated.
I have two specific questions:
– If I do pcr in Dubai and will get to Oman and back within 72 hours, will it work on the bordeR?
– I’ve seen some mentioning about “Oman exit permit”, is it required for a Oman-UAE crossing?
Thanks,
Aleh
Hello Alex, excellent post, could not have been more helpful in helping me understand what is required to get into Oman from Dubai. My wife and I are planning a trip to Oman (Muscat) from Dubai this month and in mapping the route, I discovered a border crossing you did not mention – Khatmat Milaha. Do you have any experience with this one? If so, what should I look out for? I will be driving my sister’s car (not traveling with us).
Hi Sherief, I am looking at a similar route, may I ask if you tried the Khatmat Milaha crossing?
Hey Alex, thank you so much for the guide! This looks like it was a really cool trip. You’ve inspired me to go on a similar trip on the future. Keep up the fantastic work!
do a UAE resident needs a PCR to travel to Oman?
can we take the car insurance from the boarder?
can i have noc letter format for using my friends car
Hi noushil if u have noc format please share
Hello!
If someone is driving in their own car with valid registration and insurance, do they need another insurance to enter oman? Is that optional ? How much can we expect for 3rd party insurance?
Thanks
Inayat
Hi Alex,
I’m planning to go to Salalah during the EID holidays. As it is going to be a loooong drive I’m planning to start at 2 AM from Dubai. My question is are insurance companies open at Al Mezyad border at this hour. I will probable reaching the border around 3.30 AM. Also is it possible to buy Omani sim card at the border crossing at this hour.
Thank you.
Regards
Ramkrish
July 12 I want to visit Oman with my family’s members 5
We have full vaccinated as Sinofarm Pfizer.its ok for tour?
Now need PCR?
My own car models 2004;it’s ok?
Hi,
Can I drive company car to Oman?
If I can then what are the documents required? please suggest me
Thank you
Good day Alex,
Is it allowed to cross into North Oman from Dibba by car ?
My understanding is you can only enter from RAK side as the border in Dibba is only for locals or if you have a Dhow cruise booking.
Can you please advise,
Very thankful for you to share all the things required to go from Dubai to Oman via road, I am leaving in Oman but I haven’t visited Dubai yet and I was planning to go but now I am clear that I will go from road and enjoy my trip thanks for sharing this information.
Hi can you please tell me if I can use ky company car. What is the requirements that they will ask from the border. I need your advice. Please thank you.
Hi, im planning a trip in October and would like to know if the border is open for driving with your own vehicle and do i need a special letter to produce at the border or just the normsl mulkiya etc. Also confirm the fees applicable/visas.
Hi Alex,
Great information! Here is a question: for renting a car in Dubai to drive to Oman, is there any reason/benefit to me bringing proof of insurance in my home country (Canada) from my insurance company here? I.e. is Omani auto insurance cheaper if I do?
We will be renting and driving across in November this year…definitely planning on the route that lets us stop at Al Ain on the way to Muscat.
Thank you,
Shawn
Thank you for the detailed information. My daughter and her family are visiting us (all US passport holders) and we were planning to meet them in Dubai and drive back to Muscat. I am getting mixed messages about the visa they need, and do not want to get stuck at the border crossing as they have a small baby. Any tips you can give regarding visa for borders to Muscat and return would really be appreciated. TIA
Thanks for share very informative article. I am planning for trip in next month . I went to go on long drive , so i buy used car on installment in uae. so i can enjoy my trip . thanks fristchoicecars making my trip tension free.
Al Wajajah border crossing between Dubai and Oman is the preferred choice and most popular route for driving from Dubai to Muscat. The Hatta border post is only 140km from Dubai. By car it takes less than two hours to reach from Dubai. Other is Musandam Oman where mostly go on a day trip.
Recently, I traveled by road to Dubai from Muscat Oman, and I must say that it was a great experience.
I’m glad! 🙂
hello,
just wanted a small help
i am driving a company car and i was not allowed ro pass the HATTA border as they were asking for some Registration certificate
how do i get the certificate and from where in UAE
need your support on this
Hi Anand – you’ll need to ask the company that owns the car for this document. They should have it as they’ll need it to register the car.
Thank you for sharing important aspects but as I’m new in Dubai I’ve been fined by RTA twice. What do you advise me to follow so I can avoid getting these if I’m planning to go to Oman by road?
I’m not really in a position to advise in relation to your RTA fines I’m afraid. I guess it depends what the fines were for. My advice would be to reach out to RTA and ask them as they’ll be in a much better position to answer your query.
Rule changed for Company/Rent A Cars
Hi Dears, I tried to go to Oman in my Company Car yesterday via Hatta Wajajah border.
I have NOC and original Mulkhiya also. But the border police denied my travel saying that they now need RTA approval as well. Please note that you cannot drive even in your friend’s car as well although you have NOC form.
RTA approval is mandatory now.
That’s very helpful to know, thank you. I’ll update the post accordingly.
Hi all.
I am actually planning to go to Musadam for a ONE day trip, on 31st Dec. But my car registration expiry is on 4th Jan. Is it possible for me to go????
I have read through many articles, i saw only information that it shouldn’t be expired.
So, im confused if “going to expire” registration status will be accepted at border.
I’m not sure on this one. I’d guess it should be fine as long as it’s currently still valid, but I can’t say for definite. Personally, I would check with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) just to be sure. You now need to get a “tourism certificate” from them to drive vehicles registered in Dubai outside the UAE (see above section on this), so you might as well ask them about the expiry date at the same time.
It’s really informative. Recently, I had to go to Oman for my business purposes. Basically, I am a content writer specializing in companies. Firstly, I visit companies and offer to enhance their online visibility. However, during my journey from Dubai to Oman, I received fines twice. Is it possible to receive fines from RTA multiple times? Because I am new here. If yes, is there any way to get a discount on them or can we delay these fines for 2 or 3 months?