Middle East and North Africa

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• The majority of visits to Jordan are trouble-free and there are no specific threats to the safety of British visitors or residents.
  
  

• There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See Safety and Security - Terrorism .
  
  
• 24 British nationals required consular assistance in Jordan in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics .
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance .

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Since the beginning of 2011, protests have taken place in many parts of Jordan on Fridays and, in some cases, on other days of the week. Rapidly evolving regional developments continue to have an impact on local public opinion. Occasionally demonstrations may also occur in response to events in Gaza and the West Bank, at refugee camps, university campuses and town centres. Be aware of local sensitivities on these issues.  Follow news reports and be alert to regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Avoid downtown Amman after Friday midday prayers and be aware of the possibility of spontaneous demonstrations occurring elsewhere.

Jordan country profile

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There remains a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There have been a number of such attacks in the past few years.

• On 2 August 2010, one rocket landed close to the Intercontinental Hotel in Aqaba.  One Jordanian national was killed and four were injured.
  
• On 22 April, 2010, a rocket landed in Aqaba.
  
• On 14 January 2010, there was a roadside explosion on the Amman to Dead Sea road near the town of Na’ur. There were no injuries from the explosion which was reportedly targeted at an Israeli diplomatic convoy.  
  

See our terrorism abroad page.

Safety and Security - Border
Jordan’s land borders are prone to periodic closure. At present this applies in particular to both border crossings with Syria. See our travel advice for Syria.

Take care at all border crossings.

Take care when using taxis for journeys into neighbouring countries.

Iraq - For specific advice on travel to Iraq refer to the FCO travel advice: Iraq. There have been incidences when passengers have been handed over to kidnappers once in Iraq.

Syria - For specific advice on travel to Syria refer to the FCO travel advice: Syria. There have also been reports of taxi drivers using the opportunity to indulge in minor smuggling, particularly if travelling late at night.

Safety and Security - Crime
Although levels of crime are generally low, women, in particular, should be careful to avoid situations where they might become victims of sexual assault. Advice from the Jordanian police is that, anyone who finds themselves stranded - even in daytime - should call the police (191 or 192). The police will then take the person to a place of safety. Do not accept lifts from strangers. If you have to use a taxi and are resident in Jordan, try to use a regular driver whom you trust and keep his telephone number with you at all times. In the case of short-term visitors to Amman, your hotel should be able to introduce you to a reliable driver. See our rape and sexual assault abroad page.

Most other crime is limited to pick pocketing and occasional bag snatching. To avoid becoming a victim, stay alert and keep your money and valuables secure.

See our victims of crime abroad page.

Safety and Security - Kidnappings
You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.


Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
You should obtain an International driving permit before travelling to Jordan.

There are a high number of road accidents. Drive with care, especially at night, and avoid driving on unlit roads due to poor road conditions. Make sure you obtain third party insurance. Special care should be taken when driving outside urban areas at night and should be avoided if possible. Most roads are unlit and stray animals, broken-down vehicles and unmarked road works are commonplace.

The police carry out random security checks at checkpoints on the roads. Keep identification documents with you to present at these checkpoints. The police also strictly enforce the speed limit and issue on the spot fines between 15 to 150 Jordanian Dinars.

Front seatbelts are required by law. Failure to wear one can result in a fine. All cars must carry a fire extinguisher and warning triangle.

Using a mobile phone whilst driving is illegal.

In Jordanian law a driver is always guilty if they hit a pedestrian. If you are involved in such an incident, you could face imprisonment and be liable for the payment of hospital bills and other compensation.

Landmines may be located near military installations and borders. Minefields are usually fenced off and marked with a skull and crossbones sign, but fences and signs may be in a state of poor repair.

Roads in mountain areas, including Petra and the surrounding area, can become blocked and cars/coaches can become trapped by occasional heavy snow falls in winter. See our driving abroad page.

Local laws reflect the fact that Jordan is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

In particular you should note that:

• eating, drinking or smoking in public view during the daytime is both forbidden by law and considered disrespectful. Though rare, offenders can face arrest, with penalties ranging from a fine of JD 15 to one month’s imprisonment. These laws are not usually applied to pregnant women, children and non-Muslim foreigners and it is generally acceptable to eat and drink in hotels and restaurants and at tourist sites
• the majority of eating and drinking establishments will be closed during daylight hours
• dress should continue to be modest
• driving may be more erratic than usual, particularly during late afternoon and early evening: be patient and show increased tolerance during this time
  
  

For further information see travelling during Ramadan.

The government does not interfere with the practice of Christianity but encouraging conversion to the Christian faith is illegal. It is also considered illegal for a Muslim to convert to Christianity.

Jordan is a conservative society. You are reminded to dress modestly and behave courteously.

Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Whilst Jordanian law may not explicitly outlaw homosexual acts, Jordan is a conservative society and public displays of affection between homosexual couples are not generally tolerated; they could result in arrest and prison sentences imposed under Jordanian law.

Women are advised to take extra caution when travelling alone as there have been isolated incidents of harassment. For more general information for different types of travellers see our your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas

You need an entry visa to Jordan. You can obtain single entry visas, valid for one month, on arrival at any port of entry, except for the King Hussein Bridge at the Jordan/Israel border. As of 1 January 2011, a single entry visa costs 20 Jordanian Dinars.

If you wish to visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority during your visit, it is better to obtain a multiple entry visa before departure from the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in London .

If you would like a multiple entry visa you can only apply for this at Jordanian diplomatic missions abroad.

You can extend your visa up to three months at any police station after your arrival. You are allowed to extend your stay in Jordan for a maximum period of six months. If you do not extend the validity of your visa, and stay in Jordan after your visa expires you will be fined 1.5 Jordanian Dinars for each day you overstay.  

Entry Requirements - Passport Validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Jordan. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Jordan.

Entry Requirements - Previous Travel to Israel
Evidence of a previous visit to Israel such as an Israeli entry/exit stamp in your passport does not normally cause any difficulties when entering Jordan. It is, however, for the Jordanian authorities to determine the right of entry into the country. If you have any concerns, you should contact the Consulate of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in London.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with Children
For information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in London. 

Entry Requirements - HIV Test
You must undergo an HIV test if you intend to stay in Jordan for more than 30 days, either as a resident or as a long-term visitor.  The fee to obtain the health certificate is currently 20 Jordanian Dinars. 

Entry Requirements - Dual Nationals
If you are a British/Jordanian national, you are allowed to use your British passport on arrival, but will need to show your Jordanian passport on departure.

Medical facilities outside Amman are basic, in an emergency you are advised to seek treatment in Amman. However, if needed, emergency treatment is also available in Aqaba. But please be aware for more complicated matters you will be transferred to Amman.

The temperature in summer months can reach over 40 degrees Celsius. Take care and use high factor sun-block. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Jordan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See travel health.

There are occasional earth tremors in Jordan. In December 2010, there was an earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale with an epicentre in the northern Dead Sea area.

General - Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Ensure your insurance covers unexpected losses or expenses eg lost luggage, stolen cash and credit cards or cancelled/missed flights. Check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Please see travel insurance for more information.

If things go wrong when overseas, then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Visas for Syria and Saudi Arabia
If you are travelling from Jordan to Syria and Saudi Arabia, you must obtain these visas before arriving in Jordan. If your passport contains Israeli stamps or Jordanian or Egyptian stamps from border crossings with Israel, you will be refused entry to Syria and Saudi Arabia, even if you have a valid visa.

General - Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Money
Cash machines are available throughout Amman and at the Queen Alia airport. There is limited availability in the rest of the country.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics
24 British nationals required consular assistance in Jordan in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident: 12 deaths, one hospitalisation, and six arrests, for a variety of offences.