Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Jordan is a stable, welcoming country and a major tourism destination. Main sites such as Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Jerash and Amman are generally safe, but stay away from the Syrian and Iraqi border areas.
- Overall risk
- Low in tourist areas; heightened caution near northern and eastern borders
- Main concern
- Regional tensions near the Syrian, Iraqi and Israeli/Palestinian frontiers
- Emergency number
- 911 (unified emergency)
- Jordan hosts millions of visitors each year and its tourist regions are well policed. Avoid the immediate vicinity of the Syrian and Iraqi borders. For areas near Israel and the Palestinian Territories and any regional developments, check the latest guidance from your foreign ministry and the Embassy of Japan in Jordan.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Do not travel to the immediate areas along the Syrian and Iraqi borders. Tourist regions in the centre and south are the safe places to visit.
- Avoid
- The strip along the Syrian and Iraqi borders in the north and east
- Border areas
- For frontiers near Israel and the Palestinian Territories, follow official guidance
- Safe zones
- Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Jerash
- The main tourist circuit is well away from the sensitive borders. Keep clear of the northern and eastern border zones with Syria and Iraq. For the situation near Israel and the Palestinian Territories, rely on current advice from your foreign ministry and the Embassy of Japan in Jordan rather than assumptions.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
The climate is desert. Summers are extremely hot, deserts like Wadi Rum have large day-night temperature swings, and northern areas and Amman can be cold with snow in winter. Beware of flash floods in valleys (wadis).
- Summer
- Extreme heat; risk of heat exhaustion
- Desert
- Sharp temperature drops at night in Wadi Rum and the desert
- Winter/Rain
- Cold and possible snow in the north and Amman; flash floods in wadis
- Carry water and sun protection in summer and warm layers for cool desert nights and winter. During and after rain, avoid dry riverbeds and canyon floors because sudden flash floods can occur, including near Petra.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Healthcare is good in the cities, especially private hospitals in Amman. Tap water needs caution even in urban areas, so drink bottled water. Guard against heat and dehydration.
- Healthcare
- Good in cities; strong private hospitals in Amman
- Water
- Bottled water recommended, even in cities
- Heat
- Risk of heat stroke and dehydration in summer
- Amman has modern private clinics and hospitals; rural areas are more limited. Drink sealed bottled water and be careful with ice and raw foods. In hot months drink plenty of fluids, avoid the midday sun and carry your regular medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Crime against tourists is generally low. The usual issues are taxi overcharging and persistent touts or sellers at tourist sites.
- Main risk
- Overcharging and pushy touts, not violent crime
- Taxis
- Insist on the meter or agree the fare beforehand
- Advice
- Keep valuables secure in crowded souks and sites
- Jordanians are known for their hospitality and serious crime against visitors is uncommon. Use metered or app-based taxis, agree prices in advance for tours and camel or jeep rides, and politely decline aggressive sellers at places like Petra and downtown Amman.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Jordan is a stable constitutional monarchy. Demonstrations can happen, especially in response to regional events; avoid them and check current advice.
- Government
- Constitutional monarchy, generally stable
- Demonstrations
- Possible; avoid gatherings and follow official guidance
- Regional context
- Check current advisories for any developments
- Jordan is regarded as one of the more stable countries in the region. Protests can occur, sometimes linked to wider regional events; they may turn disruptive, so avoid demonstrations and large crowds. For up-to-date guidance, rely on your foreign ministry and the Embassy of Japan in Jordan.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Alcohol is available (Jordan is not a dry country), but be discreet in public. Dress modestly at religious sites, be considerate during Ramadan, and note that drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Alcohol
- Legally sold; drink discreetly, not in public spaces
- Dress
- Modest clothing at mosques and holy sites
- Drugs
- Very severe penalties
- Unlike some neighbours, Jordan permits alcohol sales in licensed shops, hotels and restaurants, but avoid drinking in public areas. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight out of respect. Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites, and be aware that public displays of affection may cause offence. Drug offences are punished very harshly.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 911 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. It is the unified emergency number across Jordan.
- All emergencies
- 911
- Tourist Police
- Present at major sites like Petra
- Note
- Save your accommodation address in Arabic and English
- 911 connects to police, ambulance and fire services nationwide. Tourist Police operate at popular attractions and can assist visitors. Keep your embassy contact and your hotel address handy in case you need help.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement for most visitors, so carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical and repatriation cover.
- Insurance
- Comprehensive policy with medical cover essential
- Payment
- Private hospitals may require upfront payment
- Activities
- Include cover for hiking, diving in Aqaba and desert trips
- Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospital costs and emergency repatriation. If you plan adventure activities such as canyoning near Petra, trekking in Wadi Rum or diving in Aqaba, confirm they are included in your cover.