Summary
- We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Jordan because of the risk of terrorist attack.
- Pay attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.
- Demonstrations have been taking place in Jordan since January 2011, including in Amman and most other major cities. See Safety and security: Civil unrest / Political tension for more information.
- You should avoid all protests and demonstrations in Jordan as they may turn violent. If you are in an area where a protest is occurring, you should either leave, if it is safe to do so, or remain indoors and away from windows.
- You should take particular care in the period surrounding Friday prayers, especially near the main city mosques and downtown areas of Amman (East Amman).
- On 21 October 2012, Jordanian authorities announced they had detained 11 militants whom they allege were planning terrorist attacks in Amman.
- You should exercise particular vigilance if travelling near the border with Syria as incidents have occurred as a result of the conflict in Syria.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it’s reissued.
Entry and exit
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Jordan for the most up-to-date information.
Foreigners wishing to stay more than one month in Jordan must register with the police and may be required to undergo medical and HIV tests.
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Jordan if you have come from or transited an area where there is a risk of transmission.
Under Jordanian law, a husband may prevent his wife and children from leaving Jordan, even if they are Australian citizens.
If you travel between Jordan and Israel, you may experience difficulties in or be refused entry to some Arab and Muslim nations if your passport has evidence of travel to Israel, including entry and exit stamps issued at border crossings in Jordan, or if your luggage has stickers indicating you have been to Israel.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Safety and security
Civil unrest/Political tension
Demonstrations have been taking place in Jordan since January 2011, including in Amman and most other major cities. The majority of demonstrations have been peaceful, but a minority have become violent. Demonstrations can be triggered by ongoing political developments, cost of living increases and significant anniversaries. We recommend Australians avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent. If you are in an area where a protest is occurring, you should either leave, if it is safe to do so, or remain indoors and away from windows.
Demonstrations are likely to continue to occur, particularly after Friday noon prayers and near the main city mosques, key ministries, diplomatic missions, at major intersections and downtown areas of Amman. Demonstrations are also likely in regional centres, including, but not limited to, Irbid, Zarqa, Mafraq, Madaba, Karak, Tafileh, Ma’an, Ajloun and on the major highways connecting these towns.
You should monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Terrorism
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Jordan because of the risk of terrorist attack. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.
On 21 October 2012, Jordanian authorities announced they had detained 11 militants whom they allege were planning terrorist attacks in Amman. On 22 April 2010 an artillery rocket fired from outside Jordan towards the Israeli city of Eilat, landed in the adjoining Jordanian city of Aqaba, causing minor damage. On 2 August 2010, a similar rocket exploded outside an international hotel in Aqaba, killing one and injuring four. On 14 January 2010 an Israeli convoy was the target of a roadside bombing on the Amman to Dead Sea road. These incidents highlight the risk to Australians in Jordan from attacks directed at others.
In the past, al-Qa’ida has called for attacks against Jordan and was responsible for the 2005 bombings of international hotels in Amman.
In planning your activities, consider the types of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided at these places. Tourist areas and attractions throughout Jordan and tourists travelling to or from these places, including those in tour groups or tour buses, could be targeted. Other possible terrorist targets in Jordan include places where there are concentrations of expatriates, such as embassies, expatriate residential areas and schools, outdoor recreation events or identifiably Western businesses, including hotels, restaurants, bars, nightspots, clubs, sporting clubs and sporting venues, international fast food outlets, supermarkets, markets, shopping centres, malls, cinemas and theatres.
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Crime
There has been an increase in petty crime over the last 12 months. Robbery with violence, including bag-snatching, burglaries and assaults against foreigners in tourist destinations (including by unlicensed guides) have been reported. Petty crime is a concern, especially in downtown and wealthier parts of Amman. Unattended bags have been stolen in hotels.
Women can be subject to harassment, which can include leering, unwanted physical contact and stalking. There have been several incidents of sexual assault against foreign women. You should avoid walking alone after dark and in isolated places.
Scammers in tourist areas are targeting single women travellers, with promises of companionship or marriage. The scams typically involve joint business ventures, but are aimed at soliciting large sums of money. Prosecution in such cases may be influenced by Jordanian laws and attitudes relating to marriage and adultery (see the Laws section below).
Firearms are more common in Jordan than Australia and incidents of crime involving firearms take place from time to time.
You should be vigilant when using ATMs. Credit card fraud has been reported in Jordan, including the use of sophisticated card skimming machines. We recommend you keep your credit card in sight at all times when making a purchase.
Money and valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money in Jordan such as credit and debit cards, or cash. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Jordan.
Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, and visas. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
Local travel
Jordan has a high road accident toll. Roads can be hazardous at night, particularly in rural areas where stray livestock and unlit vehicles are common. You should avoid driving outside the cities after dark. For further advice, see our page on road travel. Vehicles must carry an extinguisher and a warning triangle.
Police perform random security checks of vehicles on Jordanian highways and you are advised to carry identification documents to present at checkpoints.
The border crossing point between Jordan and the West Bank could be closed at very short notice. For details about travel to the West Bank, see our travel advice for Israel, Gaza Strip and West Bank.
You should exercise particular vigilance if travelling near the border with Syria, due to the continuing armed conflict in that country. Gunfire and shelling into Jordanian territory has occurred in the immediate proximity of the border. A small number of these incidents has resulted in fatalities and injuries.
Border crossing points between Jordan and Syria could be closed at very short notice. See our travel advice for Syria for further information.
We strongly recommend Australians do not travel to Iraq due to the extremely dangerous security situation and very high threat of terrorist attack. If you plan to go to Iraq, you should first read our travel advisory for Iraq.
Unexploded munitions, including landmines, are still a danger along Jordan’s northern border. Known minefields are usually fenced and marked, but these warnings may not be obvious.
Women should avoid travelling alone, particularly at night. Serious assaults by taxi drivers on lone female passengers have been reported. Where possible, women should avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi. You should pay attention to your immediate surroundings and exercise judgement.
The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities, might not always be met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed.
Airline safety
Please refer to our air travel page for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Laws
When you are in Jordan, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can’t get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include life imprisonment. Penalties for possession of even small quantities of 'soft' drugs include mandatory prison sentences.
Serious crimes, such as murder, treason and rape of a minor, may attract the death penalty.
Hard labour may be imposed for offences causing personal injury or property damage.
Adultery (including consensual sex between unmarried couples) may be punished by up to 3 years imprisonment.
Australians wishing to marry in Jordan should confirm legal requirements prior to travel, either from the Australian Embassy in Amman or the Jordanian Embassy in Canberra.
Under Jordanian law, drivers are considered responsible if they are involved in an accident in which a pedestrian is injured. They face possible prison terms and payment of financial compensation.
It is illegal to photograph embassies, military and security installations and sites. You should obey all signs prohibiting photography of official buildings. You should seek consent before photographing people.
You should check local regulations and sensitivities before engaging in missionary work, preaching or other religious activities.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 25 years’ imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.
Local customs
Cultural and social expectations vary between regions of Jordan. You should take care not to offend. If in doubt seek local advice.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.
Public displays of affection between couples are not socially acceptable and may cause offence in many parts of Jordan.
It is not socially acceptable for unmarried couples to live together or share accommodation.
Homosexual relations are not socially acceptable in Jordan.
Information for dual nationals
Dual nationals are considered Jordanian while in Jordan.
Compulsory military service has been suspended. However, all Jordanian males between 18 and 40 years, including dual nationals, are required to register for Jordanian military service and postpone their service each year. Eligible males who fail to register may be prevented from leaving Jordan.
Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Health
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Health care providers in Jordan may seek upfront payment for medical treatment even if travellers have travel insurance. Jordanian hospitals may be sufficiently assured by contact with travel insurance providers to proceed with treatment, but there may be delays involved. Most high quality medical services in Amman are private and cash payment is expected in advance.
Outside major cities, Jordan's health services are basic. In the event of serious illness, accident or for complex medical procedures, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate medical facilities could be necessary. Medical evacuation costs would be considerable.
Water-borne, food-borne, mosquito-borne and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, typhoid, measles, brucellosis, sand fly fever, rabies and schistosomiasis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling, including booster doses of childhood vaccinations, and to take precautions against being bitten by insects, including using insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof. You should boil all drinking water or drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
Where to get help
In Jordan, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy
41 Kayed Al Armouti Street
Abdoun Al Jonoubi
Amman, JORDAN
Telephone: (962 6) 580 7000
Facsimile: (962 6) 580 7001
Email: amman.consular@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.jordan.embassy.gov.au
The working week is Sunday to Thursday, in accordance with local practice.
If you are travelling to Jordan, whatever the reason and however long you’ll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the embassy, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Additional information
Natural disasters, severe weather and climate
Jordan is located in an active earthquake zone. Rock falls and landslides can also occur in valleys and other natural rock fissures and formations due to seismic activity or other climatic conditions. You should take particular care in these areas.
Sand and dust storms can occur, particularly in desert areas.
Flooding, including flash floods, can occur in valleys (wadis) in the rainy season, which is usually from November to March.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
For parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children’s Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.