Jordan

The security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable. Conflicts in the Middle East could lead to in an increase in tensions elsewhere in the region and may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice.

Demonstrations and protests

Demonstrations and protests occur frequently, including in Amman and regional centres.

They're prompted by:

• domestic, regional and international events
• political or economic issues
• politically significant anniversaries

Most have been peaceful. However, public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Demonstrations often occur after Friday noon prayers but can happen at any time. These often result in road closures.

They're likely to occur:

• near large mosques, government ministries and diplomatic missions
• at major intersections
• in downtown areas of Amman

To stay safe:

• avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings
• check local media for updates and traffic advisories
• avoid possible unrest on national days or commemorations
• change your plans if there are disruptions
• follow the advice of local authorities

Contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help if there are disruptions.

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Border regions

Security is unstable in Syria and Iraq. Land border crossings could close without notice. 

There's frequent military activity near Jordan's borders with these countries. This includes shelling, gunfire and drone attacks from smugglers and militias in Syria and Iraq.

People have died or been injured on the Jordanian side of the border with Syria. Jordan has deployed extra security forces to the area.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Jordanian authorities have stopped terrorist plots in recent years.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

Foreigners living have been targeted at:

• embassies
• expatriate housing areas and schools
• outdoor events

To stay safe:

• be aware while in places known to be possible targets
• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• take official warnings seriously
• monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorist threats 

• Armed conflict

People have reported:

• robbery with violence
• bag snatching
• burglaries
• assaults against foreigners in tourist areas, including assaults by unlicensed guides
• bags stolen from hotels and vehicles
• aggressive begging practices by organised criminal groups

Be alert to pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in tourist areas.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Scams and fraud

Scammers work in tourist areas. They often target single women. They promise companionship or marriage.

Some scammers offer joint business ideas. Their aim is to take large sums of money from their target. Jordanian laws can make legal action difficult. Scams involving sex outside of marriage may not be investigated by local authorities due to local laws and cultural differences. See Local laws.

Authorities report credit card fraud. This includes the use of card-skimming machines.

To avoid being scammed:

• keep your credit card in sight during transactions
• check for card-skimming devices before you use an ATM
• be wary of friendly strangers, especially if the person mentions marriage or business ventures

Firearms

Firearms are more common than in Australia. Criminals sometimes use firearms. Shooting guns to celebrate is illegal but still occurs. It sometimes causes death and injury.

Stay indoors and away from windows if people are celebrating with gunfire.

Female travellers

While all travellers may encounter risks abroad, women travelling alone or in female-only groups may face additional challenges and safety concerns in certain countries or cultural contexts.

Women are often subject to harassment. This includes leering, unwanted physical contact and stalking.

Incidents of sexual assault against foreign women are reported. Friendliness can be misinterpreted.

If you're a woman:

• avoid eye contact and talking to men you don't know
• avoid walking or travelling alone, particularly after dark or in lonely places
• always ride in the back seat of rideshares or taxis, especially when travelling alone
• pay attention to your surroundings, and leave if you feel uncomfortable
• report sexual assault incidents to the police

More information:

• Women travellers

Cyber security

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Jordan is in an active earthquake area.

Rock falls and landslides can occur, especially in valleys.

There can be sand or dust storms, especially in desert areas. Snowstorms can happen at higher elevations, including in Amman.

The rainy season runs from November to March and can cause flash flooding. Valleys (wadis) are most at risk. Recent flooding has closed roads, including major highways. Monitor weather conditions before commencing road travel. Follow the advice of local authorities and avoid flood waters.

There have been instances of flash flooding outside of the rainy season.  In May, an estimated 1,785 tourists were evacuated due to flash flooding in Petra.

Dust storms can also occur at short notice. The decreased visibility can be dangerous while driving, and the storms can also aggravate pre-existing allergies or respiratory conditions.

If a natural disaster or severe weather happens:

• keep your passport in a safe place
• closely monitor local media and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• stay in contact with friends and family

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Jordan by contacting the Jordan Food and Drug Administration. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been reported in:

• Jordan
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• the United Arab Emirates

Other countries have reported cases from returned travellers.

Avoid consuming raw camel milk, undercooked camel meat, or anything contaminated with camel secretions.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, including before and after touching animals. Maintain good personal hygiene.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, cough, breathing difficulties or diarrhoea.

More information:

• MERS information card

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, insect-borne and other infectious diseases are widespread. These include:

• hepatitis
• typhoid
• measles
• brucellosis
• leishmaniasis (sandfly fever)
• rabies
• schistosomiasis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products
• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Jordan for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Amman has high-quality private medical services. Outside major cities, Jordan's health services are basic.

Paramedic and ambulance services are basic compared with Australia.

If you need treatment, healthcare providers may ask you to pay upfront. This may happen even if you have travel insurance.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. 

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include life in jail.

Penalties for possessing even a small amount of drugs include mandatory jail terms.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Family and business law

Jordan's family laws are different from Australia's. These include laws about divorce, child custody and child support. 

If you're involved in family and business issues, get professional legal advice. Know your rights and responsibilities under local laws.

If you want to get married in Jordan, check the legal requirements before you travel. Contact the Jordanian Embassy in Canberra for advice.

Criminal law

If you commit a crime, punishments can be harsh by Australian standards. For certain crimes, authorities can sentence you to death though there is currently a moratorium on the death penalty in place. These include terrorism, murder, treason and rape of a minor.

You may face hard labour for some offences, such as causing personal injury or property damage.

Authorities may detain you if you do any of the following:

• have consensual sex outside of marriage, particularly with Jordanian nationals, even if in a de-facto relationship or civil union recognised in Australia
• take photos of embassies, military or security sites
• injure a pedestrian while driving a car
• take part in missionary work, preaching or other religious activities that are against local rules
• procure or traffic prohibited drugs

Research local laws before you travel.

If you're a dual national, you'll be considered Jordanian by law while.

The government has reactivated compulsory military service. All males aged 18 to 40, including dual nationals, need to register for military service. You need to then postpone your service each year.

If you're eligible and don't register, authorities may stop you from leaving Jordan.

More information:

• Dual nationals

The Islamic fasting month of Ramadan is observed. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

It's illegal to eat, drink and smoke in public during daylight hours in Ramadan. If you're not fasting, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in front of people who are.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Other local customs

Local customs are conservative.

These activities are not socially acceptable and may offend:

• public affection between couples
• unmarried couples living together or sharing accommodation
• same-sex relationships
• taking photos of people without their consent

Other cultural and social rules can vary between regions of Jordan. Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Tourist Visas

If you're visiting Jordan on a 30-day e-Visa and intend to stay for more than 14 days, you must register with the nearest police station within 14 days of arriving in the country.  If you don't, you will be fined JOD 200, which must be paid at the border or airport before you depart.

If you're visiting for tourism and staying for at least 3 nights, you can purchase a Jordan Pass before you arrive. The Jordan Pass provides a one-month tourist visa.  More details are available on the Jordan Tourism Board website.  If you have a Jordan Pass, you don't need to register with the police even if you are staying for more than 14 days.

For more information on visa options, visit the Ministry of Interior webpage. 

Single-entry visas valid for 30 days can be obtained at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport or at any border crossing. The visa fee must be paid for in cash at land border crossings. Exchange services and card facilities are only available at the airport, not at the land crossings.

Long term visas

Travellers entering Jordan on long-term or multiple-entry visas issued by the Ministry of the Interior must register their residency within 14 days of arrival.

You need to arrange a visa in advance if:

• you plan to stay for more than 30 days
• you're going to Jordan for a purpose other than tourism,  such as work or study.

Border measures

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Embassy of Jordan for details about visas, currency, customs and entry rules.

Jordan’s international airports are open to commercial flights. Land and sea crossings are also open. 

Monitor government announcements and media sources and follow the advice of local authorities.

Border with Israel 

Some land border crossings from Israel into Jordan (Sheikh Hussein, Allenby Bridge, and Aqaba) are scheduled to be opened daily, but crossings may close without notice and for an unknown period of time. Be prepared for delays when crossing into Jordan. If you're departing Israel to Jordan, check Jordanian Border Crossings for regular opening times and also check the latest public information from local authorities in both Israel and Jordan to determine if border crossings are open before travel.

For details about travel to the West Bank, read the travel advice for Israel.

The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.

You must comply with additional rules for travellers if you stay more than 30 days. You must register with the police. You may also need to have medical and HIV tests.

Under Jordanian law, a husband can prevent his wife and children from leaving Jordan. This is the case even if they're Australian citizens. See Local laws.

You need to pay an exit tax at all border crossings except airports, if you overstay your 30 day visa.

Some countries in the region may refuse you entry if you've been to Israel. Authorities may stop you from entering if you have entry and exit stamps from border crossings. They may also stop you if your luggage has baggage tags showing you've been to Israel.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Jordan if you've travelled through or from an area with a risk or transmission. Some airlines may want to see the certificate when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 253KB)

Validity

If you travel with an Australian Emergency passport, you may be allowed to transit through and exit from Jordan. You must confirm this with your airline or your closest Embassy of Jordan. Entry into Jordan with an Australian Emergency passport is not permitted.

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Declare all amounts over JOD10,000 or equivalent on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

ATMs are available throughout Amman and in other major cities. It's harder to find ATMs in rural areas. Most petrol stations on major roads offer ATMs.

There's a danger of unexploded ordnance, including landmines, along Jordan's borders. Known minefields are usually fenced and marked. These warnings may not be obvious.

Reconsider travel to areas near the borders with Syria and Iraq due to the unstable security situation.

Seek local advice if travelling near Jordan's borders. See more information in 'Land borders' above.

Driving permit

To drive you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Road travel

Road accidents are common.

Roads are dangerous at night. In rural areas, stray livestock and unlit vehicles are common.

Incidents of road rage occur. They can escalate quickly, particularly if someone is injured.

Road travel in remote desert areas is very risky. Isolation, distance from towns and lack of phone service can make it difficult to obtain assistance. Even routine vehicle breakdowns can be dangerous.

By law:

• vehicles must carry an extinguisher and a warning triangle
• drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident, no matter how minor, must remain at the scene until traffic police have attended

Call police on 911. You can ask for an English-speaking operator.

If you travel in remote desert areas, take enough food and water in case your vehicle breaks down. Crime has been known to occur in isolated areas; be careful when speaking to others.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Avoid using motorbikes. It's dangerous due to poor driving and road standards.

Check with your travel insurer if you're covered to ride a motorcycle.

Always wear a helmet. 

Taxis

Use only licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing or limousine services. Arrange these through your hotel. 

Avoid taxis that tout for business outside airports, hotels and tourist attractions. They often try to charge high prices.

Authorities report taxi drivers have seriously assaulted lone female passengers. If you're a woman, always sit in the back. 

Public transport

Buses can be crowded. It's worse on holidays and during peak times. Safety standards are not the same as in Australia.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

International cruise ships visit the port of Aqaba on the Red Sea.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

Flights to and from Jordan may fly over Syria, where ongoing conflict could increase risks to civil aviation. Civil aviation authorities in a number of countries do not allow airlines from those countries to fly in Syrian airspace.  For more information, see air travel and check with airlines before booking. Flight paths are subject to change. Check with your airline or travel agent for updates and flight options. 

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911. You can ask for an English-speaking operator.

Medical emergencies

Call 911. You can ask for an English-speaking operator.

Police

Call 911. You can ask for an English-speaking operator.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact:

Australian Embassy

41 Kayed Al Armouti Street
Abdoun Al Janoubi
Amman, Jordan

Phone: +962 6 580 7000
Email: consular.amman@dfat.gov.au
Website: jordan.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy in Jordan 
X: @AusAmbJO

Opening hours are 8:30am until 4:00pm Sunday to Thursday.

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia