23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 911.
Call 911.
Call 911.
Do not travel to Jordan.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel to the Syrian and Iraqi border regions.
Do not travel to due to the unstable security situation and the threat of kidnapping in these areas.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.
On January 3, 2020, an Iranian senior commander and Iraqi paramilitary leaders were killed in a US airstrike near Baghdad International Airport. On 8 January, Iran fired missiles against two military bases in Iraq. Iranian authorities have also acknowledged responsibility for the shooting down of a Ukrainian International Airlines flight shortly after take-off from Tehran on 8 January. Be alert and monitor media for the latest update.
Demonstrations are common, including in Amman.
They're triggered by:
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 other times.
They're likely to occur:
Demonstrations also occur in regional centres, including:
They can also happen on the major highways between these towns.
To stay safe:
Contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help if there are disruptions.
More information:
Security is unstable in Syria and Iraq.
There's frequent military activity near Jordan's borders with these countries. This includes shelling and gunfire.
People have died or been injured on the Jordanian side of the border with Syria. Jordan has deployed extra security forces to the area.
Extremists say they plan to attack Westerners in Jordan.
Jordanian authorities have stopped terrorist plots in recent years.
Recent attacks include:
Terrorists may target tourist areas and attractions. They target tourists going to or from these places, including tour groups.
Expats are targeted at:
Terrorists also target Western businesses, including:
Extremists in Syria and Iraq threaten Jordan. Jordanian foreign fighters are in the conflict in Syria and Iraq.
Jordan has extra forces in areas bordering Syria and Iraq. Many extremist sympathisers have been arrested.
Jordanian security forces monitor the security environment closely. They check Jordanian fighters coming back from Syria.
To stay safe:
Keep informed about possible terrorist activity:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
People have reported:
Be alert to pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in tourist areas.
Higher levels of crime have been reported in:
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 die to local laws and cultural differences. See Laws
Authorities report credit card fraud. This includes the use of card-skimming machines.
To avoid being scammed:
Firearms are more common than in Australia. Criminals sometimes use firearms. Shooting guns to celebrate is illegal but common. It sometimes causes death and injury.
Stay indoors and away from windows if people are celebrating with gunfire.
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:
More information:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities.
If you plan to do an adventure activity:
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. Snow storms also happen.
The rainy season runs from November to March and can cause floods. Valleys (wadis) are most at risk.
In October 2018, 21 people died in flash floods around the Dead Sea.
If a natural disaster or severe weather happens:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Jordan. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Jordan. If you are in Jordan and have symptoms of respiratory illness, contact a doctor as soon as possible. Monitor the media for information on latest developments and follow the advice of local authorities.
For information on Jordan's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health Vaccine Registration Portal. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been reported in:
Other countries have reported cases from returned travellers.
Avoid consuming raw camel milk, undercooked camel meat, or anything contaminated with camel secretions. Wash hands regulars before and after touching animals.
Get medical advice if you have a fever, cough, breathing difficulties or diarrhoea.
More information:
Waterborne, foodborne, insect-borne and other infectious diseases are widespread. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
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 up-front. 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. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
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:
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.
If you commit a crime, punishments can be harsh by Australian standards. For certain crimes, authorities can sentence you to death. 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 imprison you if you do any of the following:
Research local laws before you travel.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
If you're a dual national, you'll be considered Jordanian by law while in Jordan.
The government has stopped compulsory military service. However, all males aged 18 to 40, including dual nationals, still need to register for military service. You then postpone your service each year.
If you're eligible and don't register, authorities may stop you from leaving Jordan.
More information:
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in Jordan. 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.
These activities are not socially acceptable and may offend:
Other cultural and social rules can vary between regions of Jordan. Take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.
More information:
You need a visa to visit Jordan.
If you're a tourist, you can get a single-entry visa that's valid for 30 days. You can get these on arrival at airports. They're also available at the Sheikh Hussein or North Border crossing at the border between Jordan and Israel.
The purchase of a Jordan Pass pre-arrival waives visa fees of JD40 (if staying a minimum of 3 nights) as well as providing access to 36 tourist sites across the country.
Entry visas are not available at:
You need to arrange a visa in advance if:
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy of Jordan for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Jordan’s international airport is open to international flights. Land crossings are partially open and require registration with local authorities in advance of planned travel on the Gateway 2 Jordan website. Sea crossings remain closed without special permission from Jordanian authorities.
Most international arrivals to Jordan are no longer required to undergo quarantine on arrival, however if you're arriving from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Myanmar or Sri Lanka, you'll need to do 14 days of institutional quarantine at your expense.
You'll need to have COVID-19 (PCR) tests conducted at your country of departure within 72 hours of travel and on arrival in Jordan. You’ll need to obtain a PCR test from an approved lab if travelling to Jordan from Egypt, Turkey or Iraq. Children under the age of 5 years are not required to have a PCR test to travel to Jordan.
If you're arriving from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, China, EU Countries, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunis, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the USA you won't be required to undergo a PCR test on arrival if you provide proof of having received a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine certificates should be in English or Arabic and presented to airlines prior to boarding your flight.
To enter Petra, Wadi Rum or Aqaba you will need a negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 72 hours, or present evidence of having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine more than 21 days ago. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from this requirement.
Some National Defence Law restrictions remain in place and may change at short-notice, including curfew hours. Monitor government announcements as well as media sources and follow the advice of local authorities.
If you're staying in Jordan:
There are rules if you stay more than a month. You must register with the police. You may 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 Laws
You need to pay an exit tax at all border crossings except airports.
In March 2017, the UK government announced restrictions on carrying electronic devices from or through Jordan to the UK.
Some countries 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.
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:
The border crossing with Israel, Iraq and Syria have been closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
If you decide to travel to either Syria or Iraq despite our advice, read our travel advisories for Syria and Iraq.
Authorities can close the border crossing between Jordan and the West Bank at short notice.
For details about travel to the West Bank, read the travel advice for Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Declare all amounts over JOD 15,000 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.
Along Jordan's borders, there's a danger of unexploded weapons, including landmines. 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.
To drive in Jordan you need both:
Get your IDP before you leave Australia.
More information:
Road accidents are common.
Roads are dangerous at night. In rural areas, stray livestock and unlit vehicles are common.
Incidents of road rage are also common. They can escalate quickly.
Road travel in remote desert areas is very risky. Isolation, distance from towns and lack of hone 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.
If you intend to drive in Jordan:
If you travel in remote desert areas such as Highway 10 (east of Highway 5), 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:
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.
Use only licensed taxis or reputable 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. Always insist drivers use the meter.
Authorities report taxi drivers have seriously assaulted lone female passengers. If you're a woman, always sit in the back.
Buses can be crowded. It's worse on holidays and during peak times. Drivers may not follow safety standards.
More information:
International cruise ships visit the port of Aqaba on the Red Sea.
More information:
Australian officials have been advised against travelling on flights that cross Syrian airspace. If you have concerns, check your airline's flight path before booking. Flight paths are subject to change.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Jordan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 911.
Call 911.
Call 911.
Always get a police report when reporting a crime.
Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular assistance, contact:
41 Kayed Al Armouti Street
Abdoun Al Janoubi
Amman, Jordan
Phone: (+962) 6 580 7000
Fax: (+962) 6 580 7001
Email: consular.amman@dfat.gov.au
Website: jordan.embassy.gov.au
The working week is Sunday to Thursday.
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.