Ma'an Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Ma'an trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Ma'an Governorate, including the Petra region, is considered safe for tourists with a Level 1 or Level 2 advisory from most Western governments. Jordan maintains strong internal stability, and the main risks for visitors are environmental (heat, sun, dehydration) rather than security-related.
Ma'an Governorate is Jordan's largest governorate by area, encompassing the legendary rose-red city of Petra, the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the historic market town of Ma'an city. This southern region is home to some of the ancient world's most extraordinary monuments, carved by the Nabataean civilization over two millennia ago. From rugged desert canyons to Crusader-era castles, Ma'an offers an unparalleled journey through layers of human history set against spectacular natural scenery.
Current Advisory
Jordan is generally considered one of the safer countries in the Middle East. Ma'an Governorate, home to Petra, has an established tourist infrastructure and regular police presence. The US State Department advises 'Exercise Increased Caution' for Jordan overall due to regional tensions, but the Petra-Ma'an region has no specific heightened advisory.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution in Jordan due to terrorism. The Petra/Ma'an region has no specific heightened advisory.
UK FCDO
Jordan is generally safe for tourists. Be vigilant in public places. Ma'an/Petra area is low risk for visitors.
Australian DFAT
Exercise a high degree of caution in Jordan overall. The Petra tourist area is considered low risk.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Taxi overcharging
Some taxi drivers quote higher prices to tourists or claim the meter is broken
Free tea invitation leading to sales pressure
Some shop owners invite tourists for tea, then apply heavy pressure to buy expensive items
Petra entrance 'shortcut' guides
Unlicensed touts claim to offer cheaper or shorter routes into Petra
Horse carriage 'free' ride
Horse carriage operators at the Petra entrance say the ride is 'included' then demand payment
Antique sales
Street vendors sell 'ancient Roman coins' and 'Nabataean pottery' — most are modern reproductions
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Ma'an Governorate is one of Jordan's safest tourist regions — Petra and Wadi Musa have a heavy tourist police presence
Always carry a photocopy of your passport and Jordan Pass when visiting Petra — originals can be left securely at the hotel
Carry at least 2 litres of water per person for full days inside Petra — dehydration is the most common medical issue for visitors
Wear sun protection (sunscreen SPF 50+, hat, long sleeves) — the desert sun is intense year-round and UV levels are very high
Stay on marked trails inside Petra — the terrain beyond the paths can be unstable and dangerous
Do not attempt remote canyon hikes (Wadi Sabra, Jabal Haroun) without a licensed guide
Flash flooding can occur in wadis (canyons) after rain — never enter a canyon during or after rainfall
Agree on taxi prices before getting in the car — always negotiate upfront to avoid disputes
Keep valuables in your hotel safe — petty theft is rare but possible in crowded tourist areas
Be respectful of Islamic customs: dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) when visiting any non-beach location
Avoid purchasing ancient artefacts from street vendors — it is illegal to export antiquities from Jordan
In the unlikely event of political unrest, monitor your country's travel advisory and contact your embassy
Do not photograph Jordanian military installations, checkpoints, or security personnel
Horse and camel operators at Petra are regulated but always agree on price and duration before boarding
Emergency services (911) response times may be slower in remote areas — inform someone of your hiking plans before setting out
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Ma'an is generally very safe for solo travelers. Jordanians are exceptionally hospitable and solo visitors are rarely targeted for crime. Solo hikers should always inform their hotel of hiking plans and expected return times, especially for remote routes outside Petra.
Female Travelers
Female travelers are welcomed throughout Ma'an Governorate. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) outside beach contexts to avoid unwanted attention. Solo female travelers regularly visit Petra without issue. Female-only areas in cafés are common in Ma'an city. Be assertive if you receive unwanted attention.
Families
Ma'an is excellent for families. Petra is child-friendly (though demanding physically), Little Petra is ideal for younger children, and Jordanian culture is very family-oriented. Horses and donkeys inside Petra delight younger children. Ensure children are well-hydrated and protected from sun.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not explicitly criminalised in Jordan but social acceptance is very limited and public displays of affection are strongly discouraged. LGBTQ+ travelers visit Petra without specific safety concerns but should exercise discretion. Jordan is more tolerant than some neighbouring countries but less so than Western nations.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations to enter Jordan. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B (for longer stays). Up-to-date routine vaccines. Check with your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel.
Water Safety
Tap water in Jordan is treated and technically safe, but most travelers use bottled water. Bottled water is cheap and widely available throughout Ma'an. In remote hiking areas carry all water you need.
Food Safety
Restaurant food safety is generally good in Wadi Musa tourist restaurants. Be more cautious with street food from unregistered vendors. Peel all fruit; avoid salads at very basic establishments.
Medical Facilities
A hospital is located in Ma'an city. Wadi Musa has several pharmacies and a basic health center. For serious medical emergencies, transfer to Aqaba Hospital (1.5 hours) or Amman hospitals (3-4 hours). Carry travel health insurance.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Ma'an
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide