Jordan captivates travelers with its blend of ancient history, dramatic desert landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the rose-red city of Petra to the otherworldly wadis and the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, this Middle Eastern kingdom offers unforgettable experiences. Whether floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, camping under stars in Wadi Rum, or exploring Roman ruins at Jerash, Jordan rewards visitors with authentic culture and timeless beauty.
Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East for tourists and is widely considered a stable, welcoming destination. Crime against visitors is low, Jordanians are exceptionally hospitable, and the main tourist sites have good security infrastructure. The primary concerns are regional proximity to conflict zones and occasional petty theft in crowded tourist areas.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions in most of Jordan. Avoid areas within 3km of the Syrian and Iraqi borders. The Israeli-Palestinian situation may cause heightened tension but has not affected tourist areas inside Jordan. Aqaba, Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum are considered safe for independent travel.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Jordan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk including the Syrian border region, Iraqi border region, and areas within 3km of the Jordan-Syria and Jordan-Iraq borders.
FCDO Advice - Some Parts Advised Against
The FCDO advises against all travel to Syrian and Iraqi border areas. All other areas of Jordan are considered safe for tourism with normal precautions.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
Stay away from Syrian and Iraqi border areas
Register with your embassy upon arrival
Dress modestly, especially outside Amman and resort areas
Keep copies of important documents separately
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps in cities
Be aware of potential falling debris from regional missile activity
Carry emergency numbers in your phone: police 911, ambulance 199, civil defense 199
Bargain politely in souks — aggressive haggling is considered disrespectful in Jordanian culture
Do not photograph military installations, government buildings, or checkpoints without permission
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unlicensed Taxi Overcharging
Unmarked or unlicensed taxis at Queen Alia Airport and Petra approach tourists with inflated fares — up to 3x the standard rate for airport transfers.
How to avoid: Use Uber or Careem apps for transparent pricing; agree fares before getting in yellow taxis; insist on the meter ('adaad') for Amman city rides
Petra Horse/Donkey Pressure
Horse and donkey owners at the Petra entrance can be aggressive in offering rides, then demand large tips or overcharge at the end of the ride beyond the agreed price.
How to avoid: Agree on total price in advance and pay only the agreed amount; official horse rides have fixed prices at the Petra Visitor Center
Craft Shop Commission Scams
Friendly locals in tourist areas sometimes offer to show you 'authentic' craft workshops then pressure you to buy expensive items, earning commission from the shop.
How to avoid: Politely decline unsolicited 'cultural tour' offers; buy crafts at the Jordan Craft Center or established shops
Dead Sea Mud 'Gift'
At some Dead Sea access points, sellers offer 'free' mud then demand payment; unofficial vendors around tourist sites follow up free gifts with aggressive sales pressure.
How to avoid: Use Dead Sea mud only from official resort facilities; decline unsolicited items
Petra 'Shortcut' Guides
Unofficial guides near Petra offer shortcut routes through restricted areas that may involve trespassing or fabricated story-telling, then demand large payments.
How to avoid: Use only officially licensed guides from the Petra Visitor Center; all official guides wear ID badges
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines (MMR, Tetanus, etc.), Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid for those eating street food or rural areas. Rabies if planning animal contact or remote area trekking. Consult travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
- Water
- Generally safe in Amman and major cities but locals drink bottled water. Bottled water widely available and cheap (0.25-0.50 JOD / $0.35-0.70 per liter). Stick to bottled water to avoid stomach issues, especially first week. Brush teeth with tap water is usually fine.
- Food
- Traveler's diarrhea (bring/buy Imodium, stay hydrated), sun exposure and heat exhaustion (wear sunscreen, hat, drink water), dehydration in desert areas, salt crystal cuts at Dead Sea. Air quality in Amman can be poor. Altitude sickness rare but possible at Petra and Dana.
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Jordan is excellent for solo travel with very low crime rates and extremely welcoming locals. Solo travelers should use ride-sharing apps rather than unmetered taxis after dark, avoid the Syrian and Iraqi border regions, and be aware of the relatively few incidents of petty theft in very crowded tourist areas like Petra.
Female travellers
Female travelers find Jordan generally safe and manageable with sensible precautions. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) outside resort areas and Amman's western districts to avoid unwanted attention. In Amman, Rainbow Street and Abdoun areas are comfortable for solo women at night. Take taxis or Uber after dark rather than walking alone. Jordanian culture strongly values protecting guests and harassment of foreign women is relatively rare.
Families
Jordan is very family-friendly with low crime, excellent healthcare in Amman, and a culture that genuinely loves children. The main practical considerations for families are desert heat (protect children from sun and dehydration), Dead Sea safety (supervise children closely, no underwater swimming possible), and long driving distances between sites. Jordanians universally welcome families and will go out of their way to assist parents with young children.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is legal in Jordan (since 1951) though not formally recognized or protected. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not advised and may attract unwanted attention or harassment in traditional areas. Amman has a discreet LGBTQ+ community centered in Jabal Weibdeh and Abdoun areas. Most travelers experience no issues by exercising discretion; openly LGBTQ+ travel in rural areas or smaller cities is inadvisable.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 911
- Medical
- 911
- Embassy
- Tourist Police