Jordan Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Jordan trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
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.
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.
Current Advisory
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
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
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.
UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
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
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
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 Travelers
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+ Travelers
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.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during 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 Safety
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 Safety
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.
Medical Facilities
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 Jordan
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide