Jordan Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Amman.

Geography:

Jordan borders Israel (and the Palestinian National Authority Region), the Syrian Arab Republic, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. At 400m (1,300ft) below sea level, the Dead Sea, in the northwest of Jordan, is the lowest point on earth and one of the country's most distinctive features. The Red Sea, to which Jordan has a narrow access at Aqaba in the southwest, is teeming with life.

The River Jordan flows into the Dead Sea, and there are plans to build a canal - the Two Seas Canal (or the Dead-Red Canal) - that would link the Dead Sea to the Red Sea. Capital Amman perches above the Dead Sea Depression, at a height of 800m (2,625ft), surrounded to the north by undulating hills, and by desert escarpments to the south, on which graze the sheep and goat herds of nomadic tribes.

Jordan's northeastern flank is flat desert sprinkled with oases, while the spectacular southeastern desert is characterised by wind-eroded forms and brightly coloured sandstone cliffs.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Royal Jordanian (www.rj.com), but you can find wide availability of flights on multiple carriers into the Jordanian capital Amman from major cities across Europe, Asia and North America. British Airways (www.ba.com) also flies direct to Jordan from the UK, and Amman is also served by Gulf low-cost carriers such as Air Arabia (www.airarabia.com), FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Jazeera Airways (www.jazeeraairways.com).

Direct flights come non-stop into Amman from North American hubs such as New York and Chicago. Most flights come into Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Some international flights serve Aqaba’s King Hussein airport (AQJ).

The major airport is Amman Queen Alia International Airport.

Departure Tax

JD10 if leaving Jordan overland, otherwise it is included in the airfare.

Flight Times

To Amman: from London - 5 hours; New York - 10 hours 30 minutes.

Getting There By Road

Jordan has road borders with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, and is also linked by car ferry to Egypt. The JETT bus company in Amman (www.jett.com.jo) runs scheduled buses to and from Cairo, Damascus, Baghdad, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madina, Makkah and other cities, along with local partners in each destination.

To reach Amman from Jerusalem by public transport requires a complicated sequence of taxis and buses; you could pay extra for VIP service door-to-door through firms such as Amman2Jerusalem (tel: +962 7 9952 0066; www.amman2jerusalem.com).

Getting There By Water

Scheduled car ferries and high-speed catamarans run by AB Maritime (tel: +962 3 209 2000; www.abmaritime.com.jo) cross between Nuweiba in Egypt and Jordan’s only port city, Aqaba. Timetables are notoriously fickle, and delays of many hours are common on this route.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Royal Jordanian (www.rj.com) operates frequent flights between Amman and Aqaba. This is the only domestic air route in the country, and is something of a luxury – the road journey between the two cities is only around 4 hours. The flight from Amman to Aqaba takes less than 45 minutes. However, fares are not excessive, and the views out over the desert are an added enticement.

Bike

Very few Jordanians cycle, and this is reflected in the limited facilities for cyclists, and limited awareness of cycle safety among motorists. The mountainous terrain, extremes of temperature and conservative outlook among rural people all mitigate against long-distance cycling in the countryside. That said, it is not impossible - the best advice is to make contact with local cycle groups on Facebook, who can direct you to one of Amman’s few bike shops for guidance and supplies.

Breakdown Services

In case of breakdown, contact the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan (tel: +962 6 585 0626; www.racj.com).

Car Hire

Major international car hire companies and a number of local companies operate services in the main towns, including Amman and Aqaba. Car hire is also available from hotels and travel agents. Drivers are available for the day.

Coach

Buses are the main means of inter-city transport in Jordan – mostly small 15-seater minibuses, which ply between neighbouring towns as well as to/from Amman. These are small shoestring operations, and the best advice is to ask around locally for where buses depart from, and how to proceed. Larger coaches follow a few major inter-city routes. Companies include JETT (tel: +962 6 566 4141; www.jett.com.jo) and Hijazi (tel: +962 2 710 1760).

Documentation

National driving licenses are accepted if they have been issued at least one year before travel. However, an International Driving Permit is recommended. Visitors are not allowed to drive a vehicle with normal Jordanian plates unless they have a Jordanian driving license.

Getting Around By Rail

There are no longer any scheduled passenger trains running in Jordan.

Regulations

Speed limits are 60kph (38mph) or less in built-up areas, 80kph (50mph) on country roads and 120kph (75mph) on motorways. Mobile radar speed-traps are common. Roadside ID checks have been withdrawn everywhere, but it’s still a good idea to keep your passport with you at all times. The minimum driving age is 18 years. Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all car passengers.

Getting Around By Road

It’s easy to move around Jordan by road. Signage is generally good (and bilingual, in Arabic and English) and road quality is mostly high. Jordan is also small - few journeys between points of interest take longer than 2 hours. 

You should always carry bottled drinking water with you in your vehicle, in case you are stranded in the daytime heat. Be prepared in winter (December to February) for heavy rain, fog and/or snowfall to block roads or hinder progress, especially in high-altitude areas around Ajloun, Tafila, Petra and Ras Al Naqab, as well as in the elevated western suburbs of Amman.

Road Classification

There are three main north-south arteries. From west to east these are: the Dead Sea Highway which goes from the Dead Sea to Aqaba through the flat Wadi Araba (mostly single carriageway); the King’s Highway from Amman to Ras Al Naqab over hills and through canyons (single carriageway); and the fast, straight Desert Highway from Amman to Aqaba (dual carriageway). Major highways also run north of Amman to Irbid and the Syrian border, as well as east to the Iraqi border.

Road Quality

The highways are reasonable but the local driving style can be erratic. For most visitors, in most situations, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is not needed. If you intend to drive off-road in the deserts of in Jordan’s east and south, you are best advised to make contact with a local guide or driver in advance.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

In Amman all taxis operate a meter and can be hired for the day. A shared-taxi service to many towns on fixed routes is also available and can be hired for private use. Tips of around 10% are appreciated but not obligatory. Note that taxis often display the fare in fils rather than dinars and if you overpay by mistaking one for the other, no one is likely to correct you.

Urban Travel

There are conventional buses and extensive fixed-route servis (share-taxis, most seating up to seven) in Amman and other main cities. The servis are licensed, with a standard fare scale, but there are no fixed pick-up or set-down points. Vehicles often fill up at central or outer terminal points and then run non-stop.

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Jordan-Syria border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Jordan's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Jordan set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Jordanian Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Jordan, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

If you are a British-Jordanian dual national, you can use your British passport to enter Jordan, but you must show your Jordanian passport when you leave.

Children with a Jordanian passport  

Children with a Jordanian passport, who are travelling without their father, cannot depart Jordan without a letter of permission signed by their father. They must have a letter even if they enter Jordan on a British passport.

Previous travel to Israel

If your passport has an Israeli stamp, you will not usually experience difficulties entering Jordan. If you have concerns, contact the Jordanian Embassy in the UK.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Jordan. You can get this on arrival.

If you wish to also visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, you can get a multiple-entry visa from the Jordanian Embassy in the UK.

Applying for a visa

You can buy a single-entry visit visa when you arrive at a Jordanian airport or the Sheikh Hussein/North Border crossing. It costs 40 Jordanian dinars and is valid for one month. Some airlines may ask you to submit a health declaration at check-in.

If you're visiting for tourism, you can apply for a Jordan Pass online before you arrive. You will not need to pay tourist entry visa fees if you stay at least 3 nights (4 days). The pass gives discounted entry to major tourist sites.

You can extend your Jordan visa online for up to 6 months. You could get a fine if you overstay.

Land border crossings

Land crossings with Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories may be restricted or close at short notice due to the conflict. See Israel travel advice and Occupied Palestinian Territories travel advice and check with the Jordanian authorities before crossing.

The King Hussein Bridge/Allenby crossing is not an international crossing between Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories or Israel. You cannot enter Jordan using the King Hussein Bridge/Allenby crossing without getting a visa beforehand.

If you wish to combine travel to Jordan with a visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, you can get a multiple-entry visa before you travel from the Jordanian Embassy in London. You should also check the Israel travel advice before using the land borders to enter Israel.

On the Jordanian side, board guards will stamp passports unless the traveller requests otherwise and tells them before they hand over their passport.

Departure tax

You must pay a departure tax of 10 Jordanian dinars in cash at all land border crossings. There are usually ATMs at the border.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Jordan guide.

Health screening

HIV test

You must have a HIV test if you are staying in Jordan for more than 30 days. It costs 20 Jordanian dinars to get the health certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Jordan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Drones

You must apply for approval to take a drone into Jordan at least 10 working days before you travel. If you have not received a permit before you arrive, the authorities will hold your drone at the airport. You can collect it when you leave Jordan.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Jordan.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Jordan

Terrorism attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:

• hotels
• shopping malls
• restaurants
• tourist sites

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Examples of significant attacks include:

• in 2019, 8 people injured in a knife attack in the Roman site in Jerash
• in 2018, 2 officers killed and several others injured in Fuheis when an explosive device destroyed a gendarmerie vehicle

Situation in Israel, Lebanon, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Following recent developments in Israel, Lebanon, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the security situation could change suddenly.

On 1 October, ballistic missiles targeted at Israel were intercepted over Jordan, including over Amman. On 26 October, Israel carried out military action against Iran. Flight cancellations, diversions and potential disturbances to Global Positioning System (GPS) signals may occur at short notice, as may temporarily closure of airspace.

The interception of missiles may result in falling fragments and debris. If you encounter any projectile debris or fragments you should move away from them immediately and contact local authorities. 

Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on X, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read FCDO advice if you're affected by a crisis abroad.

Political situation

The political situation in Jordan is stable but sometimes there are protests in Amman and other cities. There have been recent protests about the Gaza conflict near the Israeli and US embassies and downtown. You should:

• take particular care near these areas
• take care when travelling outside Amman, especially at night
• be aware of the possibility of large, spontaneous demonstrations

There is a heavy security presence and roadblocks can happen. Most protests are peaceful, but they can become confrontational. There may be heightened anti-western sentiment. You should:

• take sensible precautions
• follow news reports
• avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations
• follow the advice of local authorities

Tribal violence

Tribal and social disputes may start without notice and become violent. You should:

• follow news reports
• leave the area if caught in an incident
• follow any police instructions

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Crime levels are generally low, but there is a risk of pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft from cars. Stay alert and keep your money, passport and valuables secure.

Street begging can be aggressive, particularly in areas frequented by foreigners. Do not engage with beggars.

Sexual assault

Women travellers are often harassed and sexually assaulted by men. Take care when walking or travelling alone. Maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the UK. See advice for women travelling abroad.

You should not accept lifts from strangers. If you must use a taxi , you should:

• ask your hotel to recommend a reliable driver
• not ride in the front seat, particularly when travelling alone
• use Uber or Careem which are safer than yellow taxis

Laws and cultural differences

Jordan is a predominantly Islamic country. Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions so you do not cause offence.

Personal ID

The police carry out random security checks. Keep ID (passport or driving licence) with you to show at checkpoints. 

Alcohol laws

It's illegal to drink alcohol on the street, but you can drink in bars, clubs, hotels and private homes.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

It is illegal to possess, use or traffic drugs. If convicted, you can get a lengthy prison sentence and heavy fine.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual relations are not illegal, but same-sex couples showing affection in public may cause offence. You could be arrested under other Jordanian laws. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Unmarried couples living together

It is socially unacceptable for unmarried foreign couples to live together. Some landlords may ask if you are married or request a marriage certificate.

Converting people to Christianity

It is illegal to encourage someone to convert to Christianity. You could face a prison sentence or a fine.

Visiting Petra 

The Petra Archaeological Park has strict visitor opening and closing hours. You risk arrest and prosecution if you are in the park outside of these hours. Tourists have been locked in Petra overnight.

Ask the tourist office staff if you're unclear about ticket prices and before agreeing to additional charges.

Money

Cash machines are only widely available in Amman and other major towns and cities. Most places accept card payments.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

For all activities, bring appropriate clothing and enough food and water for extreme temperatures.

Tour operators

The quality of tour operators providing outdoor activities varies. A list of all tour operators is available on the Visit Jordan website. Research tour operators and choose one with suitable safety mitigations and insurance in place.

Visiting wadis

There are around 80 wadis (valleys) in Jordan. During the rainy season from November to March there's a risk of flash floods. Before travelling to a wadi, you should:

• check the weather forecast
• not travel to places after heavy rain for at least one day

If you're caught in a flash flood, you should:

• go to a high point
• not attempt to cross the water
• try to drive to a dry spot
• contact Civil Defence on 911 if you need help

Scuba diving and snorkelling

Safety standards of diving operators in Aqaba can vary. You should:

• not dive or snorkel alone
• make bookings through your tour representative
• make sure the operator has a recognised accreditation, like PADI

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Jordan, see information on driving abroad.

You'll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Driving standards

Driving standards differ from those in the UK. Stray animals, broken-down vehicles and unmarked roadworks are common. There have been fatal accidents on the Desert Highway. Drive with care at night and avoid unlit roads.

Rules of the road

If you have an accident, do not leave the scene before the police arrive and take a statement. Call 911 to contact police.

The speed limit in urban areas is 40kph, 80kph on rural roads and 120kph on highways. The police issue 15 to 150 Jordanian dinar on-the-spot fines.

It is illegal to drive or ride in a front seat without a seatbelt or use a mobile phone while driving. You could get a fine. All cars must carry a fire extinguisher and warning triangle.

Driving in winter

Heavy snow can trap vehicles and block mountain roads, including around Petra. Take care and follow local restrictions.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

In the rainy season from November to March, the Jordanian government sometimes issues flood alerts, particularly along the Jordan Valley. Flood alerts can cause diversions and road closures, affecting drivers and hikers. There is a risk of flash flooding. Be alert to advisories and co-operate with the authorities.

This section has safety advice for regions of Jordan. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Border areas

Take care near borders and if you're crossing into a neighbouring country. Jordanian army and police units patrol the borders with Syria and Iraq and check traffic.

There may be landmines near borders and military installations. Minefields are usually fenced off and marked, but fences and signs may be in a poor state of repair.

Jordan-Syria border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria. The situation in southern Syria is fragile and instability or terrorist activity could start with little or no notice.

The Jaber land border crossing from Jordan into Syria has reopened. Jordanian nationals may use the crossing to return to Jordan from Syria, and Syrian citizens holding a valid Syrian passport or travel document from the Syrian Embassy in Amman may use the crossing to return to Syria. There may be a heavier than usual military presence along the border.

In January, 3 US military personnel were killed and others injured in a drone attack against a US military location on the Jordan-Syria border. The Islamic Resistance of Iraq (IRI), an umbrella grouping of Iranian-aligned militia groups, claimed the attack.    

Jordan-Iraq border

FCDO advises against all travel to the provinces in Iraq bordering Jordan. See Iraq travel advice.

Jordan-Israel border

Due to the conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, several Jordanian organisations hold protests near the border on Fridays. Be particularly cautious in areas close to the border.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Jordan 
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Jordan, including:

• biting insects and ticks
• Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
• schistosomiasis

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Jordan

Medical facilities outside Amman and Aqaba are basic. In an emergency you should seek treatment in Amman or Aqaba.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Jordan where some staff will speak English. 

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Jordan.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Jordan

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Thefts

Your insurer may require a police report or crime reference number if you want to make a claim. This usually means you need to report the theft while you are still in the country. If your passport is stolen you must cancel it as soon as possible.

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Jordan
• dealing with a death in Jordan
• being arrested or imprisoned in Jordan
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Jordan on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Sometimes
Yellow Fever	No*
Rabies	Sometimes
Malaria	No
Hepatitis A	Yes
Diphtheria	Yes

Overview:

Jordan has excellent hospitals in large towns and cities, with clinics in many villages. The standard of healthcare is generally very high, with facilities in Jordanian private hospitals as good as (or, in some cases, better than) equivalent facilities in Europe or North America. Treatment is relatively cheap compared to medical care in the US. Most medical professionals will have been trained in English-speaking countries, so the language barrier is negligible. Health insurance is essential. You should not consider any sort of travel in Jordan without suitable insurance cover.

Travellers planning to stay as a resident or long-term visitor for over 3 months should check with their nearest Jordanian embassy to find out if they need to take an HIV test as a condition of entry. HIV positive travellers can be refused entry at the border. Possessing antiretrovirals may be used as confirmation of carrier status.

Vaccinations Note:

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas.

Food Drink:

Jordan’s tap water is generally safe to drink in the towns and cities – it is heavily chlorinated, so may taste bad, but it will not cause harm. Nonetheless, if you can, it is advisable to stick to bottled water and pasteurised milk. Avoid dairy products made from un-boiled milk. Be careful with food and water in rural areas, ensure meat and fish are well cooked and avoid raw vegetables and ready-peeled fruit.

Other Risks:

Vaccination against tuberculosis and hepatitis B is sometimes recommended. There are fears Syrian refugees have brought polio to Jordan and the WHO advises vaccinations against it. Otherwise, the main health risks come from over-exposure to the sun; sunburn, sunstroke and dehydration are all real concerns. Take care to cover your skin, both to prevent skin damage and to limit dehydration.

Currency Information:

Dinar (JOD; symbol JD) = 100 piastres or qirsh, or 1000 fils. Notes are in denominations of JD50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500 fils. Coins are in denominations of JD1, 1/2 and 1/4; 10, 5, 2 and 1/2 piastres; and 1 and 1/2 qirsh.

Credit Cards:

American Express, Visa, Diners Club and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops.

ATMs:

ATMs can be found in most of the larger towns and throughout Amman. Jordan is a cash society. In most places (other than top-end hotels and restaurants) the only acceptable method of payment is cash dinars. Dollars and other foreign currencies are generally not accepted. Jordan is also very safe; crime is exceptionally low, and you do not need to worry about carrying cash with you. Scams are few. You may find yourself paying slightly over the odds for taxis or guide services, but real rip-offs are surprisingly rare.

One exception is in and around the tourist town of Petra – here, there is a higher-than-usual prevalence of touts and cheats trying to overcharge and under-deliver. Be more on your guard here than elsewhere.

Travellers Cheques:

Those issued by UK banks in sterling, euros or US dollars are accepted by licensed banks and bureaux de change. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Banking Hours:

Sat-Thu 0830-1500. Hours during Ramadan are 0830-1000, although some banks open in the afternoon.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import and export of the national and of foreign currencies. However, sums being the equivalent of JD10,000 and higher need to be declared.

Currency Exchange:

Foreign currencies can be exchanged easily in banks and bureaux de change. Most hotels also provide exchange facilities. The daily exchange rates are published in local newspapers.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
JOD	JD

Exchange Rates

0.75

0.88

0.71

Language

Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken in many tourist areas.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)	2024-02-07 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
Start of Ramadan	2024-04-10 00:00:00	0
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)	2024-04-10 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-05-25 00:00:00	0
Army Day	2024-06-10 00:00:00	0
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)	2024-06-16 00:00:00	0
Islamic New Year	2024-07-08 00:00:00	0
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)	2024-09-14 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0

Note:

(a) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last up to several days, depending on the region. (b) Easter holidays are observed only by Christian business establishments.

Overview:

The following items can be imported into Jordan duty-free (people aged 18 and over):

There are extensive duty-free shops at the airport, both in arrivals and departures, and at every border crossing by land. Within 14 days of your arrival in Jordan, you can also go to the Duty Free Shop on Al Abdali-Boulevard in Amman to buy your permitted allowance of cigarettes, alcohol and other luxury goods without paying duty. Bring your passport with you.

.

Banned Imports:

Narcotics, firearms and ammunition, and pornography.

Telephone:

Phone cards are available in most big cities and major tourist sites. Cards can be purchased at numerous shops. International calls from hotels and post offices carry a three-minute minimum charge and calls made from hotels can be expensive. Internet cafes offer free or low-cost VOIP calling.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.

Internet:

There are internet cafes throughout the country.

Post

Airmail to Western Europe takes three to five days. If you send packages via Jordan Post (www.jordanpost.com.jo), leave them open for customs inspection – and only send from main post offices in large cities. For a higher charge, there is a rapid service guaranteeing delivery within 24 hours to around 22 countries. A better option for sending packages may be to use a local branch of one of the global courier firms, such as DHL, Fedex or Aramex.

Post Office Hours:

Sat-Thu 0800-1900 (summer) or 0700-1700 (winter), Fri 0700-1300.

Media:

Independent global rights organisation Freedom House calls Jordan “not free”. The press is heavily regulated and controlled, free speech is limited, and new laws censoring the internet came into force in 2013. State-run Jordan Radio and TV broadcasts in Arabic, English and French. The main English-language newspaper is the Jordan Times, a daily, which follows the government line. The Star comes out weekly. News websites offering a livelier independent view of local life include www.ammonnews.net, www.7iber.com and www.black-iris.com. Some are blocked in Jordan.

Carve out some time for Petra

Petra is one of the great wonders of the Middle Eastern world – a city hewn from solid rock. Built during the 5th and 6th centuries BCE, Petra is the ruined capital of the Nabatean Arabs. There are many sites to see, including the el Khazneh (The Treasury) monument, the Temple of the Winged Lions and the al-Deir (Monastery).

Find Bedouin culture in Feynan

Far from any roads, hidden away in the harsh Wadi Araba desert, Feynan offers a living link to Jordan’s Bedouin culture. Stay at the award-winning eco lodge here – lit only by candles – for epic stargazing, superb wilderness walks and fascinating encounters with local Bedouin families for coffee and campfire stories.

Admire the amazing remains at the Amman Citadel

Towering over the bustle of downtown Amman, the capital’s Citadel Hill boasts extensive archaeological remains, including an early-Islamic ruler’s palace, Byzantine churches, the Hand of Hercules and the Roman Temple of Hercules. Come here for the history and the amazing views right across the city.

Wander Wadi Rum on camelback

Step into the magnificent wind-blown desert of Wadi Rum. The wind has shaped the sandstone cliffs into a cyclorama of pillars and rock arches, explorable by jeep, on foot or astride a camel. Alternatively, soar noiselessly above in a hot-air balloon. By night, enjoy a traditional feast in a Bedouin tent then fall asleep under the stars.

Hark back millions of years at Jordan Museum, Amman

Occupying a pristine new building in downtown Amman, the Jordan Museum showcases the very best of Jordan’s archaeological finds, spanning nearly 1.5 million years of human history. Exhibitions are split between three engaging and interactive galleries: Modern Jordan, Living History and the Archaeological and Historical Gallery.

Weave your way to Mukawir

Visit the village of Mukawir and watch the women of the Bani Hamida workshop weave wool into colourful traditional designs. Nearby is Machaerus, the hilltop fortress of Herod Antipas, where it is said Salome danced for the head of John the Baptist.

Make time for the mosaics at Umm Ar Rasas

Even if you've seen enough mosaics to last a lifetime, spare time for one more; the magnificent mosaic floors of the excavated church of St Stephen in Um er Rasas are the largest in Jordan, and deserving of their UNESCO World Heritage Site status for their fine detailing and perfect preservation.

Navigate the King's Highway

Drive along the historic King's Highway mentioned in the Old Testament. The route follows a line of hilltops the length of Jordan. Call in at Madaba, famed for its superb Byzantine mosaic art, including a stunning mosaic map of the Holy Land, and make the detour to Mount Nebo, from where Moses looked over the Promised Land before he died.

Take a tour of the Desert Castles

East of Amman, tour a group of early-Islamic hunting lodges and trading posts known as the Desert Castles, built by the Umayyad dynasty based in Damascus. The best known include Kharanah and the frescoed Amra, but visitors shouldn’t miss the expertly restored grandeur of Qasr Hallabat.

Unearth the black gem of the desert

Catch up with more recent history at Qasr al-Azraq castle, Lawrence of Arabia's headquarters during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917. Then head north towards Mafraq and explore the deserted black basalt city of Um al Jimal, affectionately known as the "black gem of the desert".

Drive into the desert to visit Qasr Tuba

Hire a guide with a 4-wheel drive vehicle and disappear into the eastern desert. Just when you think you're on the road to nowhere, you'll stumble across Qasr al Tuba, the most remote of the Umayyad desert castles, built in CE 743 for Caliph Walid II.

Spot the wildlife at the Azraq Wetlands

Visit one of Jordan's wildlife reserves, such as the Azraq Wetlands, or meander around the lowest nature reserve in the world at Wadi Mujib. Some residents (including hyena, wolf, gazelle, ostrich and oryx) are notoriously elusive but the infectious beauty of each location is easily caught.

Float in the Dead Sea

Bob like a cork in the dense salt water of the Dead Sea. Lying 400m (1320ft) below sea level, and spanning the border between Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea is a natural wonder. After, drop in at the Dead Sea Panorama museum to learn the sea is living up to its name and shrinking at an alarming rate.

Be mesmerised by multicoloured marine life at Aqaba

Go diving at Aqaba and be wowed by the psychedelic underworld of the Red Sea. After admiring the beauty of the fish in their coral palaces, head back to shore to sample a few marine delicacies in one of the town's many fish restaurants.

Hike the Dana Nature Reserve

Keep an eye open for ibex (wild mountain goats) on a hike in the Dana Nature Reserve. What you miss upon the rocky outcrops the enthusiastic park rangers will make up for with their lively evening chats before bedding down in the tranquil setting of an eco-lodge.

Discover Jerash's illustrious past

Catch the spirit of ancient Rome in a trip to Jerash, a magnificently preserved Roman city north of Amman. With columns, temples, colonnaded streets, grand theatres and silent churches, the city's grand past is architecturally apparent and even today the remains endure as a feast for the eyes. 

Uncover the Crusader castle at Karak

Imagine the striking of ancient hooves on cobbles at Karak Castle, a mighty Crusader fortress amid the southern hills. Aim, too, for nearby Shobak Castle, once the Crusaders' headquarters in Jordan. If you listen extra hard, you may catch the whisper of the wind penetrating the underground passageways.

Explore the waters at the Baptism Site

In an isolated location beside the River Jordan, take time to explore the Baptism Site, a network of channels and pools where it is said John the Baptist baptised Jesus Christ. Ancient churches and hermits' caves attest to the biblical past of this astonishing place.

Spot springtime blooms in Um Qais

Plan a visit to Jordan in April or May when garlands of springtime flowers lace the Roman monuments at Um Qais (Biblical Gadara), perched high above the Sea of Galilee. If you're lucky, you may happen on a black iris, the national flower of Jordan.

Overview

Most towns have a souk selling everything from meat and live chickens to clothes and jewellery. Amman’s downtown gold souk is a special attraction – a cluster of tiny shops with glittering window displays crammed together just off the main King Faisal Street. The gold is usually 18ct or above and there is sometimes no charge added for the craftsmanship of items like bangles, chains and earrings.



Tourist-oriented towns offer many handicrafts, including carpet-weaving or mosaic pieces. Jordan’s mosaic school in Madaba trains young people to work with the colourful, locally hewn stone.



Another distinctive local craft is ostrich-egg painting. The paint is applied with needle pricks and designs can take weeks to complete.



Other handcrafted items include sand jars, hand-blown glass, and embroidered clothing. Bottled holy water from the River Jordan can also be purchased, as can skin-care products made from Dead Sea mud.

Some of the best souvenir shopping can be done at the Nature Shops run by Jordan’s Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (www.rscn.org.jo). These are located at nature reserve headquarters around the country, and also at the Wild Jordan centre off Rainbow Street, 1st Circle in Amman. The Nature Shops stock all sorts of handmade items, from jewellery and painted ostrich eggs to leather goods, paper and novelty home decor pieces – all sourced sustainably, according to local fair trade principles.

Opening Hours

Generally Sat-Thu 0930-1330 and 1530-1800; some shops open as early as 0800, others close as late as 2100. Some shops are closed on Friday, either all day or until around 1400.

Overview

Jordanian cuisine shares many of the characteristics of Middle Eastern cooking, but the inclusion of freshly made, local yoghurt and cheese adds a twist to the menu.

Aubergines, chickpeas, lentils and beans turn up in many of the dishes and rice and khoubs (flat Arabic bread) are staples used to scoop up spreads and dips, such as hummus and labneh (a yoghurt-like cream cheese).

Alcohol is served in most restaurants and bars, except during the fasting month of Ramadan (non-Muslim nationals can drink alcohol only in hotels during Ramadan). Black tea is the default drink and is usually served with a spoonful of sugar, though herbal blends are also common.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Generally, a 10% service charge is added in hotels and upmarket restaurants. Extra tips are discretionary.

Drinking Age

18 years.

Hotels

A variety of accommodation is available to suit all pockets, ranging from a mattress on a rooftop to extravagant hotels. Most visitors choose Amman, Madaba, the Dead Sea, Wadi Mousa or Aqaba as their base, and visit the sites from there. Luxurious resorts along the Dead Sea offer a range of spa treatments that make the most of the healing properties of the local waters.

There are no youth hostels in Jordan. Hotels in popular locations (especially Aqaba and the Dead Sea) can be fully booked during local holidays. The tourist high season traditionally avoids summer, running from March-May and September-November, but nowadays Jordan is a year-round destination. Rates are subject to approximately 20% tax and service (this varies depending on location and facilities).

Grading: from 1- to 5-star. Some 5- and 4-star hotels have discos and nightclubs with live music. For further information, contact the Jordan Tourism Board (www.visitjordan.com).

Camping Caravaning

Staying at one of the Bedouin-style camps (some of which have chalets and hot-water facilities) in Wadi Rum, around Petra or at one of Jordan's nature reserves, can be the highlight of a trip to Jordan. There are also growing numbers of rural campsites in countryside beauty spots (Ajloun, Dana, Shobak and elsewhere), as well as some upmarket campsites run by Jordan’s nature conservancy society (www.rscn.org.jo).

Other

History

The area encompassed by the modern Kingdom of Jordan only had borders drawn around it in the 20th century. Before then, it was generally seen only as a small part of the larger Syria region.

Jordan was one of the locations where Stone Age hunter-gatherers settled for the first time, building villages and domesticating animals. Settlement expanded during the Bronze Age (roughly 3000-1200 BCE), when Jordan also features in the Old Testament record. The towns of Sodom and Gomorrah were probably located on Jordan’s side of the Dead Sea.

During the Iron Age (1200-332 BCE), Jordan clashed with the Israelites, then the Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians, finally coming under Greek control. Around this time, an Arabian tribe known as the Nabateans settled here, naming their capital Petra. They became fabulously wealthy, controlling the lucrative trade in frankincense and spices between Arabia and Europe.

In 106 CE the Romans absorbed the Nabatean kingdom, building new roads across Jordan, beautifying cities and fortifying the desert frontier. By the 4th century, Roman security was beginning to crumble. Christianity was adopted and Jordan became a centre for mosaic art.

Islamic armies conquered the region in 636. Jordan flourished under the Umayyad dynasty (661-750 CE), which ruled from Damascus, but when power shifted east to the Baghdad-based Abbasid dynasty, Jordan fell into neglect. The invading European Christian armies of the Crusaders briefly occupied Jordan in the 12th century, but under the Ottomans Jordan became a backwater.

Following anti-Muslim pogroms in Russia in the 1870s, Circassian refugees settled in Jordan – then largely deserted – re-founding Amman and ushering in Jordan’s modern history. After the Ottoman Turks were repulsed during the Great Arab Revolt of 1916-17, Jordan won independence, first as a British-controlled emirate in 1923 under Abdullah I – a monarch from the Hashemite family of Mecca – then in 1946 as a fully-fledged independent kingdom.

Since then, Jordan has taken in huge number of refugees from Palestine, Iraq and Syria, which has shaped the national character. However, attitudes seem to be hardening and in late 2015 the Jordanian government came under fire from human rights groups for deporting Sudanese asylum seekers.

As one of the West’s key allies in the Arab world, at peace with Israel, and yet closely bound into regional politics, with strong links to Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Jordan must play one of the trickiest fence-sitting roles in world politics.

Did you know?
• Jordan’s national flower is the rare and endangered black iris, which flowers in Wadi Rum in spring.
• Common Jordanian courtesy dictates that a host should give up any household item that a guest shows a particular interest in, so be sparing with your praise when dining in a local’s home.
• Unlike many other countries in the region, Jordan has no oil.

Religion

Over 92% Sunni Muslim, with 2% Shi'a and Druze Muslim. A significant Greek Orthodox Christian minority (6%) resides mainly in the villages around the hill city of Madaba.

Social Conventions

Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Jordanians are proud of their Arab culture and hospitality is a matter of great importance. Visitors are made to feel very welcome and Jordanians are happy to act as hosts and guides, keen to inform tourists about their traditions and culture. Islam always plays an important role in society. Arabic coffee will often be served continuously during social occasions. To signal that no more is wanted, slightly tilt the cup when handing it back, otherwise it will be refilled. If invited for dinner, a small gift is customarily given. Women are expected to dress modestly and beachwear must only be worn at private beaches or poolside.

Photography: It is polite to ask permission to take photographs of people and livestock; in some places photography is forbidden.

Best Time To Visit:

Jordan is a year-round destination. Even in high summer (June-August), Amman and most areas around the country are not excessively hot, chiefly due to the moderating influence of altitude – Amman stands around 850m (2800ft) above sea level. Similarly, Petra enjoys an elevated position – around 1,100m (3600ft) above sea level, so here, too, although days in summer can be hot, nights are often rather chilly. For Petra, as well as decent walking shoes – the only way in and out of the ruins is by a moderately testing walk over stony ground – also bring something warm for the evenings, even in summer. In winter, Petra can be very cold, with rain and even snow.

The Jordan Valley and the Red Sea coast around Aqaba is warm during winter (December-February) – a pleasant relief from the chill elsewhere – but extremely hot in summer (June-August). In the Eastern Desert, the winter can be bitterly cold and dry and the summer intensely hot. Some high-altitude areas, such as Ajloun, Dana and Petra, can receive snowfall in winter. Rain falls in many areas across the country on higher ground between October and March.

.

Required Clothing

Lightweight clothes are advised between May and September. Thick winter clothes are essential for winter and a warm layer is necessary for cool summer evenings. Rainwear is advisable from November to March.

Dialing Code:

+962

Area(sq km):

89342

Population:

10.203.134

Population Density(per sq km):

91

Population Year:

2018

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

911