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Scenic view of Jordan
COUNTRY GUIDE

Jordan country guide: visas, airlines and living abroad

A comprehensive guide to Jordan: country facts, currency, languages, airlines, visa preparation, immigration, expatriate planning and official sources.

Image credit
Source photograph · Vyacheslav Argenberg from Seattle, WA, USA · View from Mt. Nebo (2007-05-827) · CC BY 2.0. Resized; display framing and overlay vary by screen size.

Country comparison metrics

HDI measures health, education and income. GPI measures national peacefulness, including safety, conflict and militarisation. These indices use different scales and are not a current travel advisory.

Jordan at a glance

Country code
JO
Capital / administrative centre
Amman
Region
Western Asia
Languages
Arabic
Currency
Jordanian dinar (JOD)
Country-code TLD
.jo
Calling code
+962
Area (metadata)
89,342 km²
Location map of Jordan highlighted on a world map

Original VisaWand location map using public-domain Natural Earth data. Boundaries are illustrative; small territories are indicated by a location marker.

Understanding Jordan

Jordan requires a travel and relocation plan that reflects its geography, administrative arrangements and the traveller’s own circumstances. This guide brings together basic country information, aviation context, entry planning, longer-term residence considerations and practical preparation. A visitor, an international student, an employee and a person joining family may face different procedures even when they hold the same passport.

The country profile places Jordan in Western Asia. The listed capital or administrative centre is Amman; the language metadata lists Arabic. Currency information is presented as Jordanian dinar (JOD), and the internet-domain information is .jo. These details are useful when checking application addresses, interpreting invoices, identifying local services and arranging communication. A country-code domain identifies an internet namespace; it does not, by itself, authenticate an immigration service or establish an applicant’s eligibility.

Use the guide in two stages. First, understand the destination and prepare a realistic itinerary or relocation objective. Then confirm the applicable requirements with the authority responsible for your nationality, passport type, place of legal residence and purpose of travel. The country-specific official extracts below retain their source dates and scope. They must not be read as a universal visa decision for all passports, and an airline ticket or a consultation booking does not confer permission to enter.

Demographic, geographic and transport material attributed to the CIA World Factbook comes from its final archived edition. Figures retain their original reference years and are historical background rather than a claim that every statistic is current. Government travel-advice extracts are reproduced with attribution under the Open Government Licence. The sections on preparation are practical editorial guidance; they do not invent a visa category, processing guarantee or entitlement to permanent residence. Check the linked original advice again before travel, as the published snapshot can change. Map boundaries are illustrative and do not express a position on sovereignty or disputed borders.

Country facts, geography and economic context

Historical country context, adapted from the public-domain CIA World Factbook final archive. Original dates are retained. These facts do not establish current entry or residence rights.

History and national context

After World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the League of Nations awarded Britain the mandate to govern much of the Middle East. In 1921, Britain demarcated from Palestine a semi-autonomous region of Transjordan and recognized ABDALLAH I from the Hashemite family as the country's first leader. The Hashemites also controlled the Hijaz, or the western coastal area of modern-day Saudi Arabia, until 1925, when IBN SAUD and Wahhabi tribes pushed them out. The country gained its independence in 1946 and thereafter became the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The country has had four kings. Long-time ruler King HUSSEIN (r. 1953-99) successfully navigated competing pressures from the major powers (US, UK, and Soviet Union), various Arab states, Israel, and Palestinian militants, the latter of which led to a brief civil war in 1970 that is known as "Black September" and ended in King HUSSEIN ousting the militants.

Jordan's borders have changed since it gained independence. In 1948, Jordan took control of the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the first Arab-Israeli War, eventually annexing those territories in 1950 and granting its new Palestinian residents Jordanian citizenship. In 1967, Jordan lost the West Bank and East Jerusalem to Israel in the Six-Day War but retained administrative claims to the West Bank until 1988, when King HUSSEIN permanently relinquished Jordanian claims to the West Bank in favor of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). King HUSSEIN signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, after Israel and the PLO signed the Oslo Accords in 1993.

Jordanian kings continue to claim custodianship of the Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem by virtue of their Hashemite heritage as descendants of the Prophet Mohammad and agreements with Israel and Jerusalem-based religious and Palestinian leaders. After Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 War, it authorized the Jordanian-controlled Islamic Trust, or Waqf, to continue administering the Al Haram ash Sharif/Temple Mount holy compound, and the Jordan-Israel peace treaty reaffirmed Jordan's "special role" in administering the Muslim holy shrines in Jerusalem. Jordanian kings claim custodianship of the Christian sites in Jerusalem on the basis of the 7th-century Pact of Omar, when the Muslim leader, after conquering Jerusalem, agreed to permit Christian worship.

King HUSSEIN died in 1999 and was succeeded by his eldest son and current King ABDALLAH II. In 2009, ABDALLAH II designated his son HUSSEIN as the Crown Prince. During his reign, ABDALLAH II has contended with a series of challenges, including the Arab Spring influx of refugees from neighboring states, the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of the war in Ukraine, a perennially weak economy, and the Israel-HAMAS conflict that began in October 2023.

Geographic position

Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia, between Israel (to the west) and Iraq

Land area

total : 89,342 sq km

land: 88,802 sq km

water: 540 sq km

Landscape

mostly arid desert plateau; a great north-south geological rift along the west of the country is the dominant topographical feature and includes the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea, and the Jordanian Highlands

Climate and seasonal planning

mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Natural hazards

droughts; periodic earthquakes; flash floods

Environmental conditions

limited natural freshwater resources; declining water table; salination; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; biodiversity and ecosystem damage/loss

Geographic considerations

strategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba; the Arab country that shares the longest border with Israel and the West Bank; the Dead Sea, the lowest point in Asia and the second saltiest body of water in the world (after Lac Assal in Djibouti), lies on Jordan's western border with Israel and the West Bank; Jordan is almost landlocked but does have a 26 km southwestern coastline with a single port, Al 'Aqabah (Aqaba)

Capital and administrative centre

name: Amman

geographic coordinates: 31 57 N, 35 56 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: in the 13th century B.C., the Ammonites named their primary city Rabbath Ammon; rabbath meant "capital," so the name translated as "The Capital of [the] Ammon[ites];" over time, the name was shortened to Ammon, and then to Amman

Regional administration

12 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); 'Ajlun, Al 'Aqabah, Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, Al ‘Asimah (Amman), At Tafilah, Az Zarqa', Irbid, Jarash, Ma'an, Madaba

Settlement patterns

population heavily concentrated in the west, and particularly the northwest, in and around the capital of Amman; a sizeable but smaller population is located in the southwest along the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba

Population snapshot

total: 11,174,024 (2024 est.)

male: 5,844,979

female: 5,329,045

Urban development

urban population: 92% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: 0.98% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Major urban areas

2.232 million AMMAN (capital) (2023)

Languages and communication

Arabic (official), English (widely understood among upper and middle classes)

major-language sample(s):
كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

Religion and cultural context

Muslim 97.1% (official; predominantly Sunni), Christian 2.1% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), Buddhist 0.4%, Hindu 0.1%, Jewish <0.1%, folk <0.1%, other <0.1%, unaffiliated <0.1% (2020 est.)

Society and communities

Jordanian 69.3%, Syrian 13.3%, Palestinian 6.7%, Egyptian 6.7%, Iraqi 1.4%, other 2.6% (2015 est.)

note: data represent population by self-identified nationality in national census

Economic context

upper-middle-income Middle Eastern economy; high debt and unemployment, especially for youth and women; global events triggering trade slump and decreased revenue from tourism; growing manufacturing and agricultural sectors; key US foreign assistance recipient; natural-resource-poor and import-reliant 

Industry and employment context

tourism, information technology, clothing, fertilizer, potash, phosphate mining, pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining, cement, inorganic chemicals, light manufacturing

Agriculture

tomatoes, milk, chicken, potatoes, olives, cucumbers/gherkins, onions, chillies/peppers, peaches/nectarines, sheep milk (2023)

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Trade and exports

fertilizers, garments, phosphates, jewelry, phosphoric acid (2023)

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Trade and imports

cars, refined petroleum, gold, crude petroleum, jewelry (2023)

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Legal-system background

mixed system developed from Ottoman Empire codes (based on French law), British common law, and Islamic law

Names and terminology

conventional long form: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

conventional short form: Jordan

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah

local short form: Al Urdun

former: Transjordan

etymology: named for the Jordan River, which makes up part of Jordan's northwest border; the origin of the river's name is unclear, but it may come from a local word meaning "river"

National holiday

Independence Day, 25 May (1946)

Internet identity

.jo

Airport infrastructure

18 (2025)

Rail infrastructure

total: 509 km (2020)

narrow gauge: 509 km (2014) 1.050-m gauge

Airlines and transport to Jordan

Air travel to Jordan should be planned around the actual operating airport, the operating carrier and the legal conditions at every connection. A marketed flight may be operated by another airline under a codeshare arrangement. Identify which carrier performs each sector, where checked luggage is transferred and whether a change of terminal or airport requires passing through immigration. A cheap connection is not necessarily usable if the traveller lacks the relevant transit or entry permission.

The airline information below uses IATA’s membership directory retrieved on 2026-10-10. Membership is a useful way to identify registered carriers and their airline codes, but it is not a complete census of airlines, a flight timetable or a statement that every carrier operates passenger services. Cargo airlines may also appear. Registration in Jordan does not mean an airline serves the traveller’s departure city, and foreign airlines may be the practical option for reaching the destination. Consult the carrier and airport directly for current routes and operating restrictions.

IATA-listed carriers registered in this destination

Before paying for flights, check the spelling of the passenger name, passport validity, baggage entitlement, change conditions and refund rules. Compare a protected through-ticket with separate tickets: a missed connection on independently booked sectors may leave the traveller responsible for replacement transport and accommodation. Keep sufficient time for immigration, security screening and baggage collection, especially when arriving in Jordan after a long international connection.

For an island, remote settlement or seasonal route, review the consequences of cancellation as carefully as the outward journey. Weather, runway limitations and operating schedules may restrict alternatives. Keep essential medicines, identification, payment methods and a change of clothing in hand luggage. Carry the address of the first accommodation and a reliable arrival contact. Never assume that a visa exemption also removes an airline’s document checks, or that approval for the destination automatically covers a transit country.

How to plan a visa application for Jordan

Start with the intended activity rather than the name of a visa found on a commercial website. A short holiday, attendance at meetings, a paid assignment, an academic course and joining a spouse can require different permissions. Write a short factual description of the trip, its duration, who will pay and whether any work will be performed. The responsible authority can then assess the relevant category without relying on an ambiguous description such as “business travel”.

Next, establish which rules apply to the individual passport holder. Nationality, ordinary or diplomatic passport status, dual citizenship, existing residence permits and previous immigration history can affect the route. An entry exemption offered to one nationality should not be applied to another. Likewise, a resident of a neighbouring country may still need permission based on nationality. Where a guide quotes UK travel advice, its stated British-passport scope is retained; it is not a promise that another passport receives the same treatment in Jordan.

Identify the correct application channel through an official embassy, consulate, immigration department or government portal. Check whether the application must be made from the applicant’s country of nationality or legal residence, and whether a third-party centre is officially appointed. Search advertisements and a country-code website address are not adequate evidence of authorisation. Confirm the official fee, currency, payment method and process for obtaining a receipt before transferring money or uploading identity documents.

Build the evidence file around the published checklist for the selected category. Possible evidence can include a passport, photographs, a travel plan, accommodation details, financial records, an invitation or proof of a family relationship, but the required list must come from the authority. Names, dates and addresses should be consistent across forms and supporting documents. Explain genuine discrepancies honestly; do not alter a bank record, conceal a refusal or submit a reservation that is presented as paid when it is not.

If translations, certification or legalisation are required, establish the accepted language and format before commissioning them. A translation accepted by a university or employer may not satisfy the immigration authority. Keep the source document, translator’s certification and any required legalisation together. Ask whether a digital upload is sufficient or originals must be produced at an appointment. Where biometrics or an interview are requested, attendance arrangements and passport retention may affect other planned journeys.

Submit only after reviewing every answer and retain the application reference, payment receipt and a complete copy of the evidence. Monitor the official account or authorised communication channel for requests. Respond within the stated period and keep a record of what was supplied. Processing-time estimates are planning information rather than guarantees; do not invent a completion date for Jordan, and avoid non-refundable commitments until the documents and travel conditions are suitable.

When a decision is issued, examine the name, passport number, entry validity, permitted duration, number of entries and any activity restrictions. An approval letter may require a later step before boarding or after arrival. If an application is refused, read the reasons and the authority’s instructions for any review, appeal or new application. A different factual situation or corrected evidence should be explained clearly; repeatedly submitting an unchanged file is unlikely to resolve the underlying issue.

Jordan: official entry, safety and health information

Country-specific official material reproduced from UK FCDO travel advice under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright. The entry section is scoped to British passport holders as stated by the source; other nationalities must check their own requirements. Source last updated: 2026-09-10T12:30:28+01:00. Retrieved 2026-10-10. Read the current original advice.

Warnings and insurance

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). 

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Jordan-Syria border

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

Regional tensions

The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Jordan, against US military and civilian infrastructure. In early September renewed attacks and interceptions occurred in and around Aqaba. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. 

British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:

  • read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
  • sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
  • follow advice from the local authorities
  • monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice
  • stay away from areas around security or military facilities and strategic infrastructure. Recent attacks show that these areas may be targets or experience falling debris
  • keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
  • if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects

Before you travel

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

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 FCDO:   

Entry requirements

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

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British-Jordanian 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.

If you wish to also visit Israel or Palestine and re-enter Jordan, you can get a multiple-entry visa from the Jordanian Embassy in the UK.

Applying for a visit visa

You can buy a single-entry visit visa when you arrive at a Jordanian airport or the Sheikh Hussein/North Border land crossing. It costs 40 Jordanian dinars (JOD) and is valid for 3 months. Some airlines may ask you to submit a health declaration at check-in. Check with your airline.

If you’re visiting for tourism, and you will stay at least 3 nights in Jordan, you can apply for a Jordan Pass online before you arrive. A Jordan Pass costs between 70 and 80 Jordanian dinars, which includes the visa fee and gives discounted entry to major tourist sites. You should only purchase a Jordan Pass from the official website. The Jordan Pass is valid for 3 months from date of entry.

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

Visiting Jordan for purposes other than tourism 

If you are visiting Jordan for purposes other than tourism, you must apply for your visa in advance online. This includes travel for the purposes of work or study.  

Registering with the local authorities

If you are planning to remain in Jordan for more than 14 days, you must report to the police station with a residency extension office that is nearest to your place of residence. You will be required to provide your biometrics (fingerprint and iris scan).  

Failure to report within 14 days of arrival will result in a fine of JOD 200 to be paid upon leaving the country. This rule applies to anyone who entered Jordan after 1 October 2025, but not to holders of annual residency visas, tourists, pilgrims, or transit visa holders.

Land border crossings

Jordan has  land borders  with Saudi Arabia, Israel, Palestine, Syria and Iraq.  

Saudi Arabia  

Those travelling to and from Saudi Arabia should refer to Saudi Arabia travel advice for the latest travel information including safety and security and entry requirements.   

The following three land border crossings between Jordan with Saudi Arabia are open 24 hours a day:  

  • Umari (AlOmari) Border Crossing: Primary crossing, approximately 155 km from Amman  

  • Mudawara (AlMudawwara) Border Crossing: Located farther east, approximately 322 km from Amman  

  • AlDurra Crossing (opposite Haql): Connecting Aqaba with the Saudi city of Haql  

Entry to Saudi Arabia 

British nationals who are trying to leave Jordan via Saudi Arabia and who are travelling on British Emergency Travel Documents, Emergency Passports, or passports with less than 6 months remaining validity, should call the helplines for British Embassy Riyadh +966 (0) 11481 9100 or British Consulate Jeddah +966 (0)126225550 for advice.

Israel and Palestine  

Those traveling from Israel or Palestine should refer to Israel’s travel advice and Palestine’s travel advice.  

The three land border crossings from Israel and Palestine  are open most days from 8 or 8.30am. Closures may happen at no notice, including over the weekend.

  • King Hussein/Allenby Bridge  

  • The Northern (Sheikh Hussein/Jordan River Crossing) crossing  

  • The Southern (Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin) crossing   

The King Hussein Bridge/Allenby crossing is not an international crossing between Jordan and Palestine or Israel. You cannot enter Jordan using the King Hussein Bridge/Allenby crossing without getting a visa beforehand. You can get a visa from the Jordanian Ministry of Interior.  

If you are travelling on a British passport, you do not need to prebook to leave Jordan via the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge.  

If you have entered Jordan using a non-British passport you may need to prebook to enter Israel or Palestine via the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. Bookings are made via Jordan Express Tourist Transport Company, at busy times they can be booked up several days in advance.  

If you wish to combine travel to Jordan with a visit to Israel or Palestine, you can get a multiple-entry visa before you travel from the Jordanian Ministry of Interior. You should also check the Israel travel advice before using the land borders to enter Israel.  

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

Photography and videography are not permitted on the border crossings.  

Syria

The FCDO advises against all travel to Syria.  

Iraq

The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq . 

Sea Crossing to Egypt  

Those traveling to and from Egypt should refer to Egypt travel advice for the latest travel information including safety and security and entry requirements.  

Ferry services operate between Aqaba and Egypt (Taba Heights and Nuweiba). Contact ferry operators directly for schedules and availability.

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.

Safety and security

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 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

In the context of regional escalation, Iran-aligned militia groups have threatened to target US interests across the region, have claimed attacks in Jordan and are likely to continue to carry out these attacks in Jordan.

As was the case before the recent regional escalation, terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Jordan, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:

  • hotels
  • shopping malls
  • restaurants
  • tourist sites
  • border crossings

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 2025, 2 people and the assailant were killed in a knife attack at the King Hussein/Allenby bridge 

  • in 2024, there were 3 separate attacks on the border crossings, where 3 Israeli border personnel were killed

Political situation

The political situation in Jordan is stable but sometimes there are protests in Amman and other cities. You should stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Demonstrations and mass gatherings

On 23 June 2026, large crowds gathered to watch Jordan’s national team play in the 2026 World Cup. One person died and eight were injured in downtown Amman at a public screening of the match.

You should: 

  • stay aware of your surroundings and consider avoiding crowds, crowd control measures may be limited 

  • follow the advice of local authorities 

  • monitor local media

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.

Methanol poisoning

There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.

Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

Sexual assault

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 varies from 40kph in some urban areas to 120kph on some highways. You should follow speed restrictions carefully. 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.

Regional risks

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.

Regional hostilities 

Following regional hostilities with Iran and in Israel, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza, the security situation could change suddenly. 

If you hear sirens, remain indoors and stay away from windows to ensure protection from any possible missile/drone fragments. If there are any injuries or damages, call 911 immediately. 

Land border crossings

The roads within Jordan and land border crossings between Jordan and Israel and the West Bank can close at no notice.

See Israel travel advice and Palestine travel advice and check with the Jordanian authorities before crossing.

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. There are also reports of violent confrontations between smugglers and the Jordan Armed Forces.

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.

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 Palestine, there have been instances of protests near the border on Fridays. Be particularly cautious in areas close to the border.

Health

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:

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. 

Travel and mental health

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

Expatriates, employment and immigration in Jordan

A temporary visit to Jordan and permission to reside there are separate planning questions. The terms “expatriate”, “immigrant” and “resident” describe circumstances, but they do not identify an immigration category by themselves. Determine the lawful basis for the intended stay and whether the application is made before travel or through a permitted procedure after arrival. This guide does not assume that a visitor can change status locally, obtain employment or remain indefinitely.

For employment, confirm whether the prospective employer must sponsor the applicant, obtain an approval or demonstrate particular conditions before the worker applies. Ask whether the permission is tied to a specific employer, occupation or location and what happens if the employment ends. Professional licensing, recognition of qualifications and an immigration work authorisation may be separate requirements. A job offer without the required permission should not be treated as a lawful start date.

International students should verify the institution, course eligibility and the immigration requirements directly with the competent offices. Admission, tuition payment and a student visa are separate milestones. Establish whether part-time work is allowed, whether dependants can accompany the student and what options exist after the course. Do not infer work rights or a settlement route from a school’s marketing claims. Keep a budget for study, accommodation, insurance and the return journey.

For family migration, establish which relationships are recognised and what evidence is accepted. Marriage, partnership, parenthood or dependency may involve different procedures, and a family member’s nationality does not automatically settle the applicant’s rights. Check income, accommodation or sponsorship requirements where applicable. Document custody and consent for children travelling with one parent. If names differ across civil records, obtain appropriate explanations and accepted supporting documents.

Long-term residence and citizenship should be researched as distinct stages. Temporary permits can expire, require renewal or impose limits on absence. Permanent status may have separate qualifying conditions, and naturalisation may involve language, residence, conduct or other legal tests. No number of years or automatic entitlement is promised here for Jordan. Before relying on a future route, ask the responsible authority or a qualified local adviser to identify the current provision and its conditions.

Practical preparation for living in Jordan

The language information for Jordan lists Arabic. Identify the language used by the office handling the application and by the intended employer, school, clinic or landlord. A multilingual country can have significant regional differences. Arrange interpretation when accuracy matters, particularly for a contract or medical consultation, and keep translated copies of essential information. Everyday language learning can help integration, but it does not replace a required certified translation.

Use Jordanian dinar (JOD) as the starting point for a local budget and verify the monetary arrangements with the relevant central bank or financial institution. Avoid treating an old exchange-rate statistic as a quote for a present transaction. Separate immigration fees, transport, deposits, accommodation, utilities, insurance and professional charges. Compare the exchange rate, transfer fee and receiving-bank cost, and keep a reserve for a delayed arrival or an unexpected return journey.

An accommodation decision should follow the lawful duration and purpose of stay. Verify the property, the landlord’s authority and the contract before paying a deposit. Ask about utilities, notice periods, registration documents and refund conditions. A temporary booking can provide flexibility while the newcomer checks a neighbourhood and travel times. If accommodation evidence is needed for an application, confirm the accepted form with the authority rather than assuming that every informal invitation or booking is sufficient.

Healthcare preparation should reflect both the traveller’s health and the local services available. Review the country-specific health advice where supplied, consult an appropriate clinician for vaccinations or medication questions, and check the insurance wording. Carry prescriptions and establish the rules for importing controlled medicines. A familiar medicine brand may not be available in Jordan; plan continuity of treatment through a legitimate provider. Insurance should cover the actual activities and circumstances of the stay.

Families should assess schools, childcare, accessibility and the effect of the move on each member’s legal status. Check enrolment documents and whether translated academic or vaccination records are required. An adult’s work permission does not necessarily give a spouse work rights or a child access to every service. A realistic plan includes transport, communication, emergency contacts and arrangements if one family member’s application is delayed or refused.

Tax residence, immigration residence and access to public services can be governed by different rules. A person may need professional advice about income earned abroad, employment deductions or obligations in both the departure and destination jurisdictions. Do not infer tax treatment from an immigration label. Keep records of arrival and departure dates, contracts and payments, and ask a qualified adviser to identify the relevant rules for the actual circumstances.

After arrival, check whether a residence card, address registration, identity number or another local procedure is required by the authorised route. Maintain a calendar of expiry dates and renewal windows using the official instructions. Keep important records securely, with a backup available if a device is lost. When leaving Jordan, settle contractual obligations, retain payment evidence and check whether departure affects a continuing permission or a future return.

A preparation checklist for Jordan

Prepare one coherent personal record before consulting an adviser. It should state the traveller’s nationality, passport type, current legal residence, destination, intended dates and purpose. Include dependants and all transit points. This simple profile reduces misunderstandings and helps the adviser distinguish a visitor application from employment, study or family residence. Leave out unnecessary sensitive documents until the recipient and purpose have been verified.

Create a document register with the issuing body, issue date, expiry date, language and any certification requirement for each item. Note whether an original, copy or digital version is accepted. This is particularly useful for civil records and qualifications that may take time to obtain. A well-organised file makes it easier to answer a request for additional evidence without accidentally sending contradictory versions of the same document.

Use a financial worksheet that separates the application cost from the cost of the journey and the first period in Jordan. Record which payments are refundable and what conditions apply. A consultation charge, government visa fee, airline ticket and accommodation deposit are different transactions with different terms. Request itemised invoices and retain receipts; a single total described as a “visa package” can obscure what has actually been purchased.

Before submitting the application, read the form as a whole. Check dates against the itinerary, employment details against the contract and funds against the stated budget. Where an explanation is needed, make it factual and concise. If a representative prepares the application, review it yourself before signing. Responsibility for the truth of the information should not be delegated to an adviser or a travel agent.

Before departure, check the current official entry and travel advice, the transport operating status, the documents required at boarding and any arrival formalities. Download essential records for offline use and keep paper copies where practical. Share the itinerary with a trusted contact and confirm the first arrival transfer. A complete application file is useful, but it is the current permission and actual travel conditions that determine whether the planned journey can proceed.

Choosing assistance for a Jordan application

Select a consultant by relevant experience and a clear written scope. Ask which part of the process the consultation covers: identifying an appropriate category, explaining a checklist, reviewing evidence or representing the applicant where permitted. The adviser should distinguish general preparation from legal representation and identify any local licensing or authorisation required for the service. A confident sales statement is not a substitute for a source-backed explanation.

Request a written fee breakdown and understand what is excluded. Government charges, translations, courier costs, appointments and further representation may be separate. Ask who will handle the file, how questions are answered and what records the customer receives. A consultant should not promise guaranteed approval or claim influence over the decision-maker. The authority responsible for Jordan determines the outcome under the applicable rules.

When using VisaWand, compare the profile, the consultation scope and the displayed fee before booking. The consultation is an opportunity to clarify the route and preparation; it does not itself create entry permission. Keep control of original documents, email accounts and official application credentials. Provide sensitive material only through an appropriate verified channel, and ask how it will be stored, used and deleted when the service ends.

Sources, dates and attribution

Country metadata: mledoze/countries, Open Database Licence. Historical extracts: CIA World Factbook, public domain, final archived edition. FCDO extracts: © Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0. Maps: original VisaWand artwork using public-domain Natural Earth data.

Source collection date: 2026-10-10. Archived Factbook profile date: July 08, 2025. Government advice snapshot last updated: 2026-09-10T12:30:28+01:00.

Licences: Open Database Licence · Open Government Licence v3.0. Country identifiers include territories and do not imply a position on international recognition. Download the derived country-facts database (ODbL).

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