Traveling Luck for Jordan. Jordan, Asia

Border

Jordan’s land borders are prone to periodic closure, and were completely closed in the aftermath of 9 November 2005 terrorist attacks.  International flights are operating as normal.

You should take extra care at the borders with Israel and Iraq.

In December 2004, a car exploded at the Iraqi-Jordanian Tarbil border post killing two multinational troops and injuring five others.

In May 2004, a member of the Jordanian security forces opened fire on a group of Israelis crossing the border.  No one was injured.

In November 2003, a gunman with no known terrorist links, opened fire at the southern Jordan-Israel border crossing, north of Aqaba, wounding five people and killing a foreign tourist.

You should take particular care when using taxis for journeys into neighbouring countries.

Iraq - For specific advice on travel to Iraq refer to the FCO Travel Advice: Iraq.  There have been incidences when passengers have been handed over to kidnappers once in Iraq.

Syria - For specific advice on travel to Syria refer to the FCO Travel Advice: Syria.  There have been reports of taxi drivers using the opportunity to indulge in minor smuggling, particularly if travelling late at night.

Crime

Most visits to Jordan are trouble free.  However, there are incidents of petty crime, including pick pocketing in central Amman.

Political Situation

Jordan Country Profile.

Developments in Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region.  There are occasional demonstrations in response to events in Gaza and the West Bank at refugee camps, university campuses and town centres. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues.  You should follow news reports and be alert to regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances.  You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid political gatherings and demonstrations – although the local authorities monitor demonstrations carefully and effectively, they are unlikely to get out of control.  You should avoid downtown Amman after Friday prayers.

Road Safety

You should obtain an International driving licence before travelling to Jordan.

There are a high number of road accidents.  You should drive with care, especially at night, and avoid driving on unlit roads due to poor road conditions.  Make sure you obtain third party insurance.  Special care should be taken when driving outside urban areas at night and should be avoided if possible.  Most roads are unlit and stray animals, broken-down vehicles and unmarked roadworks are commonplace.

The police carry out random security checks at checkpoints on the roads.  You should keep identification documents with you to present at these checkpoints.  The police also strictly enforce the speed limit and issue on the spot fines between 15 to 150 Jordanian Dinars.

Front seatbelts are required by law.  Failure to wear one can result in a fine.  All cars must carry a fire extinguisher and warning triangle.  Child car seats are generally not available.

In Jordanian law a driver is always guilty if they hit a pedestrian.  If you are involved in such an incident, you could face imprisonment and be liable for the payment of hospital bills and other compensation.

Landmines may be located near military installations and borders.  Minefields are usually fenced off and marked with a skull and crossbones sign, but fences and signs may be in a state of poor repair.

Roads in mountain areas, including Petra and the surrounding area, can become blocked and cars/coaches can become trapped by occasional heavy snow falls in winter.

Local laws reflect the fact that Jordan is a Muslim country.  You should respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.  The government does not interfere with the practice of Christianity but encouraging conversion to the Christian faith is illegal.  It is also considered for a Muslim to convert to Christianity.

Jordan is a conservative society.  You are reminded to dress modestly and behave courteously.

Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Under Jordanian law homosexuality is illegal.  Public displays of affection between homosexual couple could result in arrest and prison sentences.

Women are advised to take extra caution when travelling alone as there have been isolated incidents of harassment.

You need an entry visa to Jordan.  You can obtain single entry visas, valid for 1month, on arrival at any port of entry, except for the King Hussein Bridge at the Jordan/Israel border.  A single entry visa costs 10 Jordanian Dinars.

If you wish to visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority during your visit, it is better to obtain a multiple entry visa before departure from Jordanian representation in the UK.

If you would like a multiple entry visa you can only apply for this at Jordanian diplomatic missions abroad.

You can extend your visa up to three months at any police station after your arrival.  You are allowed to extend your stay in Jordan for a maximum period of six months.  If you do not extend the validity of your visa, and stay in Jordan after your visa expires you will be fined 1.5 Jordanian Dinars for each day you overstay.  Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Jordanian Embassy in London.

You must undergo an HIV test if you intend to stay in Jordan for more than three months, either as a resident or as a long-term visitor.

If you are a British/Jordanian national, you are allowed to use your British passport on arrival, but will need to show your Jordanian passport on departure.

When you leave Jordan you will have to pay an air and land exit tax of five Jordanian Dinars.

You are strongly recommended to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  Ensure your insurance covers unexpected losses or expenses eg lost luggage, stolen cash and credit cards or cancelled/missed flights.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  Please see: Travel Insurance.

Medical facilities outside Amman are basic and primitive and in an emergency you are advised to seek treatment in Amman.

The temperature in summer months can reach over 40 degrees Celsius. Take care and use high factor sun-block.  Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at:  www.dh.gov.uk.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

On 24 March 2006, the Jordanian authorities confirmed an outbreak of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in domestic poultry near Ajloun in the north of Jordan.  There have been no further outbreaks reported.  No human infections or deaths have been confirmed.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with the Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet which gives more detailed advice and information.

NATURAL DISASTERS

There are occasional earth tremors in Jordan.  The last one occurred on 7 July 2004, and measured 4.6 on the Richter scale.

If things go wrong when overseas, please see:  What We Can Do To Help

If you are travelling from Jordan to Syria and Saudi Arabia, you must obtain these visas before arriving in Jordan.  If your passport contains Israeli stamps or Jordanian or Egyptian stamps from border crossings with Israel, you will be refused entry to Syria and Saudi Arabia, even if you have a valid visa.

Residents are advised to register their presence in Jordan with the Consular Section at the British Embassy.

Money

Cash machines are available throughout Amman and at the Queen Alia airport.  There is limited availability in the rest of the country.