Visiting Jordan is generally considered safe, but some of the latest official advice currently warns against travel to Jordan.
The British Foreign Office advises ‘against all but essential’ travel to Jordan. Due to the political climate in the country, you are not allowed to stay within three kilometers of Jordan’s border with Syria. Jordan is a potential target for terrorist attacks and several incidents have occurred there since 2016.
There are also problems at the border with Israel. Following an extraordinary attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday, Israel declared war on Gaza, and now all eyes are back on what could happen next.
Is it safe to visit Petra in Jordan at the moment?
Petra is located in the southern part of Jordan, far from the conflict and considered safe. Eilat Airport, located in southern Israel, still remains open for international flights as it is also considered safe.
Yet it is important to stay informed of travel advice and developments surrounding the conflict in Israel.
The travel advice from the US Department of State has not yet been updated
The US State Department has not updated its travel advisory since the start of the war in Israel.
The last travel advice (Level 2) from July 13, 2023:
Due to terrorism, you must be extra careful in Jordan. In some places the risk is greater.
Do not travel to:
- Due to terrorism and armed conflict, avoid traveling within 3.5 km of Jordan’s border with Syria and east of the town of Ruwayshid towards the border with Iraq.
- Due to immigration restrictions imposed by the Jordanian government, you are not allowed to visit the designated Syrian refugee camps in Jordan.
- Due to terrorism and crime, you are not allowed to visit Zarqa, Rusayfah and the Baqa’a section of Ayn Basha.
Reconsider traveling to:
- Due to terrorism and crime, Ma’an city and some parts of Ma’an Governorate have been affected
6 General safety measures when traveling in Jordan
1. Consider your safety when taking a taxi – Several female travelers have complained of being harassed by taxi drivers. Sit in the back and keep your eyes open for the best chance of avoiding this.
2. Check the conditions before using the Desert Highway – One of the main highways connecting Amman to other cities such as Aqaba is Highway 15, which crosses Jordan from north to south. Due to unrest in Ma’an in the south, the highway is occasionally closed and other parts are occasionally blocked. Always follow police instructions and stay informed of any closures from the local news.
3. Be careful near or on roads – In Jordan the roads can be a bit busier and more chaotic than you may be used to (especially in Amman). Road accidents are the third leading cause of death in Jordan, as traffic laws are more often ignored than enforced.
4. Stay away from public demonstrations – Although public demonstrations in Jordan are usually peaceful, if possible, stay away from large crowds like these. You can never predict what will happen.
5. Keep an eye on your belongings – Pickpockets and handbag snatchers have been spotted in Amman’s old city and at popular tourist destinations in some of the busier areas. To be on the safe side, keep your valuables out of sight.
6. Avoid the Syrian and Iraqi borders – It is common knowledge that Syria, Iraq and their borders with Jordan are currently dangerous regions to travel to. Since none of the main destinations are near these borders, it would be wise to stay away.
Conclusion
Jordan offers a safe and welcoming environment for travelers who take the usual precautions, but at this time it is important to pay attention to the latest advisories as the Israel conflict may evolve.
