Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now? Latest travel advice

Some ballistic missiles targeted at Israel on October 1 were intercepted over Jordan, including over Amman, resulting in falling fragments and debris in some parts of the country. The Foreign Office advises anyone who encounters projectile debris or fragments in Jordan to move away from them immediately and contact local authorities.

As a result of the missile attack, Jordanian airspace was temporarily closed on October 1, but it has since reopened. However, the Foreign Office warned that “flight cancellations, diversions and potential disturbances to Global Positioning System (GPS) signals may occur at short notice”.

The Foreign Office also states that hostilities could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region (more below).

When Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles into Israel on April 13, of which nearly all were intercepted, Jordan’s air force was involved in intercepting and shooting down dozens of Iranian drones that violated its airspace and were heading to Israel. Its government said it would “confront anything that would expose the security and safety of the nation”.

However, the country’s tourism board has emphasised that it remains “safe and welcoming” to tourists, and that its focus is the “safety and wellbeing” of all visitors who might want to explore the majestic Nabataean tombs at Petra and the mesmerising coastline along the Dead Sea, or understand the lives of the Bedouin people. Whether you have a trip coming up or are just beginning to plan one, here’s what you need to know.

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What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Jordan?

The UK Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to anywhere within 3km of Jordan’s border with Syria — this advice was in place before war broke out between Israel and Hamas. It considers the rest of the country to be generally safe for travel.

Since January 11, US and UK forces have carried out strikes against Houthi bases in Yemen in response to the group’s continued attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. After the strikes began, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice for all neighbouring countries, including Jordan.

On October 2, 2024, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Jordan, saying: “Following recent developments in Israel, Lebanon, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the security situation could change suddenly.”

Following Iran’s drone and missile attack Israel on April 13, the Foreign Office has not expanded its “do not travel” zone, but it warned travellers to monitor its advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. This advice remains unchanged.

Has Jordan been affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict?

Part of the border between Jordan and Israel is in the Dead Sea

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Jordan has not been directly affected by the war between Israel and Hamas, in the sense that it is not involved in any fighting. It has been among the Arab nations trying to broker peace between the two, and there have been protests within the country.

However, Jordanian airspace was closed for the duration of Iran’s October 1 missile attack and flights to and from the country are likely to be delayed or cancelled in the event of further strikes.

Amid Iran’s earlier attack on Israel, on April 13, Jordan’s air force intercepted and shot down dozens of Iranian drones that violated its airspace and were heading to Israel. Reuters quoted two regional security sources as saying Jordanian jets shot down the missiles in order to ensure the safety of its citizens. The Jordanian government said in a statement that “some flying objects that entered our airspace last night were dealt with and confronted”.

Jordan came under added scrutiny because of a drone attack on January 28 on a US base near the Syria-Jordan border. Three US troops were killed and dozens more were injured; it is the first time US troops have been killed in the Middle East since the war in Gaza began. The Islamic Resistance of Iraq (IRI), an umbrella grouping of Iranian-aligned militias, has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the UK Foreign Office.

On the situation in Jordan, the Foreign Office said: “The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories (OPTs) could close at short notice. As a result, the crossings between Jordan and Israel and the West Bank might be closed at short notice.

“In response to events in Israel and the OPTs, a number of demonstrations have taken place in Jordan and more protests have been planned over the coming days, including after Friday prayers. Some can be spontaneous and involve large numbers of people. You should avoid demonstrations and protests.” It added that “recent protests have also taken place in the vicinity of the Israeli and US Embassies”.

In a statement, the Jordanian tourist board said: “In light of the recent developments in Gaza, we want to emphasise that Jordan continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for tourists from around the world. Our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all visitors remains unwavering and we want to reassure everyone that Jordan’s borders are open to tourists.”

Here’s what you need to know about the travel advice for other countries

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Is it safe to travel to Jordan right now?

The UK Foreign Office considers Jordan to be a safe destination and, aside from its advice on avoiding the border with Syria, has no warnings against travelling there. However, although most tourists have visited the country without incident, it is worth remaining vigilant.

Levels of crime are generally low in Jordan, with most incidents involving pickpocketing, bag snatching or theft from cars. You should keep your valuables secure and have your photo ID with you in case of checks.

According to the Foreign Office, disputes between tribes, families and other social groups can start without warning and turn violent or involve the use of firearms. It also states terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Jordan — these could take place at locations visited by tourists such as hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and tourist sites. The last high-profile incident was in November 2019, when a man carried out a knife attack at the Roman site in Jerash that left eight people injured.

What are Jordan’s entry requirements?

Camels in the desert at Wadi Rum

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British citizens will need a visa to enter Jordan for tourism which can be obtained on arrival. Your passport will need to have a minimum of six months’ validity on the day you arrive.

A tourist visa costs 40 Jordanian dinars (about £46) and is valid for one month. The visa can be extended for up to six months once you’re in Jordan. However, if you stay in the country for more than 30 days, you’ll need to undergo a mandatory HIV test and obtain a health certificate, which currently costs 20 dinars (about £23).

If you’re leaving the country via one of the road borders, you’ll also need to pay an exit tax of ten dinars (about £11); those leaving the country on a flight are exempt.

• Best things to do do in Jordan
• Best time to visit Jordan

Is Jordan safe for female travellers?

Jordan is generally safe for female travellers but they can receive unwanted attention, in the form of both verbal and physical harassment, in more remote areas of the country. The Foreign Office says that occasionally these situations have escalated and there has been an increase in reports of sexual assault.

Female travellers should therefore take care when walking or travelling alone, during the day as well as at night. They should also avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi.

Is Jordan safe for LGBT travellers?

A female traveller in Amman, capital of Jordan

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The Foreign Office says that Jordanian law does not “explicitly prohibit homosexual acts”. However, public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not generally tolerated and could lead to arrest under other Jordanian laws.

Can you drink alcohol in Jordan?

Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country but alcohol is permitted. However, it’s illegal to consume alcohol on the street — it’s only allowed in bars, clubs, hotels and private homes.

You should also be aware that during Ramadan, while restaurants in cities such as Amman remain open during the day, eating in the street is likely to cause problems.

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