Jordan

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Avoid Aqaba airport and seaport entirely — U.S. Embassy issued a credible-threat alert on July 19, 2026; Jordanian authorities evacuated both facilities; this specific threat remains active.

Prepare: Do not plan to fly in/out of or use the port at Aqaba; use Amman airport instead and confirm its operational status 48 hours before departure.

• Avoid all travel within 5 km of Iraq and Syria borders — Clashes, cross-border violence, and militarized zones present; exception only for the tourist site Umm Qais.

Prepare: Do not deviate toward the northern and eastern borders; use GPS with offline maps to verify your location if driving near frontier areas.

• Avoid all areas east of Ruwaished city and Highway 10 to Iraq — Military activity and no emergency services in northeastern Jordan.

Prepare: Plan routes that stay west of Ruwaished; confirm your route with your hotel or guide before departing.

• Terrorism is an active, ongoing threat — Transnational and domestic terrorist groups have carried out attacks; targets include government buildings, airports, public transport hubs, restaurants, hotels, shopping centres, and markets frequented by foreigners.

Prepare: Avoid lingering in crowded public spaces (souks, malls, cafés); maintain situational awareness at all times and stay away from government buildings.

• Recent military strikes and potential for resumed activity — Missiles, drones, and projectiles have struck targets in Jordan; further operations could occur with short notice and cause widespread disruption and flight cancellations.

Prepare: Book refundable or flexible flights; maintain a contingency plan for sheltering in place for 48+ hours; do not assume you can leave quickly.

• Do not photograph, film, or share images of military installations or activity — Local laws impose severe penalties for this.

Prepare: Keep your phone camera off in sensitive areas; do not post any images of military infrastructure, damage, or uniformed personnel online.

• Demonstrations occur regularly, often on Fridays — Most are peaceful but can turn violent; they cause traffic disruptions; security forces use crowd dispersal and checkpoints.

Prepare: Avoid East Amman neighbourhoods, refugee camps (Wehdat, Baqa'a), the Al Kalouti mosque area, 4th Circle near the Prime Ministry, and downtown areas on Friday afternoons; monitor local media for gathering announcements.

• Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is common at tourist sites and crowded areas; assaults and robberies also occur.

Prepare: Keep your passport and valuables in a money belt or hotel safe; do not wear expensive jewelry; avoid displaying wealth.

• Celebratory gunfire is illegal but occurs and can cause injury or death.

Prepare: Avoid being outdoors during celebrations or national holidays; if you hear gunfire, move indoors immediately.

• Methanol-adulterated alcohol caused deaths in June 2025 — The incident was contained, but risk persists with unfamiliar brands.

Prepare: Avoid buying alcohol from street vendors or individuals; only purchase from licensed, established shops; stick to well-known brands.

HEALTH

• No endemic disease outbreaks currently affecting tourism areas — No active Ebola, cholera, mpox, or dengue outbreak alerts for Jordan as of the latest data.

• Routine and travel vaccines recommended — Consult a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for typhoid, hepatitis A/B, polio booster, and tetanus updates; rabies may be advised depending on activity.

Prepare: Schedule a pre-travel health appointment with a clinic experienced in Middle East travel.

• Malaria is not a risk in Jordan — Altitude and climate eliminate transmission zones.

• Tap water is generally safe in Amman and major cities — Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive; avoid tap water in remote areas.

Prepare: Carry bottled water when traveling outside urban centres; brush teeth with bottled water if concerned.

• Medical care in Amman is good; rural facilities are limited — Major hospitals in Amman (including Al-Bashir and Al-Amal hospitals) meet international standards; outside the capital, care is inconsistent.

Prepare: Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance including medical evacuation; carry a list of major hospital addresses and your policy details.

• Heat-related illness is a risk, especially in summer — Temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F) in July–August; dehydration occurs rapidly in dry climate.

Prepare: Travel in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November); if traveling in summer, stay hydrated constantly and limit outdoor exposure midday.

VISA & ENTRY

• Tourist visa required; valid for 3 months — Canadians need a visa; it is not waived.

Prepare: Apply in advance through the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities website, or arrange through a travel company linked to the Jordan Pass (which bundles visa + site entry).

• Visa on arrival available at Amman airport, Sheikh Hussein Bridge, and Wadi Araba (Aqaba) crossings — Do not attempt the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) crossing; visas are not issued there.

Prepare: If entering by air, allow extra time at immigration given current security delays; if entering by land, use Sheikh Hussein Bridge or Wadi Araba only.

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.

Prepare: Renew your passport now if it expires within 6 months of your trip.

• Visa extension possible at any police station — You can extend a tourist visa while in-country.

Prepare: If you need to extend, locate the nearest police station ahead of time; bring your passport and visa documentation.

• Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before departure — This ensures the Canadian government can contact you during emergencies.

Prepare: Go to travel.gc.ca and register your trip; provide your Canadian embassy contact details.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Photography of military sites, personnel, or damage carries severe legal penalties — Local enforcement is strict.

Prepare: Assume all military-related subjects are off-limits; ask hotel staff or your guide before photographing any official or industrial facility.

• Alcohol is legal but restricted — Alcohol is sold in licensed shops but consumption is culturally conservative; public intoxication invites police attention.

Prepare: Consume alcohol only in private settings or licensed venues; do not drink in public spaces or streets.

• Drug possession is a serious crime — Penalties include lengthy imprisonment and fines; marijuana is treated as a narcotics offense.

Prepare: Do not carry, purchase, or use any illegal substances, including cannabis, even if it is decriminalized in Canada.

• Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas — Women should avoid tight or revealing clothing; men should wear long pants and shirts in public.

Prepare: Pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders, knees, and chest; bring a headscarf for visits to mosques.

• LGBTQ+ rights are not legally protected — Sexual orientation and gender identity are sensitive; public displays of affection between same-sex couples can attract unwanted attention or legal risk.

Prepare: Be discreet; do not publicize your orientation; avoid LGBTQ+ venues unless you have local knowledge of safety.

• Ramadan (fasting month) affects public life — Eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours are offensive; many restaurants and shops close or reduce hours; driving can be hazardous due to fatigue and reduced visibility.

Prepare: Check the Ramadan dates before you travel; if traveling during Ramadan, eat/drink in private; plan activities around adjusted shop and restaurant hours.

• Friday is the Islamic holy day — Many businesses close or operate limited hours; major mosques draw large crowds; demonstrations often occur Friday afternoons.

Prepare: Do not plan shopping or administrative tasks for Friday; avoid crowds and public spaces on Friday afternoons.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD); 1 CAD ≈ 0.56 JOD (approximate; check current rate) — ATMs are widely available; credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in hotels, malls, and restaurants; cash is preferred in markets and small shops.

Prepare: Withdraw cash from ATMs in Amman upon arrival; carry a credit card as backup; avoid exchanging large sums at the airport (poor rates).

• Power outlets are 230V, 50Hz; plug type is European (Type C, D, E) — North American devices require a voltage converter and adapter.

Prepare: Buy a multi-adapter and voltage converter before departure; USB adapters sold locally are less reliable.

• SIM cards and eSIM are available from Zain, Oranges, and Umniah — Mobile coverage is good in cities and along main roads; data is inexpensive (around 3–5 JOD/GB).

Prepare: Buy a local SIM at Amman airport or in a city shop; provide your passport; activate data immediately for navigation and emergency contact.

• Internet is widely available but occasionally disrupted — Wi-Fi is standard in hotels, cafés, and restaurants; speeds are adequate for email and messaging but can be slow during peak hours.

Prepare: Do not rely on internet for time-sensitive communications; download offline maps (Google Maps) before traveling to remote areas.

• Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated — 10% is customary in restaurants if service is good; taxi drivers do not expect tips; hotel staff appreciate small tips.

Prepare: Carry small bills (1–5 JOD notes) for discretionary tipping.

• Driving conditions are hazardous — Many drivers ignore traffic laws; aggressive driving is common; poor lighting in rural areas; off-road driving is dangerous without a guide.

Prepare: Do not rent a car unless you have Middle East driving experience; if you must drive, stay on main roads, drive only during daylight, and inform someone of your route.

• Public transportation is unreliable and crowded — Small "coaster" buses are overcrowded and poorly maintained; taxis vary in condition and cleanliness; ride-sharing apps (Uber, Careem) are safer and more reliable.

Prepare: Use ride-sharing apps or hire a driver through your hotel; only use officially marked, licensed taxis with government windshield stickers; do not hail taxis from the street.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Best time to visit: March–May (spring) and September–November (fall) — Temperatures are moderate (15–25°C / 59–77°F); humidity is low; rainfall is minimal.

Prepare: Book accommodation and internal transport in March and October in advance; these shoulder seasons fill quickly.

• Summer (June–August) is extremely hot (35–45°C / 95–113°F) — Heat exhaustion and dehydration are serious risks; many tourists avoid this period; some attractions reduce hours.

Prepare: If you must travel in summer, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon; stay in air-conditioned spaces midday; drink water constantly.

• Winter (December–February) brings rain and occasional snow in higher elevations — Roads can become hazardous; heating is inconsistent in some accommodations.

Prepare: Check weather forecasts before traveling in winter; avoid mountain roads after rain; pack warm, waterproof clothing.

• No typhoon, hurricane, or monsoon season.

TOP SIGHTS

• Petra — UNESCO World Heritage rose-red city carved into cliffs; most famous attraction in Jordan; requires a guided visit or independent exploration (full day); located 3 hours south of Amman.

• Dead Sea — Lowest point on Earth; intensely saline water allows effortless floating; mineral-rich mud and therapeutic baths; shore resorts offer day visits or overnight stays; located 1 hour west of Amman.

• Wadi Rum — Desert landscape of towering sandstone formations; Bedouin-led jeep tours and camping; popular for sunset drives; located in southern Jordan near the Saudi border.

• Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre — Historic ruins overlooking the capital; museum with artifacts; Umayyad Palace remains; downtown location allows combined visit.

• Jerash (Gerasa) — Exceptionally preserved Roman city with temples, a forum, and colonnaded streets; located 1 hour north of Amman; one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns outside Italy.

WHERE TO STAY

Amman

• Abdali — Modern downtown district with international hotels, restaurants, and shopping; safe and walkable; business hub with good transport links; avoid during Friday demonstrations near Parliament.
• Sweifieh — Upscale residential neighbourhood west of downtown; quieter than Abdali; good restaurants and cafés; further from main attractions but safer and less crowded.
• Jabal Amman — Historic district with boutique hotels, art galleries, and traditional cafés; vibrant cultural atmosphere; closer to downtown but some pockets experience higher petty crime; choose hotels on main streets.

Petra

• Wadi Musa town centre — Only town near Petra; all hotels are within walking distance of the archaeological site entrance; limited choice but convenient for a 1–2 day stay; simple accommodations; book in advance.

Dead Sea

• Dead Sea resort zone — Concentrated area of resort hotels along the shoreline; safe and self-contained; excellent facilities and spas; isolated from Amman (1 hour drive); no village atmosphere; suitable for a relaxation-focused stay.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Embassy of Canada in Jordan — Address: Zahran Street, Amman (near 4th Circle); phone: +962 (6) 550-2000; email: amman@international.gc.ca
• Local police (non-emergency): 191
• Ambulance/Emergency medical services: 193
• Government of Canada 24/7 emergency line (from abroad): +1-613-996-8885 (collect calls accepted)
• Registration of Canadians Abroad: travel.gc.ca/registration

Final note: Given the July 19, 2026 security alert and the volatile regional situation, seriously reconsider whether this trip is essential. If you do travel, maintain constant contact with your embassy, follow all local authority instructions, and keep a low profile. Depart immediately if security conditions deteriorate further.