Jordan

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Terrorism threat is active and ongoing — transnational and domestic terrorist groups have carried out attacks; targets include government buildings, airports, transportation hubs, and public venues (restaurants, shops, hotels, markets).

Prepare: Register with the Government of Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad service before departure to receive location-specific alerts.

• Do not travel within 5 km of Iraq or Syria borders — active small-arms and mortar clashes, highly militarized zones, and government forces may engage vehicles or individuals entering illegally.

Prepare: Check your planned itinerary against a detailed map and exclude any routes within 50 km of the northeastern border region.

• Do not travel east of Ruwaished in northeastern Jordan, including Highway 10 toward Iraq — military operations and complete absence of emergency medical facilities.

Prepare: If traveling to Amman or southern Jordan, use only major routes west of Ruwaished.

• Zarqa and Mafraq governorates (west of Ruwaished) require avoiding non-essential travel — risk of missile and drone strikes and military debris from air-defense interceptions.

Prepare: If you must enter these areas, stay only for essential business and monitor real-time security updates before and during your trip.

• Aqaba Port and King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba present elevated risk — potential for missile, drone, and security incidents; transportation disruptions common.

Prepare: Avoid unnecessary lingering in Aqaba's port and airport areas; arrange ground transport immediately upon arrival.

• Demonstrations occur regularly, especially Friday afternoons — mostly peaceful but can turn violent without warning; occur at refugee camps (Wehdat, Baqa'a) and multiple Amman sites (East Amman neighborhoods, Al Kalouti mosque near Israeli Embassy, Parliament area, Al Husseini mosque).

Prepare: Monitor local media daily; avoid demonstrated-prone areas on Fridays and check real-time news before visiting public gathering spaces.

• Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching, assault, robbery, burglary) is common — highest risk at tourist sites and crowded areas.

Prepare: Carry minimal valuables; keep passport and documents in a hotel safe; avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics.

• Celebratory gunfire is illegal but occurs and causes injuries and deaths — risk especially during holidays and celebrations.

Prepare: Avoid outdoor public areas during festive occasions and national holidays.

• Women traveling alone face harassment, verbal abuse, and sexual assault risk — heightened vulnerability in isolated areas and after dark.

Prepare: Travel during daylight; sit in rear taxi seats; use ride-sharing apps (Uber/Careem) instead of street hails; inform someone of your daily itinerary.

• Methanol-adulterated alcohol killed multiple people in June 2025 — risk persists for lesser-known alcohol brands.

Prepare: Avoid alcohol entirely or purchase only from established hotels and licensed venues; never buy from street vendors or individuals.

HEALTH

• No vaccine is legally required for entry, but yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, and routine immunizations are strongly recommended.

Prepare: Visit a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to confirm your immunization status and receive boosters.

• Malaria and dengue fever are endemic in low-lying areas — risk exists year-round in the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea regions (below sea level).

Prepare: Use insect repellent (DEET 20–30%) daily; wear long sleeves and pants in dawn and dusk hours; consider antimalarial prophylaxis if visiting the Jordan Valley; consult your doctor.

• Tap water is generally safe in Amman and major cities — bottled water recommended in remote areas and smaller towns.

Prepare: Drink bottled water in rural areas and when uncertain; avoid street food and unpeeled fruits.

• Medical care in Amman is adequate for routine and emergency care; rural areas have limited facilities — no emergency services exist in northeastern Jordan east of Ruwaished.

Prepare: Obtain comprehensive medical evacuation insurance; keep a list of English-speaking clinics in Amman and your hotel's contact numbers.

VISA & ENTRY

• Tourist visa required; valid 3 months and obtainable on arrival at most ports of entry — can also be obtained in advance through Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities or travel companies (often bundled with the Jordan Pass).

Prepare: Have a clear travel itinerary and proof of sufficient funds; bring printed visa application forms or complete online in advance.

• Visa on arrival available at international airports and the Sheikh Hussein Bridge (Jordan–West Bank) and Wadi Araba (Aqaba) crossings — NOT available at the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) crossing; must obtain visa in advance for that crossing.

Prepare: If entering via King Hussein Bridge, apply online or through a Jordanian diplomatic mission at least 2 weeks prior.

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected departure date — carriers may enforce stricter validity rules.

Prepare: Check your passport now; renew if expiry is within 6 months of your return date.

• If staying over 14 days on any visa type (except first 30 days of tourist visa), you must register with Jordanian police — register at Public Security Directorate, a branch office, or local police station within 13 days of arrival; registration can take several hours.

Prepare: Locate the nearest police station to your hotel immediately upon arrival; bring passport, accommodation proof, and arrive early in the day to complete the process.

• Overstaying your visa results in a fine upon departure.

Prepare: Note your visa expiry date in writing; set a phone reminder 1 week before expiry.

• If traveling with "X" gender marker on your passport, verify acceptance with the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Jordan's systems may not recognize non-binary markers.

Prepare: Contact the Jordanian Embassy in Canada in advance to confirm entry procedures.

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

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Photographing, filming, or sharing images of military installations, activity, or damage is illegal and carries severe penalties — this includes accidental capture of military sites and destroyed infrastructure.

Prepare: Do not photograph government buildings, checkpoints, military convoys, or any damaged structures; ask permission before photographing people or sensitive locations.

• Drugs are strictly illegal; possession results in lengthy imprisonment and heavy fines — enforcement is severe.

Prepare: Carry no substances other than prescribed medications in original containers with your name and doctor's name on the label.

• Alcohol is legal for tourists but culturally sensitive — many public spaces are alcohol-free; Islamic law and local custom influence behavior expectations.

Prepare: Consume alcohol only in private settings or licensed venues in tourist hotels; dress modestly in public; never drink in public streets.

• Dress code is conservative — women should wear loose-fitting clothing covering shoulders, chest, and knees; men should wear long pants and sleeved shirts in public.

Prepare: Pack modest clothing; reserve swimwear for hotel pools and private beaches only.

• LGBTQ+ travelers may face social stigma and legal restrictions — same-sex conduct is not explicitly criminalized, but social attitudes are conservative; avoid public displays of affection.

Prepare: Research specific neighborhoods and venues in advance; connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations online before arrival; exercise discretion in all settings.

• Friday is the Islamic holy day — many businesses close; avoid public areas during prayers (especially midday prayers) and demonstrations.

Prepare: Plan Friday activities around mosque prayer times; adjust restaurant and shop hours in your itinerary.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD) — approximately 1 CAD = 0.55 JOD (verify current rate on arrival); credit cards accepted in hotels and major shops; ATMs widely available in Amman.

Prepare: Notify your Canadian bank of travel dates; carry a debit card for ATM withdrawals; have a small amount of dinars exchanged before arrival or at the airport.

• Power outlets are Type C and D (European standard) — voltage is 230V, 50 Hz.

Prepare: Bring a universal power adapter compatible with European plugs.

• Mobile networks (Zain, Orange, Umniah) offer reliable coverage in cities and major routes — eSIMs available; local SIM cards inexpensive and easy to activate.

Prepare: Purchase a local SIM or eSIM upon arrival; international roaming is expensive; set up Google Maps offline beforehand.

• Internet is available in hotels, cafes, and through mobile providers — generally reliable in urban areas; can be slower in remote areas.

Prepare: Confirm your hotel has Wi-Fi; download offline maps of areas you plan to visit.

• Tipping is customary but not mandatory — 10% for restaurants; 1–2 JOD for hotel staff; taxi drivers do not typically expect tips.

Prepare: Carry small bills for tips; inform yourself of current tipping norms closer to travel.

• Road conditions vary significantly; avoid driving after dark — some drivers ignore traffic laws; off-road driving hazardous without experienced guide and 4WD convoy.

Prepare: Use hotel-arranged taxis or ride-sharing apps (Uber, Careem) for all journeys; if renting a car, drive only during daylight, inform someone of your route, and fill gas tank before remote travel.

• Licensed taxis have a government sticker on the windshield — mechanical reliability and cleanliness vary; ride-sharing apps more reliable than street hails.

Prepare: Request taxis from your hotel desk or use Uber/Careem; never hail taxis on the street; ask driver for estimated fare before boarding.

• Avoid small-style "coaster" buses due to overcrowding and poor maintenance — use intercity coaches or ride-sharing for longer distances.

Prepare: Book intercity travel through hotels or established travel agencies; do not use public minibuses.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Best time to visit is October–April — mild temperatures (15–25°C), minimal rainfall; summer (June–August) is extreme heat (35–45°C).

Prepare: Plan visits to Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and Petra for cooler months; pack light clothing and high-SPF sunscreen.

• Winter (December–February) brings rain and occasional snow in higher elevations — roads can be hazardous; some desert routes may be temporarily closed.

Prepare: Check weather forecasts and road status before traveling in winter; bring an extra layer and weatherproof jacket.

• Extreme heat is the primary climate hazard — dehydration and heat exhaustion are serious risks in summer months and desert areas.

Prepare: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person; avoid midday outdoor activities (11:00–15:00); apply sunscreen every 2 hours.

TOP SIGHTS

• Petra — UNESCO world heritage site and ancient Nabatean city carved into rose-red sandstone; accessed by hiking or horseback from the town of Wadi Musa (about 3 hours south of Amman).

• Wadi Rum (Valley of the Moon) — desert landscape of towering rock formations, accessible only by guided 4WD jeep tours; overnight Bedouin camp stays available.

• Dead Sea — lowest point on Earth (−430 m); mineral-rich waters allow floating; resorts and public beaches available along the eastern shore.

• Jerash — one of the largest Roman ruins outside Italy; day trip from Amman (50 km north); well-preserved temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets.

• Amman Citadel — hilltop archaeological site overlooking the capital; ruins from Byzantine, Umayyad, and Ottoman periods; short walk or taxi ride from downtown Amman.

WHERE TO STAY

Amman

• Abdali District (Central Amman) — modern commercial and hotel hub; major shopping, dining, and government sites; generally safe with high police presence; convenient for business travelers and those seeking modern amenities.
• Shmeisani (Sweifieh) — upscale residential neighborhood with international schools, embassies, and established hotels; quieter than Abdali; good for families and long-term visitors; generally safe with reliable services.
• Downtown (Al-Balad) — historic city center with traditional souks, budget accommodations, and cultural sites; more crowded and requires standard street awareness; best visited during daylight hours for shopping and sightseeing.

Aqaba

• City Center (Downtown Aqaba) — main business district with hotels, restaurants, and waterfront access; closest to port and airport; moderate crowds; generally safe for tourists with standard precautions.
• Northern Beach Area — resort hotels and public beach access; quieter than downtown; popular with families; good base for Red Sea activities and shore excursions.

Wadi Musa (gateway to Petra)

• Tourist Hotel District — clustered accommodations near Petra entrance; small town atmosphere with minimal crime; all visitor services and guided tour operators within walking distance.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian Embassy in Jordan:
• Address: Alyarmouk Building, 3rd Floor, Jabal Amman, Amman
• Phone: +962 6 590 2500
• Email: amman@international.gc.ca
• After-hours emergency line: +962 79 962 9000

• Jordanian Police: 191

• Jordanian Ambulance / Emergency Medical Services: 199

• Government of Canada Emergency Line: 1-800-387-3124 (call collect from outside Canada; available 24/7)

• Non-emergency Canadian Government Services: +1-613-944-6788 (outside Canada, Monday–Friday, 8:00–16:00 EST)