Jordan

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with a developing economy and a modern infrastructure. Western culture features prominently in the lives of many Jordanians. At the same time, traditional Islamic ideals and beliefs provide a conservative foundation for the country's customs, laws, and practices. Businesses and facilities catering to tourists are widely available, although quality may vary depending on price and location. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on Jordan for additional information. Please also see the Special Circumstances section below. 

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Jordan, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Jordan is provided for general reference only and may not be completely accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

U.S. Embassy Amman has advised its employees to avoid driving at night outside the Amman metropolitan area due to road conditions, poorly lit rural roads, and erratic behavior by other drivers. 

It is typical for drivers in Jordan not to signal turns or lane changes. Drivers tend to be aggressive, and cars operate very closely together on the highways. Jordanian roads are particularly treacherous during the rainy season, which runs from December to March. Heavy snowfall occurred in 2013 and 2014, making many roads – even major highways – impassable for several days. Driving in Amman is also more hazardous in the summer months of June to September when Jordan experiences an influx of visitors from other countries in the region. Highway traffic is heavy around the Muslim holidays when many Jordanian expatriates return to Jordan for family visits. Poor lighting and road conditions prevail, so extra caution must be exercised at all times, especially when driving at night.

The Desert Highway outside Aqaba, as well as the Dead Sea Highway from Amman, both popular tourist destinations, are particularly dangerous because they are narrow, winding, steep, and crowded with trucks. If possible, you should try to avoid using these roads at night. When driving in both urban and rural areas, motorists should be aware of both unmarked speed bumps and livestock, including camels, sheep, and goats. Collisions between livestock and automobiles are common.

As a result of all these factors, traffic accidents are frequent and continue to be the largest cause of injury and death in Jordan. Drivers and passengers are required to wear seatbelts, and all cars must have a fire extinguisher and warning triangle in the vehicle. Child car seats are not required by law. Violators of speed limits may be assessed fines up to 140 USD. Police routinely pull over reckless drivers, as well as those believed to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Although the practice is common, talking on a cell phone while driving is prohibited. If stopped by police, drivers may face a fine.

Licensed drivers must carry local third-party insurance with sufficient coverage for accidents resulting in injury or death. Drivers who are involved in an accident should remain at the scene and immediately call the police and emergency personnel in case injuries have occurred. Police frequently hold the driver’s license or passport in order to prevent the driver from fleeing. Identification documents can be recovered at the police station. It is common for drivers to blame a U.S. citizen driver for accidents, regardless of the actual circumstances of the incident. Following an accident, the other party may file criminal or civil charges to seek damages. U.S. citizen drivers have occasionally been detained by police as a result. The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizen drivers in a traffic accident retain private legal counsel.

Jordan has abundant taxi services. Please see the Crime section for more information on sexual harassment and assault involving taxi drivers, as well as safety tips when using public or private transportation. Visitors should make arrangements for taxis via their hotel and request that drivers not pick up additional passengers en route to their destinations. We do not recommend other forms of public transportation. Jordanian security authorities often establish checkpoints, especially on roads leading to popular tourist destinations, where drivers are expected to stop and present their identity documents. All drivers should stop when directed to do so and comply with the instructions provided to them by the authorities.

Emergencies should be referred to the Civil Defense Department at telephone number 199. Visit the website of Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. For information on driving regulations, please contact the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at 3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008, by telephone at (202) 966-2664.

Please additionally refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Jordan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Jordan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

The threat of terrorism remains high in Jordan. Transnational and indigenous terrorist groups have demonstrated the capability to plan and implement attacks in Jordan. The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. In October 2012 the Jordanian government foiled a terrorist plot, arresting a number of al-Qa’ida operatives targeting public areas and the U.S. Embassy in Amman. The U.S. Embassy in Amman and other embassies across the region were closed for 10 days in August 2013 in response to threats. Travelers to Jordan should be aware that violent extremist groups have carried out terrorist activities against U.S. and Government of Jordan (GOJ) targets in Jordan. Violent extremist groups in Syria and Iraq, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Jabhat al-Nusra continue to pose a threat. The potential for terrorist activity was heightened as Jordan took an active role in the coalition against ISIL. Since September 2014, authorities have increased presence and vigilance at public areas and tourist spots, as well as through road checkpoints.

Criminal activity can also prompt a heightened security posture in Jordan. Travel to the city of Ma’an and along the main national highway that runs through the city has been off-limits to U.S. government personnel for much of 2013 and 2014 due to criminal activity and associated civil unrest. In May 2014, U.S. government contractors were chased by armed criminals on Highway 10 running east toward Iraq. Much of that highway, as well as the border area with Iraq, has been placed off-limits to Embassy personnel.

Terrorists often do not distinguish between U.S. government personnel and private U.S. citizens. Terrorists may target areas frequented by Westerners, such as tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, liquor stores, shopping malls, transportation hubs, places of worship, expatriate residential areas, and schools. In light of these security concerns, U.S. citizens should maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of their surroundings, and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. It is especially important for travelers to be unpredictable in their movements by varying their times and routes and maintaining a low profile. Moreover, U.S. citizens should avoid contact with any suspicious or unfamiliar objects and immediately report the presence of such objects to local authorities. U.S. government personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions.

Demonstrations are common. Some, especially smaller ones, have turned violent, leading security officials to intercede. Because demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence, travelers should avoid all protests and large gatherings of people. Many demonstrations occur on Fridays near mosques following noon prayers. Consequently, you should exercise special sensitivity and caution when visiting or traveling near mosques and religious sites during holy days and Fridays. Demonstrations and other forms of unrest have occurred on public university campuses in Jordan. Some acts of violence on university campuses have involved the use of firearms. Anti-U.S. demonstrations have also taken place in front of the U.S. Embassy. Tribal violence in Jordan remains a concern. Clashes between feuding clans or families periodically erupt without notice and sometimes involve an escalation in violence, including the use of firearms. In some cases, Jordanian security services are slow to respond or may opt to let the violence subside before intervening.

U.S. citizens should avoid the border areas with Syria and Iraq. Police and security officials have arrested weapons and drug smugglers, as well as foreign fighters attempting to enter Syria to fight in the country’s ongoing civil war. Fighting can occur close to the Syrian border, and some munitions have landed within Jordan’s borders. The Department of State advises against travel into Syria and Iraq. Please see the Travel Warnings and Country Specific Information for Syria and Iraq for further information.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Jordan on Twitter, on Facebook and visit the Embassy’s website.
• Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Statistically, petty crime is the most common form that U.S. citizens and other Western nationals experience in Jordan, especially at tourist sites and in crowded areas. Pickpockets, purse snatchers, and opportunistic thieves are known to target foreigners in the narrow and crowded streets of the older parts of Amman’s city center. Travelers should be more guarded in these areas and in all tourist locations in Jordan to lessen the likelihood of becoming a victim of petty thefts. Jordanian police have warned the public to exercise vigilance when leaving banks or ATMs, as thieves have reportedly preyed upon persons soon after using these services.

Women from Western countries visiting and residing in Jordan have reported incidents of sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, and assault. The Embassy continues to receive sporadic reports regarding incidents of sexual assaults involving taxis and taxi drivers. Many of the incidents have involved verbal sexual harassment, staring, or following the victim, but some have included physical assaults. To decrease the likelihood of being victimized, foreign women should take precautions such as avoiding travel to unfamiliar areas at night, not traveling alone, not riding in the front seat of a taxi, and dressing modestly when in public. We also recommend carrying a cellular telephone at all times. Immediately report such incidents to the Family Protection Department, which is part of the national police.

Violent crime is increasing, but U.S. citizens or other Westerners are rarely targeted. In the past, the Embassy has received reports of firearms being discharged at vehicles being driven by Westerners. Celebratory gunfire is common, especially during major festivals, sporting events, or the biannual release of high school test scores. Thefts of vehicles, assaults, robbery, and attempted residential break-ins have also been reported. Take care not to display valuables in your car or on your person, and be sure to lock car doors and windows.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods. Not only are the pirated copies illegal in the United States, if you purchase them, you will also be breaking local law. Most DVDs, CDs, and software available for sale in Jordan are pirated.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport;
• For violent crimes such as assault or rape, help you find appropriate medical care;
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities and contact family members or friends;
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and can direct you to local attorneys, although the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime;

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Jordan is 191. In some areas of Amman, however, you may dial 911 for emergencies.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.