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Jordan travel: Is it safe to travel right now, and what are your rights if you have a trip booked?

The middle eastern country shares its northern border with israel and syria, article bookmarked.

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Since the start of the Israel-Gaza war and amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea, concerns over the safety of travel to Israel and countries in the surrounding region have risen.

Although the FCDO considers most of Jordan generally safe to travel to – bar the area up to 3km from its northern border with Syria – travel guidance has been updated to reflect ongoing events.

As conflict in the Middle East spills into the Red Sea , cruise itineraries could be disrupted beyond the existing restrictions due to conflict in neighbouring  Israel  and Gaza .

Jordan, a popular winter sun destination for tourists, shares its northern border with both Israel and Syria, and travellers with trips booked may be questioning the wisdom of holidaying there.

Here’s the latest travel advice for  Jordan , plus all the key questions and answers.

What is happening in the Red Sea?

Houthi rebels, a Yemen-based group backed by Iran, have been fighting a civil war since 2014 against Yemen’s government. Since 19 November the group have launched 27 assaults on commercial vessels and warships in the Red Sea – claimed to be targeted action against all ships bound for Israel in support of the Palestinian people.

On 11 January, the US and UK militaries mobilised  missile strikes  against the militant group’s sites in Yemen in a naval coalition to protect shipping, and further attacks have followed.

Aqaba, Jordan’s only seaport, sits on the Gulf of Aqaba at the tip of the Red Sea. Cruise holidays due to dock in Jordan will likely be diverted due to the unfolding Red Sea crisis.

What does the Foreign Office say?

The most recent Foreign Office (FCDO) advice updated on 12 January said: “Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea.

“While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that Travel Advice for nearby countries could change at short notice.”

On 10 October, the FCDO  strengthened its stance  on travel to Jordan to warn that crossings from Jordan to Israel may be closed at short notice as a result of the conflict and state of emergency in southern Israel close to the border with Gaza.

Large political demonstrations and protests in response to the situation in Israel, often near the Israeli and US embassies, should also be avoided by tourists in Amman.

The FCDO has long advised “against all but essential travel to within 3km of Jordan’s border with Syria”.

Its guidance states that the situation in Syria is “fragile” and “security threats in the form of instability or terrorist activity could arise with little or no notice”, advising against all travel to the country.

Travellers are also warned to “take particular care at all border areas and if crossing into any neighbouring country” and “remain vigilant” to terrorism threats at all times.

What do the Jordan authorities say?

The Jordan Tourism Board said in a statement: “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. We want to reassure everyone that Jordan’s borders are open to tourists, and we are eager to share our extraordinary experiences with the world.

“We understand that tensions around the world can raise concerns, but we believe in the power of travel to foster understanding and build bridges between nations.

“As always, the Jordan Tourism Board is here to assist and support tourists in making the most of their visit.”

Jordan’s deputy Prime Minister and minister of foreign affairs, Ayman Al-Safadi,  stressed  the need to “stop the dangerous escalation in Gaza and its surroundings” and highlighted the ongoing Jordanian effort to launch “immediate international action to stop the escalation, the necessity of protecting civilians and respecting international humanitarian laws”.

Al-Safadi  said  that the need to protect civilians, whose killings are “condemned by international laws”, fuelled Jordanian efforts to stop the escalation and end the war on Gaza, in order to “avoid their repercussions on the entire region”.

Are Jordan flights continuing?

Flights are operating to and from Jordan, although forced cancellations to Aqaba Airport are active until 31 January from Wizz Air and Ryanair due to “operational restrictions beyond their control”.

The main airlines that fly from the UK to Jordan include British Airways, easyJet, Tui and Wizz Air out of London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London Luton. From 6 March, Royal Jordanian will depart London Stansted and Manchester for Amman.

Currently, Queen Alia International Airport, south of Amman remains operational – as does King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordan’s southernmost point.

In 2021, Jordan and Israel reached a historic agreement to open up the Jordan-Israel air corridor and allow flights that previously flew around Israel to cross over into each country’s airspace, cutting flight times from the West.

An international aviation group, OpsGroup  warns : “Lessons learned regarding civil operations in conflict zones over the last nine years since MH17 need to be applied. The risk of a passenger aircraft becoming a casualty of this war is high.”

What if I have booked a package holiday to Jordan?

Travellers who have booked package holidays to Jordan’s “no go” zone as advised by the FCDO can cancel without penalty for a full refund, although the main tourist spots are a fair distance from here anyway.

Outside of the 3km radius between Jordan’s northern border and Syria, the conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone. There is no obligation for companies to refund you if you want to cancel and you will not be able to claim on travel insurance due to safety concerns unless FCDO advice changes.

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Is it safe to travel to Jordan now? Latest Foreign Office advice after Israel declares state of emergency

The escalating situation between israel and hamas has led to travel fears around neighbouring countries.

Seventeen British nationals, including children, are dead or missing in Israel after attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Palestinian health officials have said 1,200 people have died in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip , while the death toll from the Hamas attack launched at the weekend is also 1,200, Israeli officials say.

Rishi Sunak said the UK Government was ready to support any British citizens in need of help, telling broadcasters: “I know there will be families who are anxious about their loved-ones in the region.

“I want to reassure them we’re doing everything we can, working very closely with the Israeli authorities to establish what is happening on the ground, provide support to people where it’s needed.

“I’d urge anyone there to contact the Foreign Office so that they have their details, follow the advice locally from the Israelis but also from the Foreign Office, and we stand ready to support everyone as best we can.”

The escalating situation between Israel and Palestine has led to fears over travelling to and around neighbouring countries. Here is the latest advice for Jordan, and what its regime has said about the conflict.

Is it safe to travel to Jordan?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is not currently advising against travel to Jordan relating to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

BBC rejects claim it breached guidelines 1,500 times with Gaza coverage

However, it advises against all but essential travel to within three miles of Jordan’s border with Syria .

The FCDO said around 25,967 British nationals visited Jordan in 2021, and that most visits are trouble-free.

However, it adds: “Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Jordan. There have been a number of incidents since 2016, some serious.

“Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners, particularly hotels, shopping malls and tourist sites. You should take extra care, and in the event of an incident, follow the advice of the Jordanian authorities.”

Jordan’s King Abdullah said on Sunday that there was a need to intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent escalating Israel-Palestinian violence with “dangerous repercussions” for the region’s security.

He added that contacts with regional and international parties were underway to discuss “urgent international action to avoid an escalation and prevent the region from the consequences of a new round of violence”.

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

The FCDO is advising against “all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories”, and against all travel to the following locations:

• The Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar;
• Within 500m of the border with Lebanon (the “Blue Line”) east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town;
• Within 500m of the border with Syria (the “Alpha Line”);
• The area close to the border with Gaza that includes: south-west of Ashkelon, and south of route 35 and west of route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be’er Sheva.

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country, meaning international borders could close at short notice.

Anyone currently in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories is advised to register their presence with the FCDO here . It can then share important updates with you, including information to support you to leave the country.

Despite the warnings, the UK is not currently planning to follow other European nations in evacuating citizens from Israel.

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What to Do If You Have Upcoming Travel to Egypt, Jordan, or Lebanon

This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.

In recent weeks, the war between Israel and Hamas has seeped further into surrounding areas of the Middle East. Violence has reached the southern stretch of the Red Sea, where Houthi rebels have attacked cargo ships off the coast of Yemen, and the US has responded with its own airstrikes. On Israel’s border , clashes between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon continue to intensify.

While it's a no-brainer to reconfigure plans located in the immediate conflict zone, many travelers with upcoming trips to the surrounding region are wondering what to do. Is it safe, or responsible, to embark on a Nile cruise in Egypt at the moment? Or to continue on with a visit to Petra, in Jordan? The questions have become only murkier as the conflict expands.

Following a regional security alert issued by the State Department in October that advises US citizens throughout the Middle East to “take caution,” some travelers have responded by canceling trips, while others have pressed on with plans under the guidance of travel providers.

One luxury tour group, Red Savannah says that all travel they have arranged for clients in Egypt and Jordan is continuing as normal. “While we are holding off selling Lebanon, we believe that Egypt and Jordan continue to be safe destinations to visit,” says George Morgan-Grenville, CEO of Red Savannah. “Feedback from clients who traveled over Christmas was incredibly positive.”

According to data from the travel booking company Hopper, Jordan is currently seeing increased demand from US travelers compared to January of last year. US travel demand to Lebanon has dropped relative to other countries in the region, while bookings for Egypt have remained flat, Hopper tells Condé Nast Traveler.

For many, there's an emotional calculation to make when planning travel to countries in close proximity to conflict zones. “Every person has their own unique risk threshold,” says Dave Dennis, executive director of Cornerstone Safety Group, a risk management organization that supports travel companies. “An acceptable risk for one person can be very different from another.”

We asked safety and industry experts to share advice for travelers considering trips to Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and the Red Sea in the near future. Here's what travelers should know—from what's happening on the ground, to government advisories, to which choices other travelers are making.

Jump ahead:

Should you travel to Jordan right now?

Should you travel to egypt right now, should you travel to lebanon right now.

• Should you take a Red Sea cruise right now?
• Additional tips

The US State Department has kept Jordan under a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” travel alert that it first issued on July 13. The only regions that travelers are instructed to avoid are the country’s borders with Syria and Iraq, its refugee camps, and Zarqa, Rusayfah, and the Baqa’a neighborhood of Ayn Basha due to ongoing safety concerns, according to the department’s guidance.

“Jordan, being further from regional unrest, remains at a Level 2 advisory, which is a common category for many regions globally,” says Dennis. As such, most tours throughout Jordan continue to operate as scheduled, and visitors can visit highlights like the Dead Sea , the Wadi Rum desert, Petra, and the capital city of Amman.

The Jordanian Tourism Board told the Times of London in January that the country remains safe for international travel: “In light of the recent developments in Gaza, we want to emphasize that Jordan continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for tourists from around the world,” the agency said in the statement. “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.”

Egypt's alert level from the State Department hasn’t changed since July 13, and remains at a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel.” Tourists should continue to avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula, the land bordering Israel and Gaza and to the east of Cairo, as it is a “particularly dangerous area,” according to the department.

In a December 20 security reminder , the US Embassy in Cairo advised US travelers in Egypt to maintain situational awareness and personal security vigilance, exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests, and to keep a low profile.

Many group tours, like Red Savannah's, which visit sites like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Valley of the Kings , and Karnak Temple in Luxor, are continuing as normal. But even as many trips forge ahead, some operators are seeing significant cancellations. One firm in Egypt, Amisol Travel, has seen just 40 to 50% of its typical bookings from February and September 2024, according to the New York Times .

Nile River cruises are also continuing to operate as planned. The only changes at this time are cancellations of post-cruise land packages through Israel—most lines have removed these add-on tours for the near future.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation in Israel and Gaza and have canceled a select number of Jerusalem extensions for our Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary,” says a January 11 statement on Viking’s website. “All of our departures in Egypt are operating as scheduled. Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our guests, crew and partners on the ground."

In recent months, AmaWaterways has been making similar cancellations ​​of extended land tours through Israel. “Guests with the post-cruise Israel package scheduled to depart on Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary starting in Cairo up to and including June 21, 2024 will be refunded for the Israel land portion as well as the Cairo to Tel Aviv airfare,” the line said in an emailed statement. “There are no other changes to any other Egypt river cruise or associated land packages.”

Despite most Nile itineraries continuing as planned, lines are seeing an uptick in cancellations from passengers. "The impact has been pretty severe, quite honestly, for the first quarter of 2024," Pamela Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, told Travel Weekly in early December. "Close to half of our guests canceled for the first quarter of 2024. The rest of the year has not seen as much impact."

As of October 17, the US State Department has had a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning for Lebanon. The advisory was last updated on December 19 and recommends US citizens do not travel to the country “due to crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping, and Embassy Beirut’s limited capacity to provide support to US citizens."

The advisory "speaks to inherent dangers of the region and the lack of immediate emergency services if a traveler was in need of assistance from government agencies,” says Dennis.

Clashes between the Israeli military and the Hezbollah militants in Lebanon have continued at the countries’ borders for months. Now, it's appearing more likely that serious conflict could spread even farther into Lebanon. The head of Israel’s military, Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi, said on January 17 that the IDF is increasing readiness for “fighting in Lebanon,” CNN reported .

“The State Department recommends that US citizens in Lebanon leave now, while commercial flights remain available, due to the unpredictable security situation,” says a security alert from the US Embassy in Beirut issued on November 4. (At the time of publication, no new security alerts have been issued from the Embassy in Beirut since).

What's happening with cruises in the Red Sea?

Some cruise lines have begun canceling or changing itineraries that were set to transit through the Red Sea, due to the heightening conflicts there. According to Seatrade Cruise News , MSC has canceled three sailings that had stops through the Red Sea and Middle East: a March 30 voyage on MSC Virtuosa sailing from Dubai to Southampton, England; an April 3 sailing on MSC Splendida from Cape Town to Genoa, Italy; and an April 21 sailing on MSC Opera from Dubai to Genoa.

Silversea has also canceled an upcoming voyage aboard Silver Moon from Dubai to Mumbai that was slated to depart on January 26. “Affected guests and their travel agents have been informed of the reprotection options,” Silversea told Traveler in an emailed statement. “The voyage between Mumbai and Singapore, scheduled between Feb 11 and Feb 29, is currently scheduled to proceed as planned. Our global security team continues to closely monitor the situation in the region and will make any additional changes if required.”

Additional tips for considering travel to the region

1. consider postponing instead of canceling.

The standard guidance in the travel industry, even in harrowing situations, is that postponing a trip is usually a better option than canceling, if you can swing it. That way, local workers and/or travel businesses don't completely lose out on travelers' support, particularly at a time of need. “We highly recommend postponing, or rebooking to another region, over canceling all together,” says Matt Berna, president The Americas for Intrepid Travel. "More than ever the world needs intrepid travelers. We want travelers to do and see incredible things, and for those experiences to have positive social and economic impacts on the host communities they visit.”

One benefit for travelers post-pandemic is that the majority of operators now offer flexible changes and postponements. “Since COVID-19, we have seen a trend towards rebooking flexibility in the travel industry,” says Christina Tunnah, general manager Americas for travel insurance provider World Nomads. “Many US-based airlines retained the credit and rebooking policies from the peak of COVID-19. If you booked with a tour provider, contact customer service to understand what kind of policies may apply in this type of situation.”

Some tour companies allow cancellations within a certain window or will give a voucher toward a future trip if you’d like to postpone. “Should a client feel uncomfortable about traveling, we will always do our best to offer a postponement,” says Morgan-Greenville of Red Savannah.

Jerry Sorkin , a travel specialist with Iconic Journeys Worldwide , says his company gives customers the option to reschedule and apply 100% of their funds toward a future tour to the same destination, up until 30 days before their trip. (Travelers who want to cancel their trip within 30 days of their departure will have to rely on travel insurance for refunds.) “If they did not take out travel insurance, they did so at their own risk and signed a document when booking with us that they had declined to take out travel insurance,” Sorkin says. These types of cancellation policies are standard throughout the industry, which makes understanding travel insurance policies all the more important.

2. Purchase travel insurance

“We always recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you invest in your flights, accommodations, and other travel costs,” says Tunnah. “All policies are different, so be sure the policy you select offers the coverage you are most concerned with, such as trip cancellation or trip interruption. And always be sure to read your policy details.” For instance, trip cancellations due to war, invasion, or hostilities between nations are generally excluded from travel insurance policies, but some may offer coverage for terrorist incidents that occur in your departure or destination city, according to Tunnah. (World Nomads’ travel insurance policies for US residents offer trip cancellation coverage in the event a terrorist incident occurs within 30 days of the scheduled departure date, for instance.)

3. Reference international sources during research and consider traveling with a local tour operator

If you decide to go ahead with your trip, there are still precautions to take, too, and ways to be as informed as possible. “I always advocate for travelers to research the areas visited, purchase travel insurance, and talk to insurance providers about coverage and emergency support options should a need arise,” says Dennis, the risk management expert. “Some travel insurance policies won't cover regions listed as a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) government rating, so it's important to verify exemptions prior to travel." Dennis also suggests traveling with a reputable, locally experienced operator: "These organizations typically have deep connections with the communities they visit and are responsible for making itinerary adjustments based on local circumstances.”

In your research, try to include international media sources for the most holistic picture of what’s happening in the area. “It's important to seek out information from multiple sources to find a balanced understanding of regional safety and security,” Dennis says. “This may include reviewing US, UK, Canadian, and even Australian State Department travel warnings, local embassy updates, and if available, gaining access to information from professional security organizations. Each resource may have slight variations of information depending on the audience they serve, so it's important to gather as many perspectives as possible for a balanced approach.”

4. Have an emergency plan

As a precaution, US tourists on international trips should always sign up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive important safety alerts from the US embassy in the country they are visiting. Enrolling is free, only takes a few minutes, and will help the embassy contact you in the event of an emergency.

It’s also a good idea to make sure loved ones at home have key information about your travels. “Personally speaking, when I travel internationally, I always leave a copy of my itinerary, passport, and travel insurance policy with my family,” Dennis says. “I also make a check-in plan, so they know when to expect a call, text, or email.”

More than anything, making these difficult travel decisions is about building up a sense of personal intuition for what feels safe and enjoyable.

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

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Is it safe to travel to jordan – latest guide 2024.

Table of Contents

Is it safe to travel to Jordan in 2024? If you’re planning to travel to Jordan, you have probably been watching the situation in Israel very closely. Conflicts like this do have the potential to escalate and spread, and you will probably have some questions and concerns. In this article, we are going to share advice, recommendations, travel tips, and also help you identify the best places to get up-to-date and reliable travel information.

This article is also going to focus on other aspects of safe travel in Jordan. We visited Jordan with three children. Although we found Jordan to be a safe and enjoyable experience, there were some risks which surprised us. In this article, we are going to share some of the more surprising risks to help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip.

It is important to recognize that any travel comes with inherent risks. We always recommend that you do your own research to evaluate the risks and make your own informed decisions before you travel. 

Don’t miss our detailed and step-by-step 7 day Jordan itinerary AND things to know before you go to Jordan

IN BRIEF: Is it safe to travel Jordan now?

Good news – YES it is safe to travel to Jordan now BUT there are some things you need to know. We don’t recommend travelling overland into Jordan at the moment. Watch out for last might cancellations on flights – Especially if you’re flying to Aqaba in the south. If you haven’t yet booked flights, make sure you purchase travel insurance that covered cancellations to flights due to conflict. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before you buy the policy to check they will cover cancellations to Jordan. Keep an eye on the news for developments in the region and keep checking in with your consulate for the latest advice.

Preparing for safe travel in Jordan

• Get a good travel insurance policy to cover all members of your group. 
• Make sure you have suitable clothing for the climate. 
• Check your vaccinations are up to date. Have a record of your vaccinations.
• Don’t forget to pack any medications you may need on your trip. 
• Take photos of your valuables (you may need this to make insurance claims)
• Consider how you will secure your valuables. 

If you’re visiting Petra you may also be interested in our FULL guide to Petra

How do you get the latest safe travel advice for Jordan?

At present, the UK FCO website recommends against all but essential travel to the northern region of Jordan within 3 km of the northern border of Jordan with Syria.

We will do our best to keep the information in this article accurate and up-to-date; however, for the most reliable and up-to-date information, we recommend keeping an eye on your consulate website for travel advice in Jordan. We have found the information on the UK FCO website to be very reliable, specific, and helpful.

It is very important that you never travel against the advice of your consulate. If they do put out a travel warning and you choose to go ahead with your trip, it is very likely that your insurance policy will not be valid. Therefore, we recommend that you always keep an eye on the recommendations and advice from your consulate and never travel against their advice.

If you do need to cancel your trip due to a changing situation, you may be entitled to coverage on your travel insurance policy. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to find out more.

The conflict in Israel & Travel in Jordan

Jordan is still deemed a safe country to travel (as of October 2023); however, we recommend keeping a close eye on the news and on your consulate website for the latest updates. Situations can change very quickly, and it is important to be equipped with the latest advice and information.

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could close at short notice. The border crossings into Jordan from Israel might be closed at short notice. There is also an increased risk of public protests and demonstrations in Jordan. This risk is particularly high in cities and populated areas and during the Friday prayer time. It is important to be vigilant and avoid any public demonstrations and protests.

Politically speaking, Jordan is allied with the Palestinians and supports the Palestinian cause; however, they have also developed peace treaties with Israel, and at present, they are not directly in conflict with Israel. At present, the fighting in Israel is localized to the Gaza Strip and some sections of Lebanon. Over the past few weeks, some areas of Israel have been hit by missiles.

Safety in Jordan – Summary

• The Jordan-Israel land borders may be closed at short notice.
• Thousands of people visit Jordan every month. 
• Most visits are trouble-free. 
• The political situation in Jordan is stable. 
• Protests and demonstrations sometimes occur, especially with the tensions in Israel. 
• The majority of protests in Jordan are peaceful, but they can become confrontational. 
• Avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations. 
• Terrorists may carry out attacks in Jordan. 
• There have been a number of serious incidents in the past decade.

1 Road Safety

One of the biggest safety challenges of traveling in Jordan is Road Safety. If you’re planning to travel around Jordan using a taxi, it is important to be aware of these risks. The highways around Jordan tend to be quite fast and crowded. In many cases, drivers don’t allow sufficient stopping distance. We also found that many cars and taxis do not have working seat belts in the rear of the vehicle. If this is a concern to you, we recommend speaking to your driver. In some cases, you may be able to pull seat belt buckles out of the rear seat. If you are not happy with the safety or maintenance of a vehicle, don’t get in; just find another taxi.

In Jordan, we found the drivers were generally friendly and agreed on fair prices; however, we did have one situation where a driver tried to increase the price after dropping us off. We had agreed on the prices and details very clearly, so we just confidently and firmly walked away. We didn’t have any more problems.

If you are getting a taxi in Jordan, it is very important to agree on all of the details before you go. This includes things like location, stopping times, and checking that the price includes everyone in your group. If your driver does try to charge more at the end of a journey, it is important to be firm and confident; don’t get drawn into a confrontation.

TOP TIP: If you are concerned about Road Safety in Jordan, we recommend using buses, which tend to be a little bit safer. Alternatively, you could consider car rental in Jordan, which starts at around 35 JOD per day (£35 or $40).

Another slightly unusual risk in Jordan is the animals. If you are visiting rural areas, then you’re likely to encounter animals. For example, in small towns, you may find feral dogs. In the towns, we recommend keeping a distance from animals. There is also a risk from animals in Petra, particularly the area in front of the treasury, which can get very crowded. There are many camels and horses; from time to time, horses gallop around this area. This can be quite risky if you are visiting with kids. We also saw some fairly wild and aggressive dogs in the area. These dogs seem to be more interested in fighting with each other. In fact, we suspect that the locals may train dogs to fight for entertainment and gambling. Again, we found this quite concerning when we visited this area with kids.

3 Health and Climate

The climate in Jordan does pose a legitimate risk. In the summer, it can get intensely hot, especially during the midday hours. The sun is very high in the sky, and it is an extremely dry heat. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are both risks. It is important to consider sun protection and stay in the shade as much as possible. We also recommend drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated if you are visiting Jordan in the summer.

We also recommend that you stay up to date with the latest health information and advice in Jordan. We have found the NaTHNaC Website to be a great source of reliable and up-to-date information. In fact, this is the website that professional travel clinics use.

If possible try to visit Jordan in the Spring or Autumn for the best conditions. Use a sun hat or umbrellas for shade if you are out and about in Jordan in the summer. 

4 Crime and Theft

In Jordan, there is a risk of petty crime and theft, particularly if you are visiting popular tourist destinations and crowded areas. We recommend being very vigilant and taking care of your valuables. If you are traveling by bus, we recommend keeping your valuables in a small bag and take the bag on the bus with you; don’t leave valuables in your larger bags underneath the bus.

Where possible, avoid bringing out more valuables than you need. One of the most effective ways of keeping our valuables safe has been to use a small dry sack inside our day bag to store valuables. This provides an extra layer of protection to deter thieves. This also protects valuables from the elements. We tend to keep a small amount of cash out and in hand so that we can buy things like drinks and bus tickets as we travel.

Is it safe to travel Jordan now? A few things to take away 

Travelling with a baby? Don’t miss our guide to Safe Travel in Jordan with a Baby

The quick answer is “yes”. But there are a few legitimate risk that you need to be aware of if you are planning to travel Jordan:  

• Safety when traveling to Jordan is a key concern due to the situation in neighboring Israel.
• Stay updated on travel advice from your consulate.
• Traveling against consulate advice can invalidate your insurance, so it’s crucial to heed their recommendations.
• Public protests can occur in Jordan, particularly in cities and during Friday prayer times.
• Consider road safety, including fast highways and inadequate seat belts.
• Be aware of Animal-related risks exist, especially in rural areas and near Petra.
• The climate in Jordan can be intensely hot in the summer, posing a risk of heat stroke and exhaustion.
• Petty crime and theft are concerns, and protecting your valuables is advised, especially while traveling by bus.

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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Foreign travel advice: Jordan

Tuesday, 17 March 2020 07:36

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