Risk level

Safety and security

Areas within 5 km of the borders with Syria and Iraq, with the exception of the tourist site Umm Qais

Clashes involving small arms and mortar fire have occurred in the areas bordering Syria and Iraq, due to the ongoing conflict in these countries. Borders with Syria and Iraq are highly militarized. Government security forces may engage vehicles and people coming into Jordan illegally.

Refugee camps

You must receive the Government of Jordan’s approval for travel to the Syrian refugee camps of Zaatari and Azraq. Some refugee camps are located close to urban centres and are not always visibly demarcated. You should exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid inadvertently entering a camp.

Terrorism

There’s a threat of terrorism. Transnational and domestic terrorist groups have demonstrated the capability to plan and implement attacks in Jordan. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Jordanian security forces have increased their operations across the country. This has resulted in the deaths of suspected terrorists, bystanders and local security officers. Further counterterrorism operations are expected throughout Jordan. Heightened security measures are in place.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including police stations
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

In Amman

Demonstrations have occurred in Amman at locations including:

• the Al Husseini Mosque, downtown;
• in front of Parliament in Abdali District;
• in front of the Prime Ministry at 4th circle on Zahran Street.

Outside of Amman

Other cities in Jordan where large demonstrations occur frequently include Irbid, Kerak, Ma’an, Madaba, Mafraq, Salt and Zarqa.

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Crime

Petty Crime

The crime rate is low by regional standards. Petty crime occurs, especially at tourist sites and in crowded areas. Theft of vehicles, assaults, robberies and attempted residential break-ins also occur.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Always carry a photocopy of identification documents for identification purposes
• Don’t display valuables in your car or on your person
• Lock car doors and windows
• Avoid travelling alone, especially in remote areas

Firearms

Incidents of celebratory gunfire, while illegal, are common and occasionally result in injury and death.

Tribal violence

Clashes between tribes, clans or families periodically erupt and sometimes involve the use of firearms. Response from authorities is often delayed or non-existent.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Sexual harassment and assaults have occurred.

Women have been detained when reporting a sexual assault. Women must prove that any sexual activity was not consensual to avoid being charged under extramarital sex statutes.

Women should:

• dress conservatively
• travel in groups
• travel during daylight hours
• sit in the back seat of taxis.

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Driving conditions may be hazardous during winter. Accidents are common but more frequent during Ramadan and Eid.

Some drivers don’t respect traffic laws. Drivers may be aggressive and drive very close to each other. It’s typical for drivers not to use signals to indicate turns or lane changes. Drivers often talk or text on mobile phones while driving, although this is illegal in Jordan.

Off-road driving can be hazardous, and you should only do it in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide.

• Avoid driving at night in rural areas, as roaming animals and insufficient lighting create hazards after dark
• Leave your travel itinerary with a family member or friend
• Be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food and a cellular phone

If you’re involved in an accident

Many drivers involved in an accident may avoid calling the police and try to negotiate a settlement instead. However, they may later try to file a claim against you.

In the event of an accident causing personal injury, the driver may be held for several days until responsibility and appropriate restitution is determined.

To avoid legal issues, call the police to attend the scene of the accident and assess responsibility.

Public transportation

Public transportation is usually very crowded. It can be uncomfortable.

Taxis

The cleanliness and mechanical reliability of taxis vary considerably. Book taxis through hotels.

Vehicles booked through ride-hailing applications are generally more reliable and in better condition than taxis in Jordan.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Jordanian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Jordan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa

Required, and valid for 30 days. You may obtain a visa upon arrival if you travel by air or enter Jordan at the following border crossings:

• Sheikh Hussein Bridge
• Wadi Araba (Aqaba)

You need to obtain a visa online or from a Jordanian diplomatic mission prior to travelling if you’re planning on entering Jordan at the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) border crossing.

You can extend the validity of a visitor visa at any police station.

If you overstay your visa, you’ll be fined when leaving the country.

Business visa

First, you need a tourism visa to enter. Then, you must obtain a residency permit from Jordan’s Ministry of Interior upon arrival.

Residency Permit

You must obtain a tourist visa to enter Jordan. Once in Jordan, you may apply for a residency permit from the Ministry of Interior.

Jordan only issues visas at:

• international airports
• the Sheikh Hussein Bridge border crossing
• the Wadi Araba (Aqaba) border crossing

Jordan doesn’t issue visas at the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) border crossing between Jordan and the West Bank.

Useful links

• Jordanian Pass - Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
• Ministry of Interior - Jordanian e-government site

Health entry requirements

You must take a medical exam to obtain a residency permit, including mandatory testing for tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis C.

Other entry requirements

Canadians who were previously in Jordan under a Refugee Status Determination process may be subject to different entry requirements and should contact the nearest Jordanian Embassy before travel. 

Foreign Representatives in Canada

Registration

Register with the police for stays of more than 2 weeks.

Travelling to neighbouring countries

If travelling from Jordan to neighbouring countries, ensure that you obtain your visas before departing Canada. These countries don’t normally issue visas at border crossings to individuals without a Jordanian residency permit.

Travelling to and from Israel

Consult our travel advice for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip for more information on entry requirements.

If you’re travelling beyond Jordan, note that other countries have denied Canadians entry because their passports bore a Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel. Such a stamp would indicate that the traveller had entered Jordan from Israel.

Travelling from Egypt

You’ll need to show your Egyptian entry and exit stamps to border officials when arriving from Egypt.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Customs

Upon departure, your luggage may be searched for security reasons and to prevent the illegal export of Jordanian and Iraqi antiquities.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Modern medical care is available in Amman but could be inadequate elsewhere. Procedures often require immediate cash payment.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive. You may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Jordan only offers government services in Arabic. Before submitting official documents to local governments, you must have them translated to Arabic.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Avoid romantic physical contact, including holding hands, in public.

Don't photograph people without their permission.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Jordan.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Jordan, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

Confirm your citizenship status with the Embassy of Jordan in Ottawa before your departure.

Useful links

• Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
• General information for travellers with dual citizenship

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Even possession or use of small amounts of illegal drugs is a criminal offence. If you're accused of a drug offence, you can be detained by authorities for up to 2 weeks without being charged. Convicted offenders can expect heavy jail sentences and fines.

Alcohol

Consumption of alcohol outside approved venues is illegal. It could result in your arrest, heavy fines or imprisonment. Public intoxication is a criminal offence, whether or not consumption occurred privately

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Illegal activities

Other illegal activities include:

• insulting King Abdullah II or other members of Jordan's royal family
• photographing government buildings and military installations
• all forms of religious proselytizing, including distribution of religious materials
• adultery
• extra-marital sexual relations
• prostitution
• possession of pornographic material

Driving

By law, all vehicles must carry a fire extinguisher and warning triangle.

Accidents

If a pedestrian is injured in an accident, authorities always deem the driver to be guilty. As the driver, you may face imprisonment and heavy fines.

Drinking and driving

If a police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver's licence on the spot. If you're convicted, you can expect heavy fines and possible imprisonment.

International driving permit

You should carry an international driving permit. You may only drive rental cars with a valid Canadian driver's licence or an international driving permit. To drive any other vehicle, you must hold a Jordanian driver's licence.

International Driving Permit

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Although the laws of Jordan don't prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, homosexuality is not socially tolerated. Jordan does not recognize same-sex marriages.

Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community could face arrest under other charges, such as anti-adultery or public indecency laws.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Jordan.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dress and behaviour

Jordan's customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Family law

Children

Before travelling to Jordan, and in case of a family dispute involving children, both parents should ensure they're fully aware of the implications of local laws on children's mobility, access and custody.

Any adult male may prevent his minor children from leaving Jordan by placing a hold on their travel with Jordanian authorities.

Immigration officials may prevent children travelling with their mothers from departing Jordan without the father's consent. This is possible even if the child or woman is solely a Canadian citizen. Jordanian authorities consider disputes surrounding travel holds as private family matters. The Embassy of Canada is limited in its ability to intervene. Only a court or the person who requested the travel hold may remove it.

Spouses

Under Jordanian law, a husband may place a travel hold on his wife, preventing her departure from Jordan. Adult male relatives (that is uncles, brothers, grandfathers) may also request that a court place a travel hold on unmarried adult female relatives.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Jordan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Jordan by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Jordan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Legal process

Jordan's legal process may be slow and cumbersome. Police may hold suspects and witnesses to incidents for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials.

Money

The currency in Jordan is the dinar (JOD). ATMs are available in larger cities and at the Queen Alia International Airport, but are limited elsewhere. Only U.S. dollars and euros are easily convertible into local currency.

Larger stores and restaurants in Amman and other tourist areas accept credit cards.

Natural disasters and climate

Jordan is located in an active seismic zone. Strong aftershocks may occur up to one week after the initial earthquake. Landslides are possible in certain areas. 

Droughts and sand and dust storms occur.

Snowfall is infrequent but can cause extensive road closures and disrupt public services.

Rainy season

The rainy season usually extends from November to March.

Heavy rain can result in flash floods in dry river beds and canyons (or “wadis”).
Flash floods and landslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Monitor local news and weather reports
• Stay away from the affected areas
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Weather forecast – Jordan Meteorological Department