Jordan
UK Foreign Office travel advice · 22 July 2026
Current safety guidance for Jordan from UK Foreign Office travel advice. We cover 1 city in Jordan, with reported scams for each.
Source: Jordan travel advice — UK Foreign Office travel advice
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Cash machines are only widely available in Amman and other major towns and cities. Most places accept card payments.
This guide also has safety advice for regions of Jordan.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
In the context of regional escalation, Iran-aligned militia groups have threatened to target US interests across the region, have claimed attacks in Jordan and are likely to continue to carry out these attacks in Jordan.
As was the case before the recent regional escalation, terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Jordan, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Examples of significant attacks include:
in 2025, 2 people and the assailant were killed in a knife attack at the King Hussein/Allenby bridge
in 2024, there were 3 separate attacks on the border crossings, where 3 Israeli border personnel were killed
The political situation in Jordan is stable but sometimes there are protests in Amman and other cities. You should stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities.
On 23 June 2026, large crowds gathered to watch Jordan’s national team play in the 2026 World Cup. One person died and eight were injured in downtown Amman at a public screening of the match.
You should:
stay aware of your surroundings and consider avoiding crowds, crowd control measures may be limited
follow the advice of local authorities
monitor local media
Crime levels are generally low, but there is a risk of pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft from cars. Stay alert and keep your money, passport and valuables secure.
Street begging can be aggressive, particularly in areas frequented by foreigners. Do not engage with beggars.
There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.
Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
Take care when walking or travelling alone. Maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the UK. See advice for women travelling abroad.
You should not accept lifts from strangers. If you must use a taxi , you should:
Jordan is a predominantly Islamic country. Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions so you do not cause offence.
The police carry out random security checks. Keep ID (passport or driving licence) with you to show at checkpoints.
It’s illegal to drink alcohol on the street, but you can drink in bars, clubs, hotels and private homes.
It is illegal to possess, use or traffic drugs. If convicted, you can get a lengthy prison sentence and heavy fine.
Same-sex sexual relations are not illegal, but same-sex couples showing affection in public may cause offence. You could be arrested under other Jordanian laws. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
It is socially unacceptable for unmarried foreign couples to live together. Some landlords may ask if you are married or request a marriage certificate.
It is illegal to encourage someone to convert to Christianity. You could face a prison sentence or a fine.
The Petra Archaeological Park has strict visitor opening and closing hours. You risk arrest and prosecution if you are in the park outside of these hours. Tourists have been locked in Petra overnight.
Ask the tourist office staff if you’re unclear about ticket prices and before agreeing to additional charges.
For all activities, bring appropriate clothing and enough food and water for extreme temperatures.
The quality of tour operators providing outdoor activities varies. A list of all tour operators is available on the Visit Jordan website. Research tour operators and choose one with suitable safety mitigations and insurance in place.
There are around 80 wadis (valleys) in Jordan. During the rainy season from November to March there’s a risk of flash floods. Before travelling to a wadi, you should:
If you’re caught in a flash flood, you should:
Safety standards of diving operators in Aqaba can vary. You should:
If you are planning to drive in Jordan, see information on driving abroad.
You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Driving standards differ from those in the UK. Stray animals, broken-down vehicles and unmarked roadworks are common. There have been fatal accidents on the Desert Highway. Drive with care at night and avoid unlit roads.
If you have an accident, do not leave the scene before the police arrive and take a statement. Call 911 to contact police.
The speed limit varies from 40kph in some urban areas to 120kph on some highways. You should follow speed restrictions carefully. The police issue 15 to 150 Jordanian dinar on-the-spot fines.
It is illegal to drive or ride in a front seat without a seatbelt or use a mobile phone while driving. You could get a fine. All cars must carry a fire extinguisher and warning triangle.
Heavy snow can trap vehicles and block mountain roads, including around Petra. Take care and follow local restrictions.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
In the rainy season from November to March, the Jordanian government sometimes issues flood alerts, particularly along the Jordan Valley. Flood alerts can cause diversions and road closures, affecting drivers and hikers. There is a risk of flash flooding. Be alert to advisories and co-operate with the authorities.
This section has safety advice for regions of Jordan. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
Following regional hostilities with Iran and in Israel, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza, the security situation could change suddenly.
If you hear sirens, remain indoors and stay away from windows to ensure protection from any possible missile/drone fragments. If there are any injuries or damages, call 911 immediately.
On 19 July, missiles were intercepted in the vicinity of Aqaba international airport and seaport. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Aqaba international airport and seaport.
The roads within Jordan and land border crossings between Jordan and Israel and the West Bank can close at no notice.
See Israel travel advice and Palestine travel advice and check with the Jordanian authorities before crossing.
Take care near borders and if you’re crossing into a neighbouring country. Jordanian army and police units patrol the borders with Syria and Iraq and check traffic.
There may be landmines near borders and military installations. Minefields are usually fenced off and marked, but fences and signs may be in a poor state of repair.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria. The situation in southern Syria is fragile and instability or terrorist activity could start with little or no notice. There are also reports of violent confrontations between smugglers and the Jordan Armed Forces.
The Jaber land border crossing from Jordan into Syria has reopened. Jordanian nationals may use the crossing to return to Jordan from Syria, and Syrian citizens holding a valid Syrian passport or travel document from the Syrian Embassy in Amman may use the crossing to return to Syria. There may be a heavier than usual military presence along the border.
FCDO advises against all travel to the provinces in Iraq bordering Jordan. See Iraq travel advice.
Due to the conflict in Israel and Palestine, there have been instances of protests near the border on Fridays. Be particularly cautious in areas close to the border.
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