Jordan Travel Advice

• There have been many cases of the H1N1 virus also known as the Swine Flu in Jordan. The World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The Jordanian authorities have taken defensive measures by creating a hotline for information about H1N1 (Swine Flu) which you can contact at +962 79 903 6023. All Jordanian airports are now equipped with thermal scanning cameras to gauge the temperatures of people entering the country. Any passenger with a temperature of over 38 degrees celcius or who exhibits influenza symptoms will be referred for further diagnosis, and if confirmed to have H1N1 (Swine Flu), will be quarantined. Also anyone who has come in contact with an infected person may be kept under medical observation.

• There have been confirmed outbreaks of the Avian Flu (Bird Flu) in Jordan. You should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you can come in contact with domesticated caged birds. Be sure that poultry and egg dishes are throughly cooked.

• There is a constant threat of terrorism in Jordan. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers.

• There have been numerous successful and attempted terrorist attacks in Jordan such as; Suicide bombers, shootings, and assaults. Jordan has continued to stay at a high state of alert since 2001.

• Developments in the region may trigger public unrest. You should take care to avoid demonstrations, which can turn hostile, and be particularly vigilant in public places.

• While crime is typically low in Jordan, women, should be careful to avoid situations where they might become victims of sexual assaults. Do not accept lifts from strangers. If you have to use a taxi and are resident in Jordan, try to use a regular driver whom you trust and keep his telephone number with you at all times. In the case of short-term visitors to Amman, your hotel should be able to introduce you to a reliable driver.

• Most other crime is limited to pick pocketing and occasional bag snatching. To avoid becoming a victim, stay alert and keep your money and valuables secure.

• Due to the treat of terrorism and unrest in the Middle East, Jordan's land borders are prone to periodic closure. Please contact your embassy for up to date information.

• You should take extra care at the borders with Israel and Iraq. You should take particular care when using Jordanian service taxis to cross into neighbouring countries. However, be aware that foreign nationals may be refused entry into Iraq , and the land crossing into Israel may take a number of hours due to strict customs laws (you are advised not to use Jordanian taxi services when crossing the border).

• You need a valid passport to enter Jordan and you should have at least 6 months before it expires.

• Potable water remains an acute issue, we recommend that you not drink the local water nor have ice in your drinks; buy bottled water and make sure the seal hasn't been broken. Make sure to drink plenty of bottled water in Jordan to avoid dehydration.

• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.