Is Jordan Safe to Visit?

Jordan is a country full of stunning ancient sites, sweeping desert vistas, and laid-back seaside resorts. It’s also home to the famed archaeological site of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Wonders of the World.

Compared to many of its neighbors in the Middle East, Jordan is an exceptionally safe country to visit. It even ranks above France on the Global Peace Index, a country that people clamor to visit without a second thought towards safety.

When I was in Jordan, I never encountered any safety issues. Instead, I found everyone to be curious, welcoming, and hospitable, and a number of solo female travelers I know have experienced the same thing.

More and more travelers are starting to discover the wonders of Jordan, and tourism has been increasing exponentially. To aid Jordan’s appeal as a destination, the Jordanian government puts a lot of effort and money into making visitors feel safe through high-profile security and police presence in tourist regions and in hotels. And crime, which is already quite low, has been steadily decreasing in recent years.

In short, while people may have some trepidation about the Middle East, Jordan is one of the safest places to visit in the region.

So, what do you need to think about before you head to Jordan? And are there any parts you should avoid? Any things you need to be cautious of?

In this post, I’ll highlight the safety information you need to know so you can enjoy every moment of your trip. If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be safe and sound while exploring this vibrant country!

 

7 Safety Tips for Jordan

1. Be aware of your belongings – Thanks to an increased police presence in Jordan, even petty crime is rare. However, it’s always sensible to stay aware of your belongings. There have been reports of pickpockets and purse snatchers in some of the more crowded parts of Amman’s old town center and at major tourist sites. Keep your valuables out of reach just to be safe. Carry some cash and one credit card, but leave your main wallet secured in your accommodation.

2. Avoid the borders with Syria and Iraq – It’s common knowledge that Syria and Iraq are unsafe places to visit at the moment, and this extends to their frontiers with Jordan. None of the main tourist attractions are near these borders, so it makes sense just to keep clear.

3. Stay away from public protests – The regular public demonstrations in Jordan are generally peaceful, but just the same, avoid big gatherings like this if you can help it. You never know what will happen.

In the capital, Amman, there are often demonstrations on Thursday evenings or after Friday midday prayers, near the office of the prime minister. They also tend to occur when major economic issues are being debated or on significant anniversaries. Keep an eye on the local media so you’re able to avoid accidentally being caught up in any local protests.

4. Be aware of your safety in taxi rides – There have been a few reports from female travelers regarding harassment from taxi drivers. The best way to avoid this is to sit in the back and remain alert. These are very isolated incidents; generally speaking, taxi drivers in Jordan are really helpful. When in doubt, avoid traveling alone if possible.

5. Check conditions before traveling on the Desert Highway – Highway 15, which runs north to south through Jordan, is one of the main routes between Amman and other centers, like Aqaba. There have been occasions when the highway is closed because of unrest in Ma’an in the south, and other parts are blocked from time to time. Check the local news for any closures and always follow police instructions.

6. Stay alert on or near roads – The roads in Jordan can be chaotic and a bit more hectic than what you may be used to (especially in Amman). Traffic laws seem to be treated more like suggestions, and it’s not surprising that traffic accidents are the third-leading cause of death in Jordan. So you’ll want to stay on your toes whether you’re driving or as a pedestrian. Be cautious when crossing the streets, look both ways, and stay alert when walking around town.

7. Buy travel insurance – Whenever and wherever you travel, you should always have an appropriate level of travel insurance, since you never know when something can go wrong. Buy travel insurance when you book your trip to help you out of an emergency or to compensate you for theft or injury. I never leave home without it. You shouldn’t either.

I recommend SafetyWing for travelers under 70, while Insure My Trip is the best choice for travelers over 70.

You can use this widget to get a quote for SafetyWing:

For more information on travel insurance, check out these posts:

• What Does Travel Insurance ACTUALLY Cover?
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance

 

Is the Tap Water Safe to Drink in Jordan?

While it may technically be safe, most locals will tell you not to drink the tap water because it has a strange taste (due to the pipes). Many hotels have water purifiers as well to ensure you get clean drinking water. If you’re in doubt about your water’s cleanliness, boil it for a minute first.

I suggest you bring a LifeStraw, a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter that ensures your water is always clean and safe. You’ll also avoid single-use plastic, which is especially important in Jordan as there are no comprehensive recycling programs in the country (so most plastic ends up in landfills).
 

Are There any Scams in Jordan?

Like most countries, there are a few scams you’ll want to be aware of when visiting. The most common scams involve taxi drivers overcharging you or taking you on a longer route, shop owners telling you that handicrafts are made locally when they are not, and shop owners selling “antiques” that are just cheap replicas.

Most of the scams are simply trying to rip you off so you needn’t worry too much about your safety. Just keep your wits about you and you’ll be able to avoid these common petty scams.

For more information, check out this post on common travel scams.
 

Is It Safe to Visit Jordan Solo?

Like anywhere, there are a few extra precautions you should take when you travel solo, but Jordan is definitely a great destination nonetheless. Jordanian people are really friendly and welcoming, and you’ll make lots of local friends.

Just keep your valuables secure when you go out, avoid walking around alone at night, and avoid isolated areas where you stand out. In short, the more you can blend in the easier time you’ll have.

 

Is Jordan Safe to Visit for Solo Female Travelers?

Solo female travelers should take standard precautions here in addition to being mindful of the clothing they wear. Of course, you’ll want to ensure you are properly covered when entering religious sites but you may also want to cover up when out exploring the country at large as well.

Unwanted attention can be kept at bay by dressing like the locals and covering your exposed skin. Long pants and long-sleeve shirts will go a long way in helping you look less like a tourist while also preventing unwanted attention.

Here are a few helpful posts on safety written by our solo female travel experts:

• How to Stay Safe as a Solo Female Traveler
• 8 Myths About Solo Female Travel Debunked
• 10 Common Questions About Solo Female Travel

 

Should I Worry About a Terrorist Attack in Jordan?

Government warnings for travelers to Jordan do mention the possibility of terrorist attacks, in light of some incidents in the past, especially one at Karak Castle in 2016, when a Canadian tourist was killed. There have also been several extremist terrorist plots disrupted by the Jordanian authorities. So, the threat exists, but the government is usually good at monitoring and dealing with it.

The riskiest areas in this respect are along the border with Syria, which should be avoided anyway.

Overall, the terrorist attack warnings are at the same level as many countries in Europe that you would probably visit without considering this at all.
 

Are Taxis Safe in Jordan?

Taxis are a common way to get around in Jordan, and taxi drivers in general are very helpful. Always make sure that the driver turns on their meter before starting the ride (it’s the law here), and if they don’t, get out and find another cab. And, like anywhere, keep your wits about you and remain alert about where you’re going.

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Despite some of its neighbors being countries I don’t recommend visiting at the moment (such as Iraq and Syria), Jordan itself is very welcoming to tourists. The government, which is keen to have more foreign visitors, has taken many precautions to ensure your safety.

The friendly locals — combined with incredible ancient architecture, stunning desert settings, and the uniqueness of visiting the Dead Sea, among other sites — will make sure you have a thoroughly enjoyable trip to Jordan.