Last Updated: 06 November 2000
Still Current at: 06 January 2001

MOST VISITS TO JORDAN ARE TROUBLE-FREE. HOWEVER THE SITUATION IN THE REGION REMAINS UNCERTAIN WITH UNPREDICTABLE EVENTS LIABLE TO LEAD TO A RAPID INCREASE IN TENSION.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The likelihood of violence against British citizens remains relatively low, although a British tourist was stabbed in downtown Amman on 31 October.

Following the clashes in the Palestinian Authority since 28 September, there have been some demonstrations in Jordan. Visitors should avoid demonstrations and areas where large crowds are gathering, Palestinian refugee camps, and take care when visiting downtown areas of Amman.

TERRORISM

British nationals in Islamic countries or countries with large Islamic populations, should exercise particular caution given heightened tension in the Middle East. Jordan is one of a number of countries where we believe there is an increased threat from global terrorism. In December 1999 the Jordanian authorities arrested a number of people suspected of planning terrorist attacks on tourism sites in Jordan. Such sites remain tempting targets. In June 2000 the U.S. authorities issued a world-wide travel advisory caution to US citizens abroad. There is no specific threat to British interests, but those travelling to Jordan should be vigilant and keep in touch with developments.

LOCAL TRAVEL

Visitors can travel freely anywhere in the country.

There are a lot of road accidents and drivers are advised to drive with care, especially at night, and to make sure their insurance is adequate.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

In Jordanian law a driver is always guilty if he/she hits a pedestrian. In such cases a driver could face imprisonment and be liable for the payment of hospital bills and other compensation.

Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Visitors to Jordan are reminded to dress modestly, behave courteously and respect local customs and sensitivities.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

British nationals require an entry visa to Jordan. Single entry visas can be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry, except for the King Hussein Bridge where it is essential to have a valid visa prior to arrival. If you wish to visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority during your visit to Jordan it is better to obtain a multiple entry visa before departure. A single entry visa costs JD23 (Jordanian Dinars). Multiple entry visas to Jordan are only issued at Jordanian diplomatic missions abroad. There is also an exit tax of JD10 by air and JD7 by land. Visas are valid for 2 weeks, but this can be extended to up to 3 months at any police station (if you stay more than two weeks without informing the police you will pay a fine of JD1.5 for each day beyond two weeks). Visitors are allowed to extend their stay in Jordan for a maximum period of 6 months. Residents and visitors staying in Jordan for more than 3 months are required to undergo an HIV test. Dual nationals are allowed to use their British passport on arrival, but will need to show their Jordanian passports on departure.

HEALTH

Visitors are strongly recommended to carry travel insurance. Medical facilities outside Amman are basic and primitive and in case of an emergency, visitors are advised to seek treatment in Amman if at all possible.

GENERAL

Visitors travelling from Jordan to Syria and Saudi Arabia must obtain visas at their place of residence before travelling to Jordan. If their passports contain Israeli stamps or Jordanian or Egyptian stamps from border crossings with Israel they will be refused entry to Syria and Saudi Arabia, even if they have valid visas. Residents are advised to register their presence in Jordan with the Consular Section.

British Diplomatic Missions in Jordan: contact details

For medical and inoculations advice, contact your GP. The Department of Health's Health Advice for Travellers website provides travel health information for people travelling abroad from the UK. The site advises on health risks around the world and how to avoid them, a country-by-country immunisation checklist and how to obtain medical treatment abroad.
Visa information is available from the relevant Embassy/Consulate in London.
FCO Travel Advice is also displayed on BBC2 CEEFAX (see p470 for details). NB: While every care has been taken in preparing these notes, neither Her Majesty's Government nor any member of the British Consular Staff abroad can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.

Travel Advice notices on this website are subject to Crown Copyright protection. Capture and republication of Travel Advice notices is not permitted. Any person who captures and republishes Travel Advice notices will be liable to prosecution.