Here's the US State Department travel info sheet for Jordan.
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with a developing economy. While many aspects of Jordanian life are modern and the government is Western-oriented, Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation for the country's customs, laws and practices. Tourist facilities are widely available, although quality may vary depending on price and location. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Jordan for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and a visa are required. Travelers may contact the U.S. Embassy in Amman for the latest information on border crossing hours. Israel does not require advance visa issuance for U.S. citizens traveling on tourist passports at any crossing point. U.S. diplomatic and official passport holders are required to obtain an Israeli visa prior to entering Israel. Jordan issues visas for a fee at most international ports of entry upon arrival, and at most international border crossings, except at the crossing known in Jordan as the King Hussein Bridge (this same crossing is known in Israel as the Allenby Bridge.) To cross into Jordan at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge, U.S. citizens must already have either a visa for Jordan in their passports or have an entry permit from the Ministry of Interior. Both Jordan and Israel assess an exit tax for tourists at all border crossings.
For further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 3504 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 966-2664, Internet website www.jordanembassyus.org, or one of the Jordanian Honorary Consulates in Houston, TX., Detroit, MI., Chicago, IL., or San Francisco, CA. Foreigners who wish to stay thirty days or more in Jordan must register at a Jordanian police station by their thirtieth day in the country. For stays of six months or more police will require that an AIDS test be performed at a government medical facility. Failure to properly register subjects the traveler to a fine of 1.5 Jordanian dinar (approximately $2.10) per day of overstay. This fine is usually assessed at departure. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Jordan and other countries. Visit the Embassy of Jordan web site at http://www.jordanembassyus.org/ for the most current visa information.
See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The threat of terrorism remains high in Jordan as exhibited by recent terrorist attacks. Transnational terrorist groups, as well as less sophisticated local elements, have demonstrated the capability to pose threats in Jordan. Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi’s Al-Qa’ida in Iraq network (AQIZ) in particular continues to focus its terrorist activities against U.S and Government of Jordan (GOJ) targets in Jordan. AQIZ claimed responsibility for the November 9, 2005 bombings of three international hotels in Amman, where 60 people were killed and over 100 were injured. The bombs were carried into the hotels by pedestrian suicide bombers, who were wearing explosive vests. AQIZ also claimed responsibility for the Aqaba rocket attack on August 19, 2005, which killed one Jordanian soldier while wounding another. The assassination of American diplomat Larry Foley outside his west Amman residence on October 28, 2002 was also attributed to Zarqawi’s group.
In addition, there has been a series of serious, confirmed terrorist threats and disrupted terrorist plots targeting U.S. or Jordanian interests in Jordan. In November 2005, the Government of Jordan (GOJ) indicted six men for planning to carry out attacks against Americans at hotels and bars in Amman and Aqaba. In August-September 2005, four militants were arrested for plotting assassinations of Americans in Jordan. In July 2005, GOJ authorities arrested an AQIZ-linked group of 17 men, which had planned to assassinate GOJ officials and Americans in country. In February 2005, four men were arrested for plotting attacks against GOJ officials, tourists and five-star hotels. In the same month, another four-man group was disrupted while plotting to attack liquor stores in Amman and foreign tourists in Aqaba. In April 2004, Jordanian authorities disrupted a major Zarqawi-linked plot in its advanced stages to attack the U.S. Embassy and Jordanian leadership sites with explosive-laden vehicles.
Terrorists often do not distinguish between U.S. government personnel and private citizens. Terrorists may target areas frequented by Westerners, such as tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, places of worship, expatriate residential areas, and schools. In light of these security concerns, U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high-level of vigilance, to be aware of their surroundings, and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. It is especially important for travelers to be unpredictable by varying their times and routes and to maintain a low profile. Moreover, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid contact with any suspicious or unfamiliar objects and to immediately report the presence of such objects to the authorities. U.S. Government personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions.
Anti-western sentiment, though less pronounced since the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom, has been sparked on occasion by incidents within the region, particularly those related to Israeli/Palestinian issues and to a lesser extent Iraq. Travelers are advised to avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. Special sensitivity and caution should be exercised at or near religious sites during holy days and the Friday Muslim Sabbath. Modest attire should be worn in deference to local custom.
U.S. citizens are advised to increase their vigilance as they approach the border area with Iraq. In July 2005 and December 2004, Iraq-based terrorists targeted the Jordan/Iraq border crossing by utilizing vehicle bombs. The Department of State advises against travel into Iraq; see the Travel Warning and Consular Information Sheet for Iraq for further information.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site , where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Crime is generally not a serious problem for travelers in Jordan, but petty crime is prevalent in the downtown Amman Hashimiyah Square area and near the Roman Theater. In the narrow streets of the Old City, crowded conditions invite pickpockets and other petty criminals. It is safer to travel in groups when visiting the center of Amman. Travelers are urged to be more guarded in these areas so that they do not present easy opportunities for criminals. Purse-snatchings in central and western Amman are reportedly on the increase. In many cases, thieves in moving vehicles snatched pedestrians' purses and drove off. In some instances, victims were injured when they were unable to free themselves from their purses. When carrying a purse, it would be wise to conceal it if possible, to avoid walking near the road within reach of passing vehicles, and to walk against the flow of traffic.
There have been isolated incidents of sexual harassment, assault and unwelcome advances of a sexual nature against Western women both visiting and residing in Jordan. These incidents, while troubling, are not pervasive. Women are advised to take reasonable precautions, including dressing conservatively and not traveling alone.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of Jordan, but not necessarily in outlying areas. Most hospitals in Jordan, especially Amman, are privately owned. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
AVIAN INFLUENZA: The Jordanian Ministry of Health confirmed 4 cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza in poultry on March 24, 2006, on a small farm near Ajloun and has announced that an Egyptian male, who entered Jordan via ferry at Aqaba on March 27, 2006, has been confirmed to have H5N1.
Travelers to Jordan and other countries affected by the virus are cautioned to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. In addition, the CDC and WHO recommend eating only fully cooked poultry and eggs. For the most current information and links on avian influenza in Jordan, see the State Department's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet or visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Jordan.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Jordan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Roads are particularly treacherous during the rainy season, from December to March. Drivers and passengers are required to wear seatbelts and all cars must have a fire extinguisher and warning triangle in the vehicle. Child car seats are not required and generally are not available in Jordan. Violators of speed limits may face fines up to $140. Police routinely pull over reckless drivers as well as those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Licensed drivers must carry local third party insurance with sufficient coverage for accidents resulting in injury or death. Jordanian Public Safety officials estimate that two people are killed and fifty more are injured in 145 road accidents daily throughout the Kingdom.
Poor lighting and road conditions prevail, so extra caution must be exercised at all times, especially when driving at night. Highways are more crowded around the Muslim holidays, when many Jordanians return from their work in the Gulf States. City driving in Amman is more hazardous in the summer months, when many Gulf residents visit Amman and drive using the customs of their countries of origin. Jordan does not have restrictions on women driving and it is not unusual for women to drive alone.
The desert highway outside Aqaba, a popular tourist destination, is particularly dangerous because it is narrow, winding, steep and crowded with trucks. This area should be avoided at night, if possible. Also, when driving in both urban and rural areas, motorists should beware of livestock, including camels, sheep, and goats. Collisions between livestock and automobiles are common.
Land mines are often located within two miles of military installations and borders, including the popular Dead Sea area. Minefields are usually fenced off and marked with skull-and-crossbones notices, but the fences and signs may be in poor repair or hard to see. Avoiding these areas reduces the risk of accidentally setting off a mine.
Jordan has bus and taxi services. Yellow taxis are generally safe for travel in the cities and use meters to determine fares. One may also rent a service car (or livery car) for longer trips, such as to Damascus, Jerusalem, Aqaba, or Petra. The service cars have a good reputation for road safety.
Emergencies should be referred to the Civil Defense Department at telephone number 199 (Jordan’s equivalent to 911).
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
For information on driving regulations, please contact the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 3504 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 966-2664, Internet website http://www.jordanembassyus.org.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Jordan as being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for oversight of Jordan's air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: American citizens are subject to Jordanian laws while in Jordan. American citizens who also possess Jordanian nationality may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Jordanian citizens. Although no longer subject to immediate conscription, all U.S.-Jordanian dual national males under the age of 37 are required to register for service in the Jordanian military. Those subject to registration may be prevented from departing Jordan until permission to depart is obtained from appropriate Jordanian authorities. This permission is often granted to U.S. citizens, but may take some time to obtain and is limited to a single trip.
Furthermore, the Government of Jordan treats U.S.-Jordanian dual nationals as Jordanian citizens and sometimes may not notify the Embassy of arrests, detentions, or accidents involving dual nationals. For this reason, dual nationals in particular are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, evidence of identity and U.S. citizenship is readily available. For additional information, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet for our Dual Nationality flyer .
Under Jordanian law, husbands may prevent their wives and children from leaving Jordan by placing a hold on their travel with the Jordanian authorities. This is true even if the woman's sole nationality is American.
Islam is the state religion of Jordan. The Jordanian government does not interfere with public worship by the country's Christian minority. Although the majority of Christians are allowed to practice freely, activities such as proselytizing or encouraging conversion to the Christian faith are prohibited, as they are considered legally incompatible with Islam. It is illegal for a Muslim to convert to Christianity. In the past, American citizens have been detained or arrested for discussing or trying to engage Jordanians in debate about Christianity.
Jordanian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Jordan of items such as drugs, firearms, poisons, chemicals, explosives and pornographic materials, among other items. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, D.C., or one of the Jordanian consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.Please see our Customs Information.
The United States Government is committed to providing the full range of consular services to all American citizens. Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to which Jordan is a party, provides that competent authorities in the host country must notify a consular post of the arrest of one of its citizens without delay. However, Jordanian officials often do not notify the U.S. Embassy when an American citizen, particularly a dual national, is arrested or detained.
The local workweek for Jordanian government offices and most businesses is Saturday through Thursday.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Jordanian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Jordan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website .
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Jordan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Jordan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Amman is located on Al-Umayyaween Street, Abdoun, P.O. Box 354. The telephone number is [962](6) 590-6000 and the fax number is [962](6) 592-4102. The after-hours emergency telephone number is [962](6) 590-6000. The Internet website is http://amman.usembassy.gov. The U.S. Embassy is open Sunday through Thursday.