Jordan : Safety by City
Jordan is a country located in the Middle East that would be landlocked if it weren’t for a small 28km outlet on the Red Sea in the Gulf of Aqaba and a frontage on the Dead Sea.
It shares its borders with Israel and the West Bank (Territory of Undetermined Permanent Status) to the west, with Syria to the north, Iraq to the east and with Saudi Arabia to the south.
Jordan is a country of many beauties and tourists attractions: just think of the Dead Sea attracting many tourists a year, trying to swim in the immense amounts of salt and not succeeding.
Apart from the Dead Sea, that you should definitely visit and float on the densely concentrated salt waves, the biggest reason to visit Jordan is the Archaeological Ruins at Petra: they are a must-see for anyone visiting Jordan.
Petra is a world-known ancient Nabataean city in the south of Jordan.
Due to its sheer size and jaw-dropping ruins, Petra was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
Warnings & Dangers in Jordan
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Overall, Jordan is mostly a safe country. Follow the general rules of precaution and your common sense, and you will probably encounter no problems. There is less crime due to the presence of police and military everywhere and you should just be vigilant for suspicious terrorist activities.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
It is advised that you avoid public transport in Jordan due to a high risk of terrorist attacks in crowded places such as bus or train stations, and on public transport as well. Never accept lifts from strangers and always sit on the back seat of a cab.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
As mentioned, pickpockets and purse snatching are very common in Jordan, it is actually a constant risk. Cell phone snatching also happens so you should keep all your valuables out of sight. Avoid wearing purses and keep your money in a hidden place, not easily accessible by pickpockets. Also, be wary of people trying to distract you, it might very well be a way to take your money.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
As for natural disasters, sand storms can be expected regularly and there is occasional flooding in the deserts, blocking all the roads.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
As for muggings, Jordan is relatively safe. There haven't been many reports of someone being violently mugged or kidnapped.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Jordan. Attacks could be indiscriminate and happen everywhere and target both locals and tourists.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
There aren't many scams in Jordan, but you should, just in case, double-check your change, since you might get tricked and negotiate everything in advance to prevent being ripped off,
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
There are some risks for women traveling to Jordan such as sexual harassment or attacks. Women should avoid areas near bars and clubs, and go by taxi, not on foot. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit and deserted areas.
So... How Safe Is Jordan Really?
Jordan is relatively safe to visit as it is one of the safer countries in the Middle East when it comes to terrorism and crime, but you shouldn’t get too relaxed.
Since there has been an increase in police and military presence with a goal of combating terrorism, the crime rates in Jordan have decreased in Jordan are now actually pretty low in comparison to many European or U.S. destinations.
Generally, the only things to worry about when in Jordan are pickpocketing and bag snatching (which mostly happens in the tourist-frequented part of Amman), and occasionally, sexual harassment or assault if you are a woman, mostly.
Never sit in the front seat of a taxi, as women often report harassment by the taxi drivers.
Watch out for your belongings in the shopping precinct of Amman and especially the up-market Taj Mall, since they attract petty thieves.
Also, be particularly careful when using ATMs.
However, the highest risk in Jordan isn’t a crime – it’s the terrorism.
Keep in mind that ISIS still calls for followers to carry out attacks on westerners in Jordan, especially at Petra.
Even though the presence of police and military has eradicated terrorist actions in the country since the 2005 suicide bombing of Amman hotels, you should still remain vigilant at all times.
How Does Jordan Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Jordan | 53 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Slovenia | 87 |
| Bulgaria | 80 |
| Vietnam | 73 |
| Portugal | 57 |
| Japan | 83 |
| Ghana | 73 |
| Australia | 86 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most countries do need a visa to enter Jordan, though it isn't too complicated a procedure: Jordan issues single-entry visas to U.S. and European citizens upon arrival at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your trip to Jordan. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Jordanian dinar is the official currency in Jordan. ATMs are mostly available throughout the country and credit cards are widely used and accepted in most establishments.
Weather
The climate in Jordan is hot and dry with two different seasons: long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. What affects the climate in Jordan is its location between the subtropical aridity of the Arabian desert and the subtropical humidity of the eastern Mediterranean area.
Airports
Queen Alia International Airport is Jordan's biggest and busiest airport. It is located in Zizya, about 30 km south of the capital city, Amman.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Jordan, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Jordan Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 13 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 28 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 27 | 20 | 14 |
| Low °C | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 9 | 5 |
| High °F | 55 | 57 | 64 | 73 | 82 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 81 | 68 | 57 |
| Low °F | 39 | 41 | 45 | 50 | 57 | 64 | 68 | 68 | 64 | 59 | 48 | 41 |
Jordan - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Amman | 53 |
Petra is amazing
There are so many things to do and see in Jordan, of course anyone who has been here would say the Petra is definitely a to visit place – both day and night! I thoroughly enjoyed exploring and they have a night show as well. So you’ll have to dedicate a day to whole to this wonder of the world. Enjoy your trip to Jordan!
Many of the points are incorrect. Jordan is very safe and lots of the risks mentioned in this report are misleading.
Please do your research from other sources and ask the people you know about their experience visiting the country to get closer to reality sense.
Not recommended
I don’t recommend it if you’re not a Muslim. you probably won’t feel safe.
That’s an interesting review. I’m going there and I am anxious. But my daughter’s fiancée is a very nice man from Jordan.
Not true I am a catholic that was born there with absolutely no problems
What a rediculous lowly commentThat’s BS. Millions of tourists, most of them Christians, visit Jordan every year. Let alone Jordan has its own native Christian population. After all that’s where Jesus was baptized.
That is very wrong. Our Christian friends visited Jordan and they loved it and felt very safe.
Amazing and EXTEMELY SAFE for women BUT
I traveled in 2019 to 5 parts of Jordan as a single female. It was VERY safe and locals, women especially, were incredibly friendly and talkative (in English). They wanted to know about America and would chat me up on buses, smiling during conversation. I, as a black American, felt so welcomed. Three issues came up for me : 1) Smoking EVERYWHERE. . . Indoors and even on the 3.5 hour buses from Pertra to Amman! The strongest tobacco you can imagine. If you have asthma this will be problematic. 2) You can easily pass out walking in Petra! 5hours in my feet gave up on me and I was forced to take a mule… and narely had enough cash to do so! Most drivers wouldn’t accept what I had ($15US vs 25+). A friend had his SHOE SOLES FALL OFF! So bring an extra pair of shoes, water, snacks, and only walk 2 hours in ONE DIRECTION!!! The entrance was 2 hrs from where I was, with no short cuts. Lastly, and this is a big one:
The ruins north of Amman in Jerash have ARABIAN WOLVES! There are no signs to say which paths to avoid and I found out the hard way. I have no idea how I am alive to tell the story… Still, Jerash is one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen… and I’m up to 30 countries! Jordan, along with Galapagos are my fav destinations thus far. Make sure you camp in Wadi Rum desert (blood red sand) after Petra, then eat famous Falafel in Amman on Rainbow St, and the national dish mansef nearby and kanefe at the famous alleyway, before visiting Dead Sea and Amman. Take loys of photos (and extra shoes) and stick to the patys!
not accurate
Truly this review is not accurate. Jordan is extremely safe. I have visited 4 times over the past 10 years, with my wife and kid and felt etremely safe. The west parts of Amman, the capital is safer than any American city. You can walk the streets day or late night and it is safe. Downtown is also safe and busy but I would not necessarily visit it late night. The tourist attractions in Ajloun (citadel), Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba are all safe. Just use your common sense.
If you don’t feel comfortable taking a public transportation, use Uber.
Food is great.
Jordan is a safe country
Jordan is a safe country I have visited it a lot and it is classified as the second security of an Arab country and there are no crimes or illegal acts as it is written that was in 2006 but now it is very very safe I recommend visiting it there are beautiful archaeological monuments and beautiful nature I have visited most of the countries of the world but I did not find a safe country like Jordan and Switzerland I last visited Jordan in 2023 and it was very safe