Published: November 26, 2024
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Jordan Travel Advisory and Jordan Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Amman:
Abdoun, Al-Umawyeen St., Amman.
Tel: +962-(0)6-590-6000
Hours of Operation: 0800-1700, Sunday-Thursday.
OSAC Country Chapter
The Amman Country Chapter meets intermittently.
Contact OSAC’s Middle East & North Africa team with any questions.
Jordan Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses travelers should exercise increased caution in Jordan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.
- Do not travel within 3.5 km of the Jordan-Syria border and east of the town of Ruwayshid in the direction of the Iraq border due to terrorism and armed conflict.
- Do not travel to designated Syrian refugee camps in Jordan due to Government of Jordan restrictions on entry into these camps.
- Do not travel to Zarqa, Rusayfah, and the Baqa’a neighborhood of Ayn Basha due to terrorism and crime.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Amman as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Jordan.
Criminal activity targeting Western expatriates is uncommon. Statistically, petty crime is the most common form of crime that U.S. citizens and other Western nationals experience in Jordan, especially at tourist sites and in crowded areas. Pickpockets, purse snatchers, and opportunistic thieves are known to target foreigners in the narrow and crowded streets of the older parts of Amman’s city center. Travelers should be alert in these areas and in all tourist locations in Jordan. Jordanian police have warned the public to exercise vigilance when leaving banks or ATMs, to reduce likelihood of targeting by thieves.
Thefts of vehicles, assaults, robbery, and attempted residential break-ins have also been reported. Take care not to display valuables in your car or on your person and be sure to lock car doors and windows. Auto thefts decreased by 13% in 2023 as compared to the previous year.
Violent crime does occur, but U.S. citizens or other Westerners are rarely targeted. In the past, the Embassy has received reports of firearms being discharged at vehicles being driven by Westerners. Celebratory gunfire is common, especially during major festivals, sporting events, or the biannual release of high school test scores.
Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods. Not only are the pirated copies illegal in the United States, if you purchase them, you will also be breaking local law. Most DVDs, CDs, and software available for sale in Jordan are pirated.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Jordan.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Amman as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Jordan, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
The threat of terrorism in Jordan remains high. Local, regional, and transnational terrorist groups and individual extremists have demonstrated a willingness and capacity to plan and execute attacks in Jordan. Jordan is a key U.S. ally in combating terrorism and extremist ideology. Jordanian security services participated in military operations of the Coalition to Defeat ISIS and bolstered defenses against terrorist incursions on the country's borders. Jordan has shown itself to be a willing and capable partner in the fight against terrorism. There were no incidents reported against U.S. government or U.S. interests in Jordan in the past year.
Jordan experienced a decrease in terrorist activity in the last few years, partly as a result of effective counterterrorism efforts. However, some activity does persist. In June, Jordanian police discovered and detonated explosives in a residential area close to the capital. In September, two Jordanian citizens were killed by Israeli authorities after a Jordanian truck driver opened fire at a Jordan-Israel border crossing, killing three Israeli soldiers. One of the most critical parts of Jordan’s counterterrorism activity is border security due to its shared frontiers with Syria and Iraq. In January, a drone attack originating from Syria killed three American troops and injured at least 34 others at the Tower 22 military desert outpost. Jordanian authorities consider this base out of Jordanian territory.
Jordanian security forces have been successful in preventing terrorists from crossing its border, as evidenced by a decrease in attacks (in conjunction with internal counterterrorism efforts mitigating domestic cells), although drug smuggling has recently become another focus along the border. Jordan is now implementing stricter screening protocols to mitigate threat of terrorists and criminals passing through its borders.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Amman as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Jordan. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
The law does not provide citizens the ability to choose their executive branch of government. The king appoints and dismisses the prime minister, cabinet, and upper house of parliament; can dissolve parliament; and directs major public policy initiatives. Citizens choose the lower house of parliament in generally credible periodic elections based on universal and equal suffrage and conducted by secret ballot. Citizens also elect 97 of the 100 mayors, most members of governorate councils, and all members of municipal and local councils. Jordan held parliamentary elections in September 2024 with one shooting incident at a polling station in the Jafr area in Ma’an. Additionally, some riots and attacks against supporters of some candidates occurred resulting in the use of tear gas by security forces.
Protests & Demonstrations
There are frequent rallies, demonstrations, and protests in Jordan. Protests consistently continue to occur in Amman and other cities, such as Karak and Irbid, mostly due to the Israeli-Hamas conflict but also economic concerns. Most demonstrations are small, contained, and non-violent. Since October 7th, 2023, in Amman, weekly protests continue to occur on Fridays at the Kalouti Mosque near the Israeli embassy, the King Hussein Mosque, and the Al Husseini Mosque in downtown Amman. Multiple protests have also occurred at university campuses across the country including Hussein bin Talal University in Ma’an, Mu’tah University in Karak, Yarmouk University in Irbid, and Al-Zaytoonah University in Amman. There have been several calls to stage demonstrations against the U.S. government, mostly in front of the Ebad Al Rahman Mosque (2.5km from the U.S. Embassy).
Some protests have resulted in violent clashes between security forces and protestors, including instances of stone-throwing and arson. Demonstrations can escalate to violence or disorder, sometimes resulting in road closures and confrontations with security forces which may involve tear gas and arrests. Hundreds of protestors have been arrested throughout the year. Demonstrations require permits; security personnel closely monitor these events to ensure public order.
Avoid large crowds and demonstrations and exercise particular vigilance in areas where protests are most likely to occur (e.g., city centers, universities, refugee camps, government buildings), particularly during periods of increased tension.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Regional issues can inflame anti-U.S./anti-Western sentiment. U.S. government policies on Israel as well as U.S. involvement in Iraq and Syria have fueled anti-U.S. sentiment. Certain segments of the Jordanian population view U.S. policy and military operations in the region unfavorably.
Law Enforcement
Call 911 for all emergency services (police, medical emergencies, and fire).
The Jordanian Public Security Directorate (PSD) is the primary law enforcement entity that responds to emergencies in Jordan. PSD is responsible for law enforcement, visiting dignitaries, routine crime prevention, traffic control, locating missing persons, and protecting public venues. The General Intelligence Directorate (GID) is one of the most important and professional intelligence agencies in the region. The PSD and GID share responsibility for maintaining internal security. The Director of Public Security oversees PSD and reports to the Interior Minister, while the GID reports directly to the king.
The General Directorate of the Gendarmerie and Directorate of Civil Defense fall under PSD. The Gendarmerie is primarily responsible for maintaining internal security, including riot control, and the protection of diplomatic missions. Civil Defense is responsible for fire, natural disaster, ambulance services and hazmat response. The Directorate of Military Security (DMS) is subordinate to the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) and is the military's primary security and counterintelligence element. JAF report administratively to the defense minister and have a support role for internal security. There is no separate Defense Ministry; the prime minister also serves as defense minister. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces.
Police Response
Jordan has a nationwide 911 system with services in Arabic, English, and international sign language. PSD is proactive and responsive when dealing with criminal activity.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Jordan, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Jordan.
The law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, although the government does not implement the law effectively. There were isolated reports of government corruption during the year. Authorities began showing an increased willingness to open public corruption investigations in recent years. The use of family, business, and other personal connections to advance personal economic interests was widespread.
Activists and journalists found it difficult to access government reporting and statistics. They attributed the lack of access to ineffective record keeping and the government’s withholding of information from the public.
Cybersecurity
In recent years there has been a growing trend of internet scams. Remain vigilant to protect against cyber solicitation, identity theft, and scams. Do not send money to any person or business entity that you do not know personally.
Import/Export Restrictions
The Government of Jordan currently prohibits use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones without approval. Authorities at airports or border crossings are likely to confiscate drones brought into Jordan without authorization; their use in Jordan may draw the attention of the security services. Jordan maintains restrictions on binoculars over a certain size. Travelers have reported having their binoculars confiscated.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
