Summary

Please read all sections of this travel advice carefully. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller and the traveller is responsible for his or her personal safety for the duration of his/her trip.

Irish citizens are advised to exercise caution in all areas of Jordan and to avoid travel to refugee camps and to areas on the border with Syria.

Regional developments have the potential to trigger popular unrest. Although Jordan has not seen unrest on the scale of those seen elsewhere in the region, demonstrations may still occur and have the potential to result in violence.

Irish citizens are advised to exercise caution and to avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings. You should closely monitor the local media for updates on the situation.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Jordan. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Travellers should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

Safety and Security 

Protests

Regional developments have the potential to trigger popular unrest. Although Jordan has not seen unrest on the scale of those seen elsewhere in the region, demonstrations may still occur and have the potential to result in violence.

Irish citizens are advised to exercise caution and to avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings. You should closely monitor the local media for updates on the situation.

Terrorism

Irish citizens should be aware that there is a threat of terrorism in Jordan.

On 9 November 2005 there were three bomb attacks on hotels in Amman. 67 people are reported dead and 115 injured. There were no Irish casualties.

Crime

Most visits to Jordan are crime free but you should take all normal precautions while travelling. 

Road Travel

There are a high number of road accidents.  Visitors should drive with care, stay within stated speed limits, and where possible, avoid driving at night. Road conditions outside of Amman can be poor. Front seatbelts are required by law and all cars must carry a fire extinguisher and warning triangle.

Police perform random security checks of vehicles on Jordanian highways and when travelling by car, visitors should carry identification at all times to present at police checkpoints.

Local Laws and Customs 

Jordan is a conservative society, and modest dress and behavior should be observed. Outside of resorts visitors should dress modestly and, respect local customs and norms, particularly in places of religious significance. Women's clothes should cover their legs and upper arms.

Ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslims, who make up the majority of Jordan’s population, are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke during daylight hours. To avoid offence you may wish to avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public during this time.

Local laws

Irish citizens are reminded that whilst in Jordan, they are subject to local laws, including ones that may seem harsh by Irish standards.

Parents in particular should be aware that local laws regarding custody etc of children are significantly different to those in force in Ireland.

Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines. Under Jordanian law homosexuality is illegal.  Public displays of affection between homosexual couples may lead to arrest and incarceration.

If you are required to engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law, you are strongly advised to seek professional legal advice.

Natural Disasters and Climate

The temperature in some areas can reach over 40 degrees Celsius in the summer months.  Visitors are reminded to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

There are occasional earthquake tremors in Jordan. These may lead to rock falls and landslides. In December 2010 there was an earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale with an epicentre in the Northern Dead Sea area.

Sand and dust storms can occur, particularly in desert areas. In valleys, (wadis) flooding, and flash-flooding can occur in the rainy season, which is typically from November to March.

Additional Country Info

Irish citizens require a visa to enter Jordan. For entry requirements for Jordan, please contact the Honorary Consul of Jordan in Dublin.

Any Irish citizen in Jordan (resident or visitor) or who intends to travel there is advised to register their details with the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo. Please click here to do so.

Irish citizens who require assistance in Jordan should immediately contact the Embassy in Cairo or the Honorary Consul in Amman.

The Department of Foreign Affairs also operates a 24 hour emergency service for citizens in need of consular assistance on 00353 1 4780822.  

Health

In general tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is cheap and readily available.

Regional travel

If you travel between Jordan and Israel, you may experience difficulties in or be refused entry to some other countries in the region if your passport has evidence of travel to Israel, including entry and exit stamps issued at the border crossings issued in Jordan or if your luggage has stickers indicating you have been to Israel.