25open jobs
14organisations hiring
1violent events in 3 months
3deaths (estimate)
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
After World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the League of Nations awarded Britain the mandate to govern much of the Middle East. In 1921, Britain demarcated from Palestine a semi-autonomous region of Transjordan and recognized ABDALLAH I from the Hashemite family as the country's first leader. The Hashemites also controlled the Hijaz, or the western coastal area of modern-day Saudi Arabia, until 1925, when IBN SAUD and Wahhabi tribes pushed them out. The country gained its independence in 1946 and thereafter became the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The country has had four kings. Long-time ruler King HUSSEIN (r. 1953-99) successfully navigated competing pressures from the major powers (US, UK, and Soviet Union), various Arab states, Israel, and Palestinian militants, the latter of which led to a brief civil war in 1970 that is known as "Black September" and ended in King HUSSEIN ousting the militants.parliamentary constitutional monarchy
The political situation in Jordan is stable but sometimes there are protests in Amman and other cities. You should stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Jordanian 69.3%, Syrian 13.3%, Palestinian 6.7%, Egyptian 6.7%, Iraqi 1.4%, other 2.6% (2015 est.)
Arabic (official), English (widely understood among upper and middle classes)
Muslim 97.1% (official; predominantly Sunni), Christian 2.1% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), Buddhist 0.4%, Hindu 0.1%, Jewish <0.1%, folk <0.1%, other <0.1%, unaffiliated <0.1% (2020 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
upper-middle-income Middle Eastern economy; high debt and unemployment, especially for youth and women; global events triggering trade slump and decreased revenue from tourism; growing manufacturing and agricultural sectors; key US foreign assistance recipient; natural-resource-poor and import-reliant
11.5 MPopulation2025
93.2 %Urban population2025
$5,348GDP per capita2025
2.8 %GDP growth2025
1.8 %Inflation2025
0.1 %Extreme poverty (international line)2010
16.5 %Unemployment2025
94.4 %Adult literacy2024
95.6 %Internet users2024
100 %Access to electricity2024
436,226refugees hosted2025
8,068asylum seekers2025
16,207refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
13stateless people2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF; aka Arab Army): Jordanian Army (Jordanian Ground Forces; includes Special Operations Forces, Border Guards, Royal Guard), Jordanian Air Force, Jordanian Navy) Ministry of Interior: Public Security Directorate (includes national police, the Gendarmerie, and the Civil Defense Directorate) (2025)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS)
Party names as coded by UCDP, July – September 2026. "Government of …" refers to State forces.
| Actor | Events | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Government of Iran | 1 | 3 |
| Government of Israel, Government of United States of America | 1 | 3 |
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria.
A shooting took place at a Church in Karak Governorate causing several casualties on 23 October 2026. Follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media.
The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.
British nationals in, or planning to travel through, the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. You should:
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
By month: July 1 · August 0 · September 0
| Region | Events | Deaths | Civilians | Trend |
|---|
This guide also has safety advice for regions of Jordan.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
In the context of regional escalation, Iran-aligned militia groups have threatened to target US interests across the region, have claimed attacks in Jordan and are likely to continue to carry out these attacks in Jordan.
As was the case before the recent regional escalation, terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Jordan, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Examples of significant attacks include:
in 2025, 2 people and the assailant were killed in a knife attack at the King Hussein/Allenby bridge
in 2024, there were 3 separate attacks on the border crossings, where 3 Israeli border personnel were killed
The political situation in Jordan is stable but sometimes there are protests in Amman and other cities. You should stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities.
On 23 June 2026, large crowds gathered to watch Jordan’s national team play in the 2026 World Cup. One person died and eight were injured in downtown Amman at a public screening of the match.
You should:
stay aware of your surroundings and consider avoiding crowds, crowd control measures may be limited
follow the advice of local authorities
monitor local media
Crime levels are generally low, but there is a risk of pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft from cars. Stay alert and keep your money, passport and valuables secure.
Street begging can be aggressive, particularly in areas frequented by foreigners. Do not engage with beggars.
There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.
Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
Take care when walking or travelling alone. Maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the UK. See advice for women travelling abroad.
You should not accept lifts from strangers. If you must use a taxi , you should:
Jordan is a predominantly Islamic country. Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions so you do not cause offence.
The police carry out random security checks. Keep ID (passport or driving licence) with you to show at checkpoints.
It’s illegal to drink alcohol on the street, but you can drink in bars, clubs, hotels and private homes.
It is illegal to possess, use or traffic drugs. If convicted, you can get a lengthy prison sentence and heavy fine.
Same-sex sexual relations are not illegal, but same-sex couples showing affection in public may cause offence. You could be arrested under other Jordanian laws. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
It is socially unacceptable for unmarried foreign couples to live together. Some landlords may ask if you are married or request a marriage certificate.
It is illegal to encourage someone to convert to Christianity. You could face a prison sentence or a fine.
The Petra Archaeological Park has strict visitor opening and closing hours. You risk arrest and prosecution if you are in the park outside of these hours. Tourists have been locked in Petra overnight.
Ask the tourist office staff if you’re unclear about ticket prices and before agreeing to additional charges.
Cash machines are only widely available in Amman and other major towns and cities. Most places accept card payments.
For all activities, bring appropriate clothing and enough food and water for extreme temperatures.
The quality of tour operators providing outdoor activities varies. A list of all tour operators is available on the Visit Jordan website. Research tour operators and choose one with suitable safety mitigations and insurance in place.
There are around 80 wadis (valleys) in Jordan. During the rainy season from November to March there’s a risk of flash floods. Before travelling to a wadi, you should:
If you’re caught in a flash flood, you should:
Safety standards of diving operators in Aqaba can vary. You should:
If you are planning to drive in Jordan, see information on driving abroad.
You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Driving standards differ from those in the UK. Stray animals, broken-down vehicles and unmarked roadworks are common. There have been fatal accidents on the Desert Highway. Drive with care at night and avoid unlit roads.
If you have an accident, do not leave the scene before the police arrive and take a statement. Call 911 to contact police.
The speed limit varies from 40kph in some urban areas to 120kph on some highways. You should follow speed restrictions carefully. The police issue 15 to 150 Jordanian dinar on-the-spot fines.
It is illegal to drive or ride in a front seat without a seatbelt or use a mobile phone while driving. You could get a fine. All cars must carry a fire extinguisher and warning triangle.
Heavy snow can trap vehicles and block mountain roads, including around Petra. Take care and follow local restrictions.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
In the rainy season from November to March, the Jordanian government sometimes issues flood alerts, particularly along the Jordan Valley. Flood alerts can cause diversions and road closures, affecting drivers and hikers. There is a risk of flash flooding. Be alert to advisories and co-operate with the authorities.
This section has safety advice for regions of Jordan. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
Following regional hostilities with Iran and in Israel, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza, the security situation could change suddenly.
If you hear sirens, remain indoors and stay away from windows to ensure protection from any possible missile/drone fragments. If there are any injuries or damages, call 911 immediately.
The roads within Jordan and land border crossings between Jordan and Israel and the West Bank can close at no notice.
See Israel travel advice and Palestine travel advice and check with the Jordanian authorities before crossing.
Take care near borders and if you’re crossing into a neighbouring country. Jordanian army and police units patrol the borders with Syria and Iraq and check traffic.
There may be landmines near borders and military installations. Minefields are usually fenced off and marked, but fences and signs may be in a poor state of repair.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria. The situation in southern Syria is fragile and instability or terrorist activity could start with little or no notice. There are also reports of violent confrontations between smugglers and the Jordan Armed Forces.
The Jaber land border crossing from Jordan into Syria has reopened. Jordanian nationals may use the crossing to return to Jordan from Syria, and Syrian citizens holding a valid Syrian passport or travel document from the Syrian Embassy in Amman may use the crossing to return to Syria. There may be a heavier than usual military presence along the border.
FCDO advises against all travel to the provinces in Iraq bordering Jordan. See Iraq travel advice.
Due to the conflict in Israel and Palestine, there have been instances of protests near the border on Fridays. Be particularly cautious in areas close to the border.
78yearsLife expectancy2024
12.9per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
31per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
2.85per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2022
99.3 %Basic drinking water access2024
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Jordan, including:
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Medical facilities outside Amman and Aqaba are basic. In an emergency you should seek treatment in Amman or Aqaba.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Jordan where some staff will speak English.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Jordan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Jordan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Jordanian Embassy in the UK.
To enter Jordan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
If you are a British-Jordanian dual national, you can use your British passport to enter Jordan, but you must show your Jordanian passport when you leave.
Children with a Jordanian passport, who are travelling without their father, cannot depart Jordan without a letter of permission signed by their father. They must have a letter even if they enter Jordan on a British passport.
If your passport has an Israeli stamp, you will not usually experience difficulties entering Jordan. If you have concerns, contact the Jordanian Embassy in the UK.
You must have a visa to visit Jordan.
If you wish to also visit Israel or Palestine and re-enter Jordan, you can get a multiple-entry visa from the Jordanian Embassy in the UK.
You can buy a single-entry visit visa when you arrive at a Jordanian airport or the Sheikh Hussein/North Border land crossing. It costs 40 Jordanian dinars (JOD) and is valid for 3 months. Some airlines may ask you to submit a health declaration at check-in. Check with your airline.
If you’re visiting for tourism, and you will stay at least 3 nights in Jordan, you can apply for a Jordan Pass online before you arrive. A Jordan Pass costs between 70 and 80 Jordanian dinars, which includes the visa fee and gives discounted entry to major tourist sites. You should only purchase a Jordan Pass from the official website. The Jordan Pass is valid for 3 months from date of entry.
You can extend your Jordan visit visa online for up to 6 months. You could get a fine if you overstay.
If you are visiting Jordan for purposes other than tourism, you must apply for your visa in advance online. This includes travel for the purposes of work or study.
If you are planning to remain in Jordan for more than 14 days, you must report to the police station with a residency extension office that is nearest to your place of residence. You will be required to provide your biometrics (fingerprint and iris scan).
Failure to report within 14 days of arrival will result in a fine of JOD 200 to be paid upon leaving the country. This rule applies to anyone who entered Jordan after 1 October 2025, but not to holders of annual residency visas, tourists, pilgrims, or transit visa holders.
Jordan has land borders with Saudi Arabia, Israel, Palestine, Syria and Iraq.
Those travelling to and from Saudi Arabia should refer to Saudi Arabia travel advice for the latest travel information including safety and security and entry requirements.
The following three land border crossings between Jordan with Saudi Arabia are open 24 hours a day:
Umari (AlOmari) Border Crossing: Primary crossing, approximately 155 km from Amman
Mudawara (AlMudawwara) Border Crossing: Located farther east, approximately 322 km from Amman
AlDurra Crossing (opposite Haql): Connecting Aqaba with the Saudi city of Haql
British nationals who are trying to leave Jordan via Saudi Arabia and who are travelling on British Emergency Travel Documents, Emergency Passports, or passports with less than 6 months remaining validity, should call the helplines for British Embassy Riyadh +966 (0) 11481 9100 or British Consulate Jeddah +966 (0)126225550 for advice.
Those traveling from Israel or Palestine should refer to Israel’s travel advice and Palestine’s travel advice.
The three land border crossings from Israel and Palestine are open most days from 8 or 8.30am. Closures may happen at no notice, including over the weekend.
King Hussein/Allenby Bridge
The Northern (Sheikh Hussein/Jordan River Crossing) crossing
The Southern (Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin) crossing
The King Hussein Bridge/Allenby crossing is not an international crossing between Jordan and Palestine or Israel. You cannot enter Jordan using the King Hussein Bridge/Allenby crossing without getting a visa beforehand. You can get a visa from the Jordanian Ministry of Interior.
If you are travelling on a British passport, you do not need to prebook to leave Jordan via the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge.
If you have entered Jordan using a non-British passport you may need to prebook to enter Israel or Palestine via the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. Bookings are made via Jordan Express Tourist Transport Company, at busy times they can be booked up several days in advance.
If you wish to combine travel to Jordan with a visit to Israel or Palestine, you can get a multiple-entry visa before you travel from the Jordanian Ministry of Interior. You should also check the Israel travel advice before using the land borders to enter Israel.
On the Jordanian side, border guards will stamp passports unless the traveller requests otherwise and tells them before they hand over their passport.
Photography and videography are not permitted on the border crossings.
The FCDO advises against all travel to Syria.
The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq .
Those traveling to and from Egypt should refer to Egypt travel advice for the latest travel information including safety and security and entry requirements.
Ferry services operate between Aqaba and Egypt (Taba Heights and Nuweiba). Contact ferry operators directly for schedules and availability.
You must pay a departure tax of 10 Jordanian dinars in cash at all land border crossings. There are usually ATMs at the border.
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Jordan guide.
You must have a HIV test if you are staying in Jordan for more than 30 days. It costs 20 Jordanian dinars to get the health certificate.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Jordan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
You must apply for approval to take a drone into Jordan at least 10 working days before you travel. If you have not received a permit before you arrive, the authorities will hold your drone at the airport. You can collect it when you leave Jordan.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
Umari (AlOmari) Border Crossing: Primary crossing, approximately 155 km from Amman
Mudawara (AlMudawwara) Border Crossing: Located farther east, approximately 322 km from Amman
No organised violence recorded over the period.
AlDurra Crossing (opposite Haql): Connecting Aqaba with the Saudi city of Haql
Ferry services operate between Aqaba and Egypt (Taba Heights and Nuweiba). Contact ferry operators directly for schedules and availability.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
A shooting took place at a Church in Karak Governorate causing several casualties on 23 October 2026. Follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.