Jordan
Country Specific Information

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March 27, 2008

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Jordan map   The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with a developing economy and a modern infrastructure. Western culture features prominently in the lives of many Jordanians; however, at the same time, 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; please see Special Circumstances section below.

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ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  A passport and a visa are required.   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.

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 12 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 dinars (approximately $2.10) per day of overstay.  This fine is usually assessed at departure.
  
Travelers are urged to check the Country Specific Information and any existing Travel Warnings or Travel Alerts at travel.state.gov for all countries they plan to visit during their travel to the region.  Border crossing requirements may change or borders may be closed during periods of heightened security.  For further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 , telephone (202) 966-2664, Internet web site http://www.jordanembassyus.org, or one of the Jordanian Honorary Consulates in Detroit, MI, Chicago, IL, or San Francisco, CA .

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet .

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SAFETY AND SECURITY:   The threat of terrorism remains high in Jordan .  Transnational terrorist groups, as well as less sophisticated local elements, have demonstrated the capability to pose threats in Jordan .  The Al-Qaida in Iraq network in particular continues terrorist activities against U.S. and Government of Jordan (GOJ) targets in Jordan .  The Al-Qaida in Iraq network claimed responsibility for the November 9, 2005 bombings of three international hotels in Amman , which killed 60 people and injured over 100.  Pedestrian suicide bombers wearing explosive vests carried the bombs into the hotels.   Al-Qaida in Iraq also claimed responsibility for the Aqaba rocket attacks on August 19, 2005 targeting a U.S. naval ship, which killed one Jordanian soldier and wounded another.  The assassination of American diplomat Larry Foley outside his west Amman residence on October 28, 2002 was also attributed to Al-Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, who was killed in Iraq in June 2006.  Numerous other terror plots have been foiled in recent years.

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, bars, nightclubs, liquor stores, shopping malls, transportation hubs, 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-American and anti-Western sentiment exists in Jordan and has been sparked on occasion by incidents in the region, particularly those related to Israeli/Palestinian issues and, to a lesser extent, Iraq .  This may lead to random acts of violence against Westerners.  On September 4, 2006, a gunman fired on foreigners at a popular tourist site in central Amman , killing one and injuring six.    Travelers are advised to avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.  Many demonstrations occur near mosques after Friday prayers.  Consequently, special sensitivity and caution should be exercised at or near mosques and religious sites during holy days and the Friday Muslim Sabbath.  Demonstrations also often take place at universities and refugee camps.

U.S. citizens are advised to increase their vigilance as they approach the border area with Iraq . .  In October 2006, July 2005 and December 2004, Iraq-based terrorists targeted the Jordan/Iraq border crossing with vehicle bombs.  The Department of State advises against travel into Iraq; see the Travel Warning and Country Specific Information for Iraq for further information.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affair’s web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution 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. and Canada, 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 .

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CRIME:  Crime is generally not a serious problem for travelers in Jordan , but host country and local media sources have reported a slight increase in petty crime.  In the narrow streets of the older parts of the city center, crowded conditions invite pickpockets and other petty criminals.  Travelers are urged to be more guarded in these areas so that they do not present easy opportunities for criminals.

In central and west Amman , there have been reports of thieves snatching pedestrians’ purses from moving vehicles and then driving 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.

Jordanian police have warned the public to exercise vigilance when leaving banks or ATM machines, as thieves have reportedly preyed upon persons soon after using these services.

Western women both visiting and residing in Jordan report sexual harassment, stalking, and unwelcome advances of a sexual nature; there have been isolated reports of assault.  Women are advised to take reasonable precautions including dressing conservatively, not traveling alone and avoiding travel at night to unfamiliar areas.

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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:   The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting it 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 to explain how funds may 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 .

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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 in Amman , are privately owned.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services.  Because serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States could cost over $150,000 U.S. dollars, we advise travelers to have medical evacuation insurance.

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 web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.

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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 .

AVIAN INFLUENZA:  The Jordanian Ministry of Health confirmed four cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza in poultry on March 24, 2006 on a small farm near Ajloun.  An Egyptian who entered Jordan via ferry at Aqaba on March 27, 2006 was confirmed to have H5N1.  The World Health Organization declared Jordan to be free of avian flu in May 2006.  There have been no confirmed cases of avian flu in people or birds in Jordan since the summer of 2006.  Further cases of avian flu in both people and birds in Jordan remain possible.  Travelers should also patronize restaurants having high standards for food safety and hygiene, and ask that poultry and egg products be cooked thoroughly.  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.  For the most current information and links on avian influenza in Jordan, see the State Department's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet or visit the web site of the U.S. Embassy in Jordan .

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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.

Jordanian Public Safety officials estimate that, on average, two people are killed and fifty more are injured in 145 road accidents daily throughout the Kingdom.  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.  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.

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.

Landmines 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.  Marked yellow taxis are abundant and generally considered safe, however there have been reported incidents of sexual harassment and attempted rape involving taxi drivers.  Visitors are encouraged to use radio dispatched taxis available at the hotels and should request that the driver not pick up additional passengers.  Other forms of public transportation are not recommended. Jordanian security authorities often establish checkpoints, especially on roads leading to popular tourist destinations, where drivers are expected to stop and present their identity documents.  All drivers should stop when directed to do so and comply with the instructions provided to them by the authorities.

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. Visit the website of Jordan’s national tourist office at www.tourism.jo. For information on driving regulations, please contact the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 3504 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008 , telephone (202) 966-2664, Internet web site http://www.jordanembassyus.org.  

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Jordan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Jordan ’s air carrier operations.  For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:   Under Jordanian law any male relative may prevent a woman or child from leaving Jordan by placing a hold on their travel with the Jordanian authorities.  This is true even if the child or woman's sole nationality is American.  Jordanian authorities will consider these disputes domestic matters and the Embassy may be limited in its ability to intervene.  Please see section on Children’s Issues.

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 may not always 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 our Dual Nationality Flyer.

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 their faith freely, activities such as proselytizing or encouraging conversion to the Christian faith are prohibited.  American citizens have been deported, 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 is arrested or detained.

The local workweek for Jordanian government offices and most businesses is Sunday through Thursday.

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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 Jordan ’s 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. 

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CHILDREN'S ISSUES:  For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction

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REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:   Americans living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can 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, PO Box 354, Amman 11118 .  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 web site is http://amman.usembassy.gov.  The U.S. Embassy is open Sunday through Thursday.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information dated August 16, 2007, to update the sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Avian Influenza, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Special Circumstances.

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