Jordan : Safety by City
Jordan might not cover much ground, yet its role in history has been far larger than its borders suggest.
Sitting at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, it’s a land layered with Biblical history, Roman legacies, and Arab heritage.
Ancient kingdoms rose here, armies marched across its deserts, and Petra’s sandstone facades still tell the story of the Nabateans who carved a civilization into cliffs.
Today, Jordan is one of the Middle East’s most stable countries, but it lives in a tough neighborhood.
Its borders with Syria and Iraq carry ongoing security concerns, and regional tensions occasionally ripple inward.
Despite this, Jordan has managed to remain relatively secure, drawing millions of visitors each year who come for both culture and adventure.
The landscape itself is the hook.
You can float in the Dead Sea, hike canyons in Dana Biosphere Reserve, ride camels under Wadi Rum’s star-filled skies, and walk through the ancient ruins of Jerash or the world-famous Petra.
Religious landmarks like Mount Nebo and Madaba mosaics connect the past to the present.
About six million visitors came to Jordan in 2024, exploring the mix of desert beauty, archeological wonder, and warm hospitality.
However, they were also aware of the risks, and that’s what we’re going to get into now.
Warnings & Dangers in Jordan
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Jordan is generally safe compared to its neighbors, but risks exist. Political tensions nearby can spill over, and certain border regions are off-limits. Depending on your risk tolerance, there's either a low or medium risk, but please make that decision after reading the latest government travel advisories.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium risk due to a variety of factors. Public transportation is limited outside cities, roads can be chaotic, and tourist buses have been ambushed. Taxis are common in Amman and relatively safe, but always agree on a fare or use a ride-hailing app like Careem. Driving yourself is possible with an international permit, but expect aggressive driving styles and inconsistent signage. Plus, check the insurance requirements, as that will cost extra.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium risk, and the most common type of crime international visitors face. Thieves are lying in wait, especially in narrow walkways and crowded areas. Use extra vigilance in tourist areas.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Jordan doesn’t face the hurricanes or floods seen elsewhere, but earthquakes are a moderate risk due to regional fault lines. Flash floods can occur suddenly in desert areas and wadis, sometimes with deadly results. If you plan hikes in canyons like Wadi Mujib, check weather forecasts carefully and follow official closures.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Muggings are rare in Jordan, especially against tourists. Violent crime levels are low compared to many countries. Still, avoid isolated areas after dark and stick to well-lit, populated streets in Amman. The risk is low, but it’s always smart to stay alert.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
You have to treat this as a high risk, due to the potential for terrorism. Government travel advisories will give more details about these risks. Jordan has experienced terrorist attacks in the past, mainly targeting security forces or high-profile locations.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams in Jordan are usually minor, such as overcharging for goods, inflated taxi fares, or pushy souvenir sellers. Tour guides offering “exclusive” experiences at inflated prices are another common angle. Stick with places and guides recommended by the tourism agency.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Jordan is safer for women than many Middle Eastern destinations, but this is still a medium risk. Solo travelers may face unwanted attention, especially in rural areas. Dress modestly to reduce stares and avoid walking alone at night in less busy neighborhoods. Traveling with a group or guide often makes experiences smoother.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Tap water in Jordan isn’t considered safe for drinking, even in hotels. Locals rely on bottled or filtered water, and travelers should do the same. Use bottled water for brushing teeth and avoid ice unless you know it’s from purified sources. Bottled water is cheap and widely available.
Safest Places to Visit in Jordan
The Jordan Tourism Board runs the website international.visitjordan.com.
Look for the General Information tab to get practical information.
Find the best (and safest) tour guide under the Hotels & Tours section.
The capital, Amman, mixes Roman ruins like the Citadel and Amphitheater with lively neighborhoods full of cafes and souks.
North of the city, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy, worth a day trip.
Nearby Ajloun Castle and the surrounding forests add another layer of history and nature to explore.
Petra is the crown jewel and for good reason.
The ancient Nabatean city carved into sandstone cliffs is a UNESCO site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Walking through the Siq to see the Treasury is unforgettable, but don’t miss the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice if you can handle the climbs.
Little Petra, just outside the main site, offers fewer crowds and a glimpse into daily Nabatean life.
For nature, Wadi Rum offers desert landscapes straight out of a movie set.
Jeep tours, camel rides, and stargazing in Bedouin camps give you a taste of the region’s unique beauty.
The Dead Sea provides the opposite experience—floating in salty water at the lowest point on Earth and coating yourself in mineral-rich mud.
Hot springs like those in Ma’in are another way to relax and recharge.
In the south, Aqaba on the Red Sea is the spot for diving and snorkeling.
Coral reefs are vibrant, and the city makes a good base if you want a beach break.
Central Jordan’s Dana Biosphere Reserve is the country’s largest nature reserve, with hiking trails and eco-lodges.
Mount Nebo, where tradition says Moses viewed the Promised Land, and Madaba’s famous mosaics round out the cultural highlights.
Places to Avoid in Jordan
Most of Jordan is safe to explore, but there are a few places you should flat-out skip.
The borders with Syria and Iraq remain off-limits thanks to instability and cross-border threats.
Syrian refugee camps are also closed to visitors by Jordanian law, so don’t plan on dropping in.
Within Jordan, Zarqa, Rusayfah, and the Baqa’a neighborhood near Amman are flagged for terrorism and crime.
Lastly, Ma’an City and parts of Ma’an Governorate carry risks tied to both crime and extremism.
Even U.S. government personnel face daylight-only rules in these areas.
Steer clear of these areas and focus on Jordan’s safer regions like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Jordan
- The Public Security Directorate is Jordan’s national police force. For emergencies, dial 911—it connects you directly to police, fire, and medical services. Officers in major cities are usually approachable and some speak English, but carry your hotel’s address in Arabic to avoid confusion. Expect visible police presence at tourist sites, which is more about reassurance than alarm.
- Jordan doesn’t have a nationwide push-alert system like FEMA, but local TV, radio, and official government accounts on social media share updates quickly. Many embassies also send SMS alerts to registered citizens. If you’re concerned about regional instability or natural events, register with your embassy before traveling.
- Foreign visitors can drive in Jordan with a valid driver’s license from their home country, but carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended. Police may ask for it, especially outside Amman. Seatbelts are mandatory, and traffic laws are enforced unevenly. Expect aggressive driving styles in cities.
- Jordan doesn’t require proof of vaccination for entry, but some are smart to have. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid are commonly recommended, especially if you’ll be eating street food or traveling outside cities. Rabies can be considered if you’ll be outdoors a lot.
- Arabic is the official language, but English is widely understood in Amman, Petra, and Aqaba. In rural areas, English may be limited, so a translation app or phrasebook helps. Jordanians are generally patient with visitors trying Arabic basics.
- Drones are not allowed for personal use in Jordan. Customs officers will confiscate them if you try to bring one in without prior government approval. Only licensed operators with official clearance can fly drones, and getting permission is a slow process. Leave your drone at home or risk losing it before your trip even starts.
- Criticizing the King or Royal Family can land you in jail, so keep political comments private. Proselytizing to Muslims, including handing out religious materials, is illegal and can lead to imprisonment or deportation. Respect for religion is taken seriously here, so avoid conversations that could be seen as pushing beliefs. Stick to cultural exchange, not conversion.
- Jordan has zero tolerance for drugs, including marijuana. Penalties are harsh, and cases often go to the state security court, which uses stricter procedures. Even small amounts can mean weeks of detention before charges.
- Counterfeit alcohol has caused deaths in Jordan, even in big cities like Amman. The danger is methanol poisoning from bootleg or mislabeled bottles. Stick with well-known international brands from licensed outlets, and avoid cheap or unfamiliar labels.
- Same-sex relations aren’t illegal in Jordan, but public displays of affection—gay or straight—aren’t culturally acceptable. Authorities sometimes use vague “morality” laws to target people, and LGBTQ+ events don’t have legal protection. Travelers are generally safe if they avoid drawing attention.
So... How Safe Is Jordan Really?
Most governments issue travel advisories or warnings for each country.
The typical scale runs from one to four, with one being the lowest and four being the highest.
The United States and Canada put Jordan overall at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.
However, that’s just part of the story.
As detailed in the “Places to Avoid in Jordan” section above, you’ll want to avoid anywhere four miles from the Jordan-Syria border.
That’s a firm Level 4 from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Level 3 risks (“Avoid Non-Essential Travel”) are given for Ma’an City and Ma’an Governorate.
I recommend reading the latest travel advisories before you confirm a trip since the terrorism warnings are pretty intense.
For example:
- US State Department: “Terrorists often do not distinguish between U.S. government personnel and private U.S. citizens.”
- UK FDCO: “Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Jordan.”
- Canada: “The security situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate significantly with little or no warning.”
Another thing to consider before booking a trip to Jordan is that flight cancellations and travel disruptions can happen.
Even if the place you planned to visit is safe, you could have trouble getting there (or leaving).
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the biggest tourist cities are nowhere near the Syrian border.
How Does Jordan Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Jordan | 53 |
 Djibouti | 38 |
 Croatia | 83 |
 Mexico | 65 |
 France | 64 |
 Puerto Rico | 34 |
 Somalia | 16 |
 United Kingdom | 77 |
 Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most travelers can get a visa on arrival or use Jordan’s eVisa system, but check your nationality’s rules before flying. The Jordan Pass can cover both your visa and major site entry fees, which saves money if you plan to explore.
Currency
The Jordanian dinar (JOD) is stable and widely accepted. Cash is preferred in smaller towns, but cards work fine in cities. ATMs are common, but notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.
Weather
Summers are hot and dry, especially in the south. Winters bring chilly, wet conditions in the north and occasional desert frost. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing without battling extreme heat.
Airports
Queen Alia International in Amman handles most long-haul flights, while Aqaba’s King Hussein International serves Red Sea visitors. Both have modern facilities, lounges, and duty-free options for last-minute souvenirs.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage is smart, especially for medical emergencies and trip interruptions. Include adventure sports coverage if you plan desert treks or diving in Aqaba. Many tour operators require proof before booking.
Jordan Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
12 | 13 | 17 | 23 | 28 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 26 | 20 | 14 |
| Low °C |
5 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| High °F |
54 | 55 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 86 | 79 | 68 | 57 |
| Low °F |
41 | 41 | 43 | 50 | 59 | 63 | 68 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 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