Safety
General Security Situation
Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East and generally very safe for tourists. Despite its location in a turbulent region (Syria, Iraq, Israel/Palestine), King Abdullah II has managed to maintain Jordan as an island of stability. Terrorist attacks against tourists are extremely rare, the crime rate is low, and the security forces are professional and present.
Security Zones
| Zone | Assessment | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist centers (Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Jerash, Dead Sea) | Very safe | Normal caution as in Southern Europe |
| Rural areas | Safe | Hospitality everywhere, little crime |
| Syrian border area (northeast) | Caution | Foreign Office advises distance — refugee camps, military presence |
| Iraqi border area (east) | Avoid | Travel there only for compelling reasons |
Crime
Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. What occasionally occurs:
- Pickpocketing: In Amman's Downtown and at tourist hotspots. Do not carry valuables openly.
- Taxi fraud: Drivers who do not turn on the meter or take detours. Insist on the meter or use Uber/Careem.
- Overpricing: In Petra and Wadi Rum: donkey/camel rides and souvenirs at inflated prices. Agree on the price beforehand.
- Pushy vendors: In Petra, Bedouins offer donkey rides, jewelry, and tours. Politely but firmly decline.
Women Traveling Alone
Jordan is relatively safe for women traveling alone. Hospitality explicitly extends to women. Tips:
- Dress conservatively (shoulders and knees covered), especially outside Amman
- Respond firmly to harassment — Jordanian passersby often intervene to help
- Take a taxi at night instead of walking (Uber is ideal)
- In Wadi Rum and Petra: organized tours offer additional security
