Middle East • Updated August 2026

Country Risk Report

Jordan

Overall Risk Rating

Medium

Capital

Amman

Languages

Arabic (official); English widely used

Currency

Jordanian dinar (JOD)

Executive Summary

Jordan is classified as a MEDIUM risk destination. In ordinary times it is one of the most stable and welcoming countries in the Middle East, and its main cities and tourist sites function normally, so the rating reflects acute regional instability, border threats and a terrorism risk rather than everyday danger. Major governments raised their advisories to a reconsider travel level in March 2026 amid the wider regional conflict. The dominant current factor is spillover from the 2026 Iran war. Since coordinated strikes on Iran began on 28 February 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile activity across the region and significant disruption to flights, and several governments ordered the departure of non-emergency staff. Most projectiles over Jordan have been intercepted with minimal harm, but the situation is unpredictable and can change quickly. Separately, the areas bordering Syria and Iraq face threats from cross-border violence, smuggling and terrorism and are off-limits, and there is a general risk of terrorist attacks given Jordan's role in the coalition against Islamic State. Refugee camps require authorisation, fuel-price protests occurred in early 2026, and road safety and heat are practical concerns. The tourist corridor of Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Aqaba remains secure.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Moderate	Regional war spillover with drone and missile risk; the Syria and Iraq borders are dangerous.
Terrorism	Moderate	A general attack risk given Jordan's coalition role and regional tensions.
Kidnapping	Low	Kidnapping of travellers is rare outside the border regions.
Crime	Low	Low violent crime; petty theft, scams and overcharging in tourist areas.
Civil Unrest	Moderate	Protests over economic pressures and regional events can occur.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Good private care in Amman; more limited elsewhere. Extreme heat is a hazard.
Internal Travel	Moderate	Flight and airspace disruption, border areas and road safety affect travel.
Digital / Cyber	Low	Cybercrime laws apply and some monitoring occurs; broader risk is limited.

Essential Precautions

1Track the regional conflict closely, as advisories are elevated and drone and missile activity can occur with little warning.

2Avoid the Syria and Iraq border areas, which face cross-border violence, smuggling and terrorism.

3Maintain terrorism vigilance, particularly at crowded places and potential targets.

4Expect flight and airspace disruption, with closures and cancellations at short notice.

5Avoid protests and political gatherings, which have occurred over economic pressures and regional events.

6Do not visit refugee camps without authorisation, and avoid designated restricted areas.

7Manage extreme heat and road safety, as summers are severe and traffic accidents are a leading hazard.

8Respect local laws and customs, in a conservative but tourism-friendly society.

Security Situation

Medium

Jordan is normally one of the most stable countries in the region, and the medium rating reflects acute regional instability, border threats and a terrorism risk rather than everyday danger. The tourist corridor functions normally, while the Syria and Iraq borders should be avoided.

Amman and the Centre

Medium

Amman and the centre function normally, with terrorism vigilance, occasional protests and regional-conflict disruption the main concerns.

Petra, Wadi Rum and the South (Tourist Corridor)

Medium

Petra, Wadi Rum and the south form a secure tourist corridor that continues to operate normally.

The Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea

Medium

The Jordan Valley and Dead Sea are largely secure but see periodic tension near the Israeli border.

The Syria and Iraq Border (North-east)

High

The Syria and Iraq border in the north-east faces cross-border violence, smuggling and terrorism and should be avoided.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Moderate

Jordan is not a party to the 2026 regional conflict, but spillover brings a threat of drone and missile activity, most of which has been intercepted, and significant flight disruption. The Syria and Iraq borders face cross-border violence.

Terrorism

Moderate

There is a general risk of terrorist attacks, which can be indiscriminate, given Jordan's leading role in the coalition against Islamic State and regional tensions, and the authorities regularly disrupt plots. Crowded places and potential targets warrant vigilance.

Kidnapping and Detention

Low

Kidnapping of travellers is rare outside the border regions. The authorities can detain people over online content under cybercrime laws, and travellers should be mindful of what they post about security and politics.

Crime and Lawlessness

Low

Violent crime is low and Jordan is generally safe for everyday activity, with petty theft, scams and overcharging in tourist areas the main issues. Pickpocketing has ticked up in Amman's commercial districts amid economic pressures.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Flight and airspace disruption from the regional conflict, the off-limits border areas, and a high traffic-accident rate are the main travel concerns. The main cities and tourist sites are well connected, and Queen Alia International Airport continues to operate.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Good private healthcare is available in Amman, including a strong medical sector, but care is more limited in remote areas, and extreme summer heat is a hazard. Serious cases are well handled in Amman, and travellers should hold appropriate cover.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Moderate

Jordan is a conservative but tourism-friendly Muslim society, and travellers are warmly received. Modest dress in public and at religious sites, sensitivity around politics and the regional conflict, and respect for Ramadan customs are advisable.

LGBT Travellers

Moderate

Same-sex relationships are not criminalised, but there are no protections and social attitudes are conservative. Discretion is advisable, particularly outside cosmopolitan areas of Amman.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Moderate

Jordan is a stable monarchy under King Abdullah II and a key Western ally, managing significant refugee populations and the pressures of regional conflict, with reduced diplomatic staffing during the crisis. Consular support is available in Amman.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Low

A cybercrime law applies and can be used against online content, and some monitoring occurs, but broader cyber risk to visitors is limited. Connectivity is good in populated areas.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Routine vaccines
Ensure the standard UK schedule is complete.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended for some travellers due to food and water risk.
Hepatitis B
Consider for longer or higher-risk stays.
Tetanus
Ensure boosters are current.

Other Health Hazards

Extreme heat: Summer heat is severe; hydrate and limit midday exposure, especially at Petra and Wadi Rum.
Road safety: Traffic accidents are a leading hazard; take care as a driver and pedestrian.
Food and water hygiene: Practise normal hygiene outside reputable venues.
Private care: Use reputable private facilities in Amman and hold cover.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Jordan is available on a specialist basis, with the Syria and Iraq border areas typically excluded. The main cities and tourist sites are manageable with precautions, while the border regions and active-strike periods require specialist advice, and cover should include medical, evacuation and, given regional disruption, war-risk and aviation provisions.

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Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Checkpoints operate, more so near borders and during heightened tension; cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. The Syria and Iraq borders and refugee camps are restricted. Do not photograph military, security or border sites.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Kidnapping of travellers is rare outside the border regions. The Syria and Iraq border areas carry elevated risk. Cybercrime laws can be applied to posts about security or politics. Risk is concentrated in the north-east border area.

High-Risk Travellers

Border-area travellers face cross-border and terrorism risk. Crowd and event attendees face a residual terrorism risk. Active-conflict-period travellers face strike and flight-disruption risk. Those posting sensitive content face cybercrime-law risk.

Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Track the conflict and plan around elevated advisories and possible disruption. Avoid the borders and favour Amman and the tourist corridor. Hold medical, evacuation and, given regional risk, war-risk and aviation cover. Prepare for extreme heat at desert sites.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Avoid sensitive posts under cybercrime laws. Guard against tourist scams and overcharging. Connectivity is good; consider an eSIM. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Expect flight disruption and confirm airspace and flight status. Stay clear of the Syria and Iraq border areas. Use official or app-based taxis. Avoid political gatherings.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Dress modestly and respect religious customs. Be sensitive on politics and the regional conflict. Never photograph military or border sites.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.