How Safe Is Jordan to Travel?
Jordan may be situated in a region plagued by conflict, yet it remains one of the safest destinations in the Middle East.
Petty crime does exist, however, so it’s essential to take the same precautions you would at home.
It is wise to avoid areas near Syria and Iraq’s borders, as they are currently considered unsafe.
1. Terrorism
Jordan is generally considered a safe country to visit, yet it remains vulnerable to terrorism. With the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Iraq, as well as political tension between Egypt and Israel and Palestine, the government is taking extra precautions to safeguard its citizens.
Terrorism is the intentional use of violence and fear to achieve political goals. Terrorists typically target people in places they believe they can have the greatest impact, such as schools, shopping centres, bus/train stations, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Revolutionary terrorism is the most prevalent type of terrorism and seeks to overthrow an existing regime. Subrevolutionary terrorism is less common, yet still attempts to modify the existing political system. Terrorists use violence not only to achieve their objectives but also aim to generate publicity in order to boost their political standing.
2. Crime
Travelers to this country generally consider it to be safe due to its relatively low crime rate. Most crimes are minor in nature and involve pickpocketing, occasional bag snatching and theft from cars.
Though crime rates in Jordan are low, it’s still best to take standard precautions when traveling there. Keep valuables and money secure at all times, and make sure your passport is with you as well as keeping your hotel’s business card so taxi drivers know where to bring you.
Crime and trafficking remain a serious threat in Jordan, particularly through the illegal trade in arms and drugs from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestinian territories that are smuggled into the country.
3. Public demonstrations
Political demonstrations in Jordan are usually peaceful and do not cause any issues for tourists. Nevertheless, it is essential to stay alert while visiting Amman or other cities, and keep up with local news reports.
Jordan’s low wages, high inflation and lack of government investment in public services have become major causes for protests. These problems are felt most acutely by Jordan’s middle class who feel left behind and unsupported by their government.
Protesters have ranged from demanding higher wages to protesting the country’s neoliberal policies, such as its dependence on the IMF and a recent agreement to reduce government budgets. Others have demonstrated against other government projects like the proposed construction of a new dam near the Dead Sea.
4. Taxis
Taxis are a common mode of transport in Jordan, and they’re generally safe to use. But before you hop in one, there are some things you should know.
Women travelling alone should consider sitting in the back seat, or next to a family, in order to avoid being approached by men. Doing this will keep them safer from unwanted attention such as groping and sexual harassment.
When traveling with friends, it’s wise to negotiate a flat fare before entering the taxi. Doing so can save both money and time in the long run.
5. Weather
Jordan is an amazing country, boasting a vibrant culture and many world-class sights to be discovered. However, like any place else in the world, it also has its share of safety issues to contend with.
One of the great things about traveling to Jordan is its generally low crime rates. So if you follow some simple travel advice and take proper precautions, there should be nothing to fear if you take basic safety measures. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are unfortunately common occurrences, so be mindful of people who appear friendly but may actually try to steal your items.
