Jordan

Recommended Vaccinations For Jordan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Jordan

There are no recommendations for Jordan at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Jordan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Jordan.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Jordan.

For Some Travellers

MERS

There is a risk of acquiring MERS-CoV in this country. Scientists do not fully understand how the MERS virus spreads. It is a viral infection transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels or camel-related products. Limited person-to-person transmission through coughing and sneezing from infected persons, typically in healthcare settings, has also been reported. There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis, if visiting ill friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hanta Virus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Jordan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis occurs in Jordan.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Jordan

Personal Safety

Most tourists visit Jordan without incident, however, petty crime, such as pickpocketing or purse snatching, does occur. To minimize the risk of being targeted for theft, avoid wearing or displaying expensive jewellery or clothing, and keep cash and valuables out of sight.

Women have reported sexual harassment and assaults. When using taxis, women should sit in the back seat, travel in groups, and travel in daylight.

Travellers should take note of whether they will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress and behave conservatively to respect local customs and avoid public displays of affection.

Use taxis that have been recommended by your hotel.

Keep official identification documents with you for random police security checks.

Driving in Jordan can be dangerous due to reckless driving and poor driving habits. Some roads may be unlit at night. If driving, be aware that speed limits are strictly enforced.

Be aware of personal security and your surroundings as you plan travel activities.

Westerners can be targeted at tourist attractions throughout Jordan and other locations, such as places frequented by expatriates, Western businesses, markets, etc.

Do not take photos of military or government buildings.

Due to its location in an active seismic zone, Jordan can experience earthquakes. Jordan also experiences droughts, flash floods and sand/dust storms.

Same-sex behaviours and relations are not socially tolerated in Jordan and LGBTI travellers will likely face discrimination.

Extreme Violence

There is a general terrorist threat throughout Jordan. Locations that could be targeted are government and diplomatic buildings, tourist sites and Western interests. Security measures are currently in place and can be suddenly reinforced. Exercise caution in areas known to be frequented by foreigners.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations are likely to occur, especially after Friday mid-day prayers, in the following areas: near key government and diplomatic buildings, major intersections, mosques, downtown Amman, Irbid, Zarqa, Mafraq, Madaba, Karak, Tafileh, Ma’an, Ajloun, on the major highways connecting these towns, on university campuses and in refugee camps. Avoid all demonstrations and monitor local new sources for updated information about protests.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid travelling to refugee camps in Jordan due to unpredictable security situation. Seek approval from the Government of Jordan if wanting to travel to the camps, including for humanitarian work.

Exercise caution in the areas bordering Israel, Iraq and Syria due to conflict, military activity and a volatile security situation. Also note that these borders may close on short notice. There have been cases where passengers travelling into Iraq have been handed over to kidnappers once over the Iraqi border.

There is a risk of landmines and unexploded munitions near military installations and borders, including the Dead Sea area. Minefields are usually fenced and marked but could be difficult to see. Reconsider travel to Ma’an City and some areas of Ma’an Governorate due to terrorism and crime.