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Jordan is one of the safer countries in the Middle East when it comes to terrorism and crime, but don't get too complacent.
Photo © iStock/RobertHoetink
Jammed between some of the most volatile countries in the world – Iraq and Syria, just to name a few – you'd be forgiven for being a little nervous before a trip to Jordan.
To put your nerves to rest, despite everything that's going on around the country, Jordan's leaders have been working hard to make the desert kingdom into a modernized nation in global society. The first step to doing this, is ensuring travelers feel safe.
- Is terrorism a concern for visitors?
- How to avoid civil unrest in Jordan
- Crime in Jordan
- Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: Jordan
Is terrorism a concern for visitors?
There have been a few rare incidents that have threatened to destroy Jordan's reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
- In December 2016, shootings in and around the Karak Castle took place. The "crusader" fort is popular with tourists. One Canadian tourist and two Jordanian locals were killed in the incident. 34 others including foreign nationals were injured. It should be noted that 11 Jordanians, members of the army or gendarmerie sent to tackle the terrorists, were killed, as were the 5 attackers. Jordan is a major partner in the US-led coalition fighting ISIS. In December 2014, a Jordanian pilot was captured by ISIS and executed in a grisly way. Jordan retaliated by sentencing two ISIS prisoners to be hanged. The Karak incident occured a year later and should be viewed in that perspective.
- The second security incident occured in July 2017. Jordanian authorities closed the road to Petra and Wadi Rum after one of the largest tribes in southern Jordan, protested the sentencing of a Jordanian soldier to life in prison for the killing of three US soldiers at a military base. Tourism operators and local bedouins in the Wadi Rum area argues the forced closure was an over-reaction. There were no attacks and no-one was attacked, but the closure hurt the reputation for safety built up over many years.
Be aware though that ISIS continues to call for followers to launch attacks on westerners in Jordan, and especially at Petra. While the large police and military presence throughout the country has been successful at stopping terrorist actions in the country since the 2005 suicide bombing of hotels in Amman, there is no guarantee of perfect safety. However, you should not be paranoid.
How to avoid civil unrest in Jordan
If you're still concerned about the possibility for terrorism while on vacation in Jordan, keep these facts in mind:
- Stay away from political and religious demonstrations, as they could turn violent, or you could be seen and noticed by terrorist groups as a Western sympathizer
- Be aware of when and where the potential for violent acts are at its highest: on days leading up to religious holidays, on Fridays, near the downtown areas of Amman or tourist hotels, near main city mosques and after midday prayers
- The borders with Syria and Iraq are too dangerous for tourists to visit.
Crime in Jordan
As a happy result of the increased police and military presence to combat terrorism, crime rates throughout Jordan are quite low compared even to many cities in Europe and the United States.
Generally, the only things you will have to worry about are bag and purse snatching, pickpocketing, and, occaisionally, sexual harassment or assault (don't ever ride in the front seat of a taxi – several female travelers have reported incidents of harrassment).
Cities everywhere attract a criminal element, and in the tourist-heavy parts of Amman, the threat of having your pocket picked or bag stolen is as high as it would be anywhere else. Be sure to keep important documents, cards, and cash away from prying fingers.
The shopping precinct of Amman and especially the up-market Taj Mall attract petty theives. In those places, be particularly careful when using ATMs – some people have been robbed after withdrawing cash, or had their PINs stolen by "shoulder surfers".
Always watch your bags; leave them unattended for even a moment and they'll miraculously grow legs and disappear. Always carry bags on the side away from the kerb, thieves ride by on mopeds or motorcycles, snatch your purse, and take off through busy traffic.
Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: Jordan
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