Discover the Beauty and History of Jordan
Situated between Israel, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Jordan is unexpectedly peaceful amid the turmoil of its neighbours and is a wonderful place to visit. With two of the most magnificent sights in the Middle East, namely the ancient city of Petra and Wadi Rum’s spectacular desert scenery, it is sad that so few people explore its rich history.
Jordan is a kingdom layered in antiquity, from the work of Nabataean stonemasons to characters such as Moses and Lawrence of Arabia; from ancient cities and Biblical sites to desert castles, Crusader forts, and Byzantine mosaics.
This ancient culture belies the fact that it is also a modern country, with good infrastructure, a thriving business and arts scene, and first-class hotels, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. The contrast between the old and new is astonishing.
Jordan is a relatively small country of varied landscapes, where the fertile Jordan Valley, bordering the entire western side of the kingdom, is separated from the immense desert stretching to the east by the populated highlands. As part of the Great Rift Valley, the Jordan Valley incorporates the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth’s surface and most famous for its heavy salt and mineral concentrations.
The main towns strung along the length of the highland plateau include the capital of Amman, as well as plenty of historical sites from ancient civilisations. Home to brilliant deserts, colourful coral reefs that are unequalled the world over, and sweeping vistas, Jordan is full of charismatic beauty.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Arabic is the official language, but English is understood by most people involved in the tourist industry, and by middle to upper-class Jordanians.
- Passport/Visa:
All foreign passengers to Jordan must hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and most nationalities require a visa to enter Jordan, which can be obtained on arrival, if travellers are arriving by air. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the dinar (JOD), which is divided into 10 dirhams, 100 piastres or 1,000 fulus. Foreign currency can be changed at any bank or moneychanger. Banks are closed on Fridays. Better hotels will also exchange money. American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club are the most widely accepted credit cards and can be used at major hotels, restaurants and tourist shops; cash can be withdrawn from inside banks. ATMs are available throughout Amman and in other major cities, but are harder to find in rural areas.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are most common, though occasionally UK flat three-pin plugs are used.
Overview
The quality of sightseeing opportunities in Jordan will take visitors by surprise if they haven’t done their homework, as there is far more to see than the astonishingly beautiful desert landscapes. Jordan is also on friendly terms with its neighbours and is the safest destination to visit in the Middle East.
Travellers can explore fascinating desert cities, castles and fortresses, many of which can easily be accessed from the capital of Amman or from the lively city of Aqaba. Visitors can opt to take these excursions by local taxi, hired car, 4×4 or atop a camel (as native Jordanians have done for centuries).
Not merely a land of desert and camels, there are great opportunities for visitors to get their feet wet in either the Dead Sea or the Red Sea. While the Red Sea (situated at the very southernmost tip of Jordan) offers up a fantastic chance to swim and scuba in crystal clear waters that harbour some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world, the Dead Sea experience is something totally different. The lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea allows swimmers to float weightlessly in its extremely salty waters.
Climate in Jordan
July and August are the hottest and driest months of the year, especially in Amman and the Jordan Valley, and in the desert areas, where temperatures can top 97F (36C). Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit, as there are clear, sunny days and moderate temperatures. The winter months from December to March can be very cold, particularly in Amman, where there is snow, rain and wind, but there is little rainfall in the desert regions and in Aqaba, which makes a pleasant wintertime resort. About 75 percent of the country can be described as having a desert climate with very little annual rainfall.
Health Notes when travelling to Jordan
Proof of vaccination is required if travellers are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs, and a vaccination for typhoid is recommended for most travellers, particularly those who are venturing to rural areas, travelling for a long time or visiting friends or relatives. It is advisable to drink bottled water, which is cheap and widely available, though better hotels have their own water filtering systems. Medical facilities are basic outside of Amman and travellers should seek treatment in Amman or Aqaba in the event of an emergency. Adequate travel health insurance is essential and should cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Safety Notes when travelling to Jordan
The vast majority of tourist visits to Jordan are safe and trouble free, but there is a risk of terrorist attacks. Travellers should maintain a degree of vigilance at all times, particularly in public places and at tourist attractions. They should also avoid all areas near the borders with Iraq and Syria due to military activity, the threat of kidnapping by terrorist groups, and the lack of emergency facilities. Public demonstrations and political gatherings could potentially turn violent, so travellers should steer clear. Crime levels are generally low, and incidents mostly involve pick pocketing, bag snatching and theft from cars; visitors should take sensible precautions to keep their money, passports and valuables secure. Women travellers should exercise caution when hiking in some of Jordan’s more remote areas, as they may receive unwanted attention from men or groups of men.
Customs in Jordan
Visitors should respect religious customs around eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours, particularly during the month of Ramadan. The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden in the streets and it is advisable to respect local Muslim conservatism regarding dress. Women in particular will be better received if their legs and shoulders are covered in public places. Jordanian law doesn’t explicitly prohibit homosexual acts, but locals generally don’t tolerate public displays of affection between homosexual couples. Bedouin hospitality is genuine, though custom requires that visitors leave some small gift in return for a meal or a glass of tea. Bargaining is expected with merchants, especially in the markets.
Duty Free in Jordan
Travellers to Jordan who are older than 18 years of age do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, normal cigars with a value not exceeding JOD 20, or Cuban cigars with a value not exceeding JOD 70; 1 litre of alcohol; and gifts to the value of JD200. Restricted items include firearms, sporting guns and other weapons without prior approval from authorities of country of origin and destination country. Prohibited items include all narcotics and birds or bird products.
Doing Business in Jordan
Jordanian business people generally prefer dark, conservative suits and ties for initial meetings, though casual dress is becoming more acceptable in certain industries. Conservative yet stylish attire is a good choice for women. As is the case in most Arab countries, business is very male-dominated, so women should clarify their role early in meetings. Meetings often start very late, but it is always advised to be punctual nonetheless. Most business is conducted in English, though using a few words of Arabic (particularly for titles) will be appreciated. Business cards are often exchanged. It is common to be invited for meals by one’s host, who will usually pay the bill, though it is appreciated if the guest pays for the final meal or gives a small gift. Business hours are usually 9.30am to 1.30pm and 3.30pm to 6pm Sunday to Thursday.
Communication in Jordan
The international dialling code for Jordan is +962. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Free WiFi is available in most prominent hotels and international coffee shops; travellers can purchase prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Jordan
The better hotels and restaurants add a 10 percent service charge to the bill, but smaller establishments usually expect a tip. It is customary to round up the price of a taxi trip instead of tipping.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Jordan must hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and most nationalities require a visa to enter Jordan, which can be obtained on arrival, if travellers are arriving by air. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required and can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. It is possible to apply for an extension.
Tourist Offices
Jordan Tourism Board, Amman: +96 26 5678 444 or http://www.visitjordan.com
Jordan Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Jordan, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 966 2664.
- In Canada:
Embassy of Jordan, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 8090.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Jordan, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7937 3685.
- In Australia:
Embassy of Jordan, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6295 9951.
- In South Africa:
Embassy of Jordan, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 346 8615.
Foreign Embassies in Jordan
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Amman: +962 6 590 6000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Amman: +962 6 520 3300.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Amman: +962 6 590 9200.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Amman: +962 6 580 7000.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Honourary Consulate, Amman: +962 6 553 3616.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Consulate, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Jordan): +90 312 446 3333.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Amman: +962 6 592 1194.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
