Is Jordan Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Safety Guide From 7 Visits - Xplrverse

My Personal Safety Experience in Jordan

The first time I landed at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, I was genuinely nervous. My taxi driver, Mahmoud, must have sensed my anxiety as we headed toward the city center around midnight. “Welcome to Jordan, sister!” he announced with a warm smile. That night sparked what would become seven visits across Jordan over the years — from wandering solo through Petra’s narrow Siq at dawn to camping with Bedouins in Wadi Rum under impossibly bright stars.

During my years exploring Jordan, I’ve encountered nothing but hospitality that borders on overwhelming. Yet, I’ve also learned important safety nuances that guidebooks rarely mention. This guide shares everything I’ve learned about staying safe in Jordan in 2025, including recent changes and practical advice that I wish someone had told me before my first visit.

Overall Safety Situation in Jordan (2025 Update)

Jordan remains one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East in 2025, despite regional tensions. The Jordanian government prioritizes tourist safety with a visible tourist police presence in major destinations. In my experience, Jordan feels significantly safer than many European cities I’ve visited.

The country has maintained remarkable stability despite sharing borders with Syria, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah II’s government has made tourism safety a national priority, with the tourism sector contributing nearly 15% to the country’s GDP.

“Jordan isn’t just safe — it depends on tourism. The entire country has a vested interest in ensuring visitors have a secure, positive experience.” — My Jordanian friend Layla in Amman

2025 Safety Updates

Post-pandemic recovery: Tourism has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with improved health protocols at major sites
Enhanced security: Increased security presence at border regions and tourist sites
Digital improvements: New tourist safety app launched by the Ministry of Tourism
Regional tensions: Despite regional conflicts, Jordan maintains neutrality and stability

During my visit in early 2025, I noticed more security checkpoints on highways between major cities than in previous years, but these were quick and painless for tourists — just keep your passport handy.

Safety in Major Tourist Destinations

Amman

Jordan’s capital feels like any modern metropolitan city. I’ve walked Amman’s streets alone at night numerous times, particularly in western Amman neighborhoods like Abdoun and Sweifieh, without incident. The downtown area (Balad) gets crowded but remains generally safe. Exercise normal urban precautions:

Keep valuables secure and out of sight
Use reputable taxi services or Uber/Careem (which I personally prefer for the fixed pricing)
Be cautious when walking alone at night in less populated areas

One evening in Amman, I accidentally left my phone at a cafe on Rainbow Street. When I returned an hour later, not only had the staff kept it safe, but they refused to accept a tip, saying “ahlan wa sahlan” (you’re welcome) with genuine warmth.

Petra

Jordan’s crown jewel is extremely safe, with dedicated tourist police and guides throughout the archaeological site. I’ve visited Petra at various times of day, including for the magical Petra by Night experience, and always felt secure.

My biggest issue in Petra wasn’t safety but rather persistent vendors. A firm “la shukran” (no thank you) usually suffices. The new visitor center completed in 2024 has improved the entrance experience significantly.

Petra Safety Tips

Bring plenty of water and sun protection — heatstroke is a real risk
Wear proper footwear — I learned this the hard way after twisting my ankle on loose stones
Consider hiring an official guide (badges are visible) for insight and added security
Register with the visitor center if hiking to remoter areas like the Monastery

Wadi Rum

The vast desert expanse of Wadi Rum is magnificently isolated, but safety concerns are minimal. All visits are organized through Bedouin camps and tour operators who are registered with the government. My recommendation is to research camps thoroughly on sites like TripAdvisor or Booking.com before making reservations.

During my last visit in January 2025, I noticed stricter regulations for tour operators and improved facilities at many camps, with better emergency communication systems.

Dead Sea & Aqaba

Both tourist areas maintain high safety standards, with resorts offering security and amenities comparable to international standards. Aqaba’s Special Economic Zone status means additional security and a more western feel than other parts of Jordan.

The newly developed Ayla Oasis in Aqaba offers a particularly secure environment for families and those concerned about safety.

Common Safety Concerns for Travelers

Solo Female Travel

As a woman who has traveled solo through Jordan multiple times, I can share firsthand experience. Jordan is generally respectful toward female travelers, though you may experience more attention than in Western countries.

During my first solo trip, I made the mistake of being too polite when men approached me for conversation. I’ve since learned that a firm but polite decline works best. Dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) significantly reduces unwanted attention, especially outside resort areas.

Tips for Solo Female Travelers:

Dress modestly in public places (especially religious sites)
Consider wearing a wedding ring (even if you’re not married)
Use women-only carriages on public transport when available
Stay in women-friendly accommodations (The Sitti Collective in Amman is wonderful)
Be confident and purposeful when walking alone

The phrase “min fadlak, itrukni wahdi” (please leave me alone) is useful but rarely needed in my experience.

Scams and Hassles

Tourist scams exist in Jordan as they do worldwide, but they’re generally mild compared to other destinations. The most common issues I’ve encountered:

Common Scam	How to Avoid It
Taxi overcharging	Use metered yellow taxis or Uber/Careem apps
“Special” shop invitations	Politely decline; prices are usually inflated
Unofficial guides	Book through visitor centers or hotels
Camel/donkey ride price switch	Confirm full price (including return) before mounting
“Free” gifts that become charged	Clarify if something is truly free before accepting

My personal mistake story: In Petra, I agreed to a “three-dinar” camel ride, only to discover afterward that the vendor meant 30 dinars! I learned to always clarify prices and get them in writing when possible.

Health and Medical Safety

Jordan’s healthcare system has improved significantly in recent years, with excellent private hospitals in Amman. However, facilities in remote areas may be limited.

Essential Health Tips:

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before your trip
Bring necessary medications (with prescriptions)
Drink bottled water outside high-end hotels
Use high-SPF sunscreen — the desert sun is intense!
Be careful with street food (though I’ve rarely had issues)

The most common health issue I’ve faced in Jordan is dehydration while hiking. I now carry oral rehydration salts as a precaution and drink more water than I think I need.

Regional Considerations and Border Areas

While major tourist sites are safe, certain border regions require more caution. The government clearly marks restricted areas, and tourists rarely have reason to visit these regions anyway.

Areas to Exercise Increased Caution:

Northern border with Syria
Some eastern border regions with Iraq
Remote desert areas without guides

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for Americans or equivalent services for other nationalities are worth registering with before your trip.

Money-Saving Safety Tips (Local Secrets)

After seven trips, I’ve discovered several ways to stay safe while saving money that most guidebooks won’t tell you:

Insider Tip #1: The “Tourist Price” Workaround

In markets, prices often increase when vendors spot tourists. My technique: learn the Arabic numbers and check price tags instead of asking. When you show you can read Arabic numerals, prices magically become more reasonable. I saved nearly 70% on a hand-embroidered jacket in Madaba using this approach.

Insider Tip #2: Local SIM Card Security

Rather than relying on hotel WiFi (which can be insecure) or expensive international roaming, purchase a local Zain or Orange SIM card at the airport (5-10 JOD with data). This gives you reliable maps, translation apps, and emergency access. The airport shops charge slightly more, but having connectivity immediately upon arrival is worth the extra 2 JOD.

Insider Tip #3: Service Taxi Safety

The white “service taxis” that run between cities cost a fraction of private taxis or tours but aren’t mentioned in most guides because they don’t run on fixed schedules. They depart when full from main stations in each city. For example, traveling from Amman to Madaba costs 1.5 JOD versus 20+ JOD in a private taxi. To stay safe, only use service taxis during daylight hours and from the main stations.

Sustainable Safety Options

Ecotourism initiatives in Jordan often provide safer experiences while supporting local communities:

Stay at community-based tourism projects like Feynan Ecolodge — safer than random booking and environmentally friendly
Use the Jordan Trail Association for hiking — they work with local communities who know the terrain
Visit RSCN reserves like Ajloun and Dana — they employ local guides who know exactly which areas are safe

Cultural Sensitivity as a Safety Tool

Understanding Jordanian culture isn’t just about respect — it’s a safety tool. My most uncomfortable situations have always resulted from cultural misunderstandings.

Key Cultural Safety Points:

Conservative dress – Modest clothing (especially for women) prevents unwanted attention
Ramadan awareness – During the holy month, avoid eating/drinking in public during fasting hours
Photography permission – Always ask before photographing locals, especially women
Public affection – Limit romantic displays in public

Learning basic Arabic phrases has transformed my experiences. “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) as a greeting and “shukran” (thank you) open doors and hearts instantly.

Transportation Safety

Getting around Jordan safely requires some local knowledge:

Taxis and Ridesharing

Uber and Careem operate in Amman and are generally safer and more reliable than hailing taxis. For yellow taxis, ensure the meter is running (starting fare: 0.35 JOD plus 0.65 JOD for the first kilometer).

My transportation mistake: I once negotiated a “good price” with a taxi driver without a meter, only to pay triple the normal fare. Now I exclusively use metered taxis or rideshare apps.

Driving in Jordan

Renting a car gives freedom but comes with challenges. Jordanian driving can be chaotic by Western standards. If you do rent:

Choose major roads over shortcuts
Avoid night driving outside cities
Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation
Purchase full insurance coverage
Keep doors locked in urban areas

The Desert Highway connecting Amman to Aqaba has improved significantly with better lighting and services as of 2025.

Public Transportation

JETT buses (official website) are the safest, most comfortable public transport option, connecting major cities with air-conditioned coaches. Service buses (white shared taxis) are cheaper but less comfortable and run on unpredictable schedules.

Digital Safety

Cybersecurity is often overlooked by travelers to Jordan:

Use a VPN for public WiFi connections
Enable two-factor authentication for important accounts
Be cautious with social media posts that reveal your real-time location
Keep electronic copies of important documents in encrypted cloud storage

The new tourist WiFi networks installed at major sites in 2024 are convenient but not secure — I always connect through my VPN.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Jordan Safety Plan

After exploring Jordan’s deserts, cities, and archaeological wonders through multiple visits spanning years, I can confidently say it’s one of the safest destinations in the Middle East. The hospitality of Jordanians isn’t just a cultural tradition — it’s a genuine concern for visitors’ wellbeing.

Here’s my actionable 5-step safety plan for your Jordan journey:

Pre-Trip Preparation – Register with your embassy, purchase comprehensive travel insurance, and download offline maps and translation apps
Arrival Strategy – Use official airport taxis or pre-arrange hotel transfers for your first arrival; purchase a local SIM card immediately
Daily Safety Habits – Dress modestly, stay hydrated, maintain situational awareness, and keep emergency contacts accessible
Cultural Navigation – Learn basic Arabic phrases, respect local customs, and approach interactions with friendly confidence
Emergency Readiness – Save the tourist police number (055-662-3235), know the location of your embassy, and keep digital and physical copies of important documents

The reality is that my concerns about safety before my first trip proved largely unfounded. The challenges I’ve faced in Jordan have been minor compared to the warmth, hospitality, and life-changing experiences I’ve enjoyed. The country has given me far more than I expected — from starlit conversations with Bedouin guides to the simple joy of floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea.

If you approach Jordan with reasonable precautions, cultural sensitivity, and an open heart, you’ll likely find, as I have, that you leave with not just memories but a deep appreciation for one of the world’s most welcoming countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jordan safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Jordan is generally safe for solo female travelers. I’ve traveled alone through Jordan multiple times and found it safer than many European destinations. Dress modestly outside resort areas, be firm but polite if approached, and trust your instincts. Female travelers will experience some additional attention but rarely threatening behavior.

How does the regional conflict affect safety in Jordan?

Despite sharing borders with several conflict zones, Jordan maintains remarkable stability. The government prioritizes security, especially in tourist areas. While regional tensions occasionally affect border regions, mainstream tourist destinations remain consistently safe. Jordan has successfully maintained its status as a neutral, peaceful country amid regional challenges.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Jordan?

I recommend avoiding tap water in most areas of Jordan. While technically treated, the mineral content can cause stomach upset for visitors. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. In high-end hotels in Amman, tap water may be safe, but I still use bottled water for peace of mind.

Are there areas of Jordan tourists should avoid?

Most tourist destinations are very safe, but exercise caution near the Syrian and Iraqi borders. The Jordan Valley along the Israeli border has checkpoints but is generally safe for tourists. Always check current travel advisories before visiting border regions. Remote desert areas should only be visited with guides.

How reliable is internet access for remote work?

Internet reliability has improved significantly in 2025. Major cities and tourist areas now have 5G coverage, and most hotels offer WiFi. However, connections can be spotty in remote areas like Wadi Rum. I’ve successfully worked remotely from Amman, where numerous coworking spaces offer reliable connections.

Is Jordan expensive for travelers in 2025?

Jordan is moderately expensive compared to neighboring countries like Egypt. The Jordan Pass (starting at 70 JOD) includes visa fees and entrance to major attractions, offering excellent value. Budget accommodations start around 20-30 JOD per night, while meals range from 3-5 JOD at local restaurants to 15+ JOD at tourist establishments. Prices have increased about 10-15% since 2023.

What should I do in case of an emergency?

For emergencies, dial 911, which connects to an English-speaking operator. The tourist police (055-662-3235) are specifically trained to assist travelers. For medical emergencies, private hospitals in Amman provide the best care. Always keep your embassy’s contact information accessible.

Is it safe to visit Jordan during Ramadan?

Visiting during Ramadan is safe and can be culturally enriching, though it requires some adjustments. Business hours shorten, and eating in public during daylight is considered disrespectful. However, tourist areas and hotels maintain services, and the evening festivities provide a unique cultural experience. I’ve visited twice during Ramadan and found it fascinating, though slightly more challenging logistically.