Jordan is a safe and calm country in the Middle East. As tourism continues to grow rapidly in this beautiful desert kingdom, many travelers wonder: Is Jordan safe for tourism? The short answer is yes. Jordan pays a lot of attention to tourism and security, and they have done their best to ensure that visitors feel welcome in the country.
Crime Levels
Overall, Jordan remains one of the safest countries in the Middle East, and its crime rate is significantly lower than that of most Western countries, particularly when it comes to violent crime. There may be some instances of theft especially in areas such as crowded markets or moving from one place to another, especially in areas like Amman or other big cities but it is extremely rare to hear of tourists being attacked violently. Jordan is on the list of safe countries to visit in the Middle East and North African region. The threats of aggressive and unfriendly locals are simply not synonymous with the role of a tourist; rather, the opposite is true: you are more likely to meet friendly and welcoming people than the other way around.
Terrorism Risks
Terrorism and extreme violence are very low in Jordan compared to most of the neighboring countries. Law enforcement officers manage to prevent possible acts of terrorism before they take place. The last big terror attack was in November 2016 in Karak when 10 people were killed including a Canadian tourist at a Crusader castle. It is rather unusual in Jordan to hear similar cases, but the risk can never be completely disregarded. Most of the time, they don’t become targets unless the site they are frequenting is highly sensitive or popular. It is therefore advisable to also avoid overcrowded places such as mosques, churches, markets, rally grounds, or near refugee camps but if one has to be there then some of the following precautionary measures should be observed.
Regional Stability
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is bordered by Israel in the west, Syria in the northeast, Saudi Arabia in the south, and Iraq in the southeast. Security is also a characteristic feature of the region, so it is always necessary to monitor the geopolitical situation when visiting Jordan. However, its neutrality as well as stability in comparison to neighbors engaged in hostilities imply that tourism keeps on growing during even the most difficult periods. Since the start of the uprising in 2011, Jordan received hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees to be refugees. Jordan has exerted pressure on infrastructure but it has accepted them and cases of refugee violence are rare. Currently, terrorist groups control some of the borders of Iraq and Syria, but Jordan has well-guarded borders. Although Jordanians cannot travel to Israel, the relations are still formally friendly.
Is it safe for a single lady to travel?
Jordan still has a relatively conservative approach to sexuality and sexual relations, but at the same time, the people of Jordan are incredibly welcoming and hospitable towards tourists and foreigners in general. Once in a while, maybe while walking alone as a woman, catcalling or uncomfortable staring may occur. Another reason is to also avoid any unnecessary attention that one might attract by dressing inappropriately. Nonetheless, violent or aggressive incidences that may be directed to female tourists are rarely experienced. The Jordanian women can easily and without any obstructions navigate most Jordanian cities. In their interactions with locals as individual female travelers, they state that their experience in Jordan is nearly always a positive one, provided that what anyone would consider standard caution is observed when back home.
protective environment for tourists. Military governments ensure that there is heavy deployment of security personnel at historical attractions and big cities. Since a significant part of Jordan’s revenue comes from tourism, officials have all the incentives to avoid any conflict or incidents that may deter tourists. Hotels and tourist guides are strictly licensed and therefore using registered operators adds another layer of protection. Jordan is also safe for families with children – there are many attractions and places that are interesting for children.
Although some of the countries in the Middle East have problems, Jordan is welcoming to tourists and protects their lives. The risks of being caught in random violence or terrorism as a tourist here are a million times less than the risks one takes within the comfort of their own home. As for WTH moments, entertainment is the last thing on the mind of visitors who can simply sit back, forget about personal safety – save for an occasional overdose of refreshing mint tea! Since the US and the UK are among those recommending travel here, Jordan rightfully claims to be one of the safest and most liberal nations in the Middle East.
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Is Jordan safe for tourists right now?
This is the most common question, as travelers want to know the current situation regarding safety in Jordan.
What is the crime rate in Jordan compared to other popular tourist destinations?
People often compare Jordan's crime rate to other popular tourist destinations to assess the risk.
Are there specific areas of Jordan that are safer than others?
Travelers may want to know if there are particular cities or regions that are considered safer.
What precautions should I take to stay safe while in Jordan?
This question seeks advice on how to minimize risks and ensure a safe trip.
Should I avoid certain activities or times of day while in Jordan?
Travelers may be concerned about specific activities or times of day that could be riskier.