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Region: Middle East
Full Name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Capital City: Amman
Language Spoken: Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classes
Get travel insurance to Jordan from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Jordan and most of the world.
31 00 N, 36 00 E
lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m highest point: Jabal Ram 1,734 m
total: 1,635 km border countries: Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 744 km, Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 km
droughts; periodic earthquakes
phosphates, potash, shale oil
arable land: 3.32% permanent crops: 1.18% other: 95.5% (2005)
limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
Hot and dry summers with cool evenings. The Jordan Valley below sea level is warm during winter and extremely hot in summer. Rain falls between November and March, while colder weather conditions occur in December/January. Required clothing Lightweight cottons and linens are advised between May and September. Warmer clothes are necessary for winter and cool summer evenings. Rainwear is needed from November to April.
time difference: UTC+2 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Thursday in March; ends last Friday in September
5,906,760 (July 2006 est.)
0-14 years: 33.8% (male 1,018,070/female 976,442) 15-64 years: 62.4% (male 1,966,794/female 1,716,255) 65 years and over: 3.9% (male 111,636/female 117,563) (2006 est.)
total: 23 years male: 23.7 years female: 22.4 years (2006 est.)
2.49% (2006 est.)
21.25 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
2.65 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
6.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
total population: 78.4 years male: 75.9 years female: 81.05 years (2006 est.)
2.63 children born/woman (2006 est.)
Crime is generally not a serious problem for travelers in Jordan, but petty crime is prevalent in the downtown Amman Hashimiyah Square area and near the Roman Theater. In the narrow streets of the Old City, crowded conditions invite pickpockets and other petty criminals. It is safer to travel in groups when visiting the center of Amman. Additional caution and sensitivity should be exercised at religious sites on holy days and Friday Sabbath. Modest attire should be worn at all holy sites. Incidents of sexual harassment assault and unwelcome advances of a sexual nature against Western visitors and residents are on the increase in Jordan, especially in cities and commonly traveled tourist sites. These incidents, while troubling, are not pervasive. However, women are advised to use common sense and to take reasonable precautions: dress conservatively and do not travel alone.
There are several high-standard hotels in Amman and Aqaba where alcoholic drinks can be served at all times. Hotels are fully booked during business periods so reservations are advised.
Telephone IDD service is available within cities, with direct dialing to most countries. Country code: 962 (followed by 6 for Amman). Outgoing international code: 00. There are now telephone and facsimile connections to Israel from Jordan. The use of fax is increasing. Most good hotels have facilities. Post office hours are 0800-1800 Saturday to Thursday, closed Friday (except for the downtown post office on Prince Mohammed Street in Amman which is open Friday).
is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Lamp sockets are screw-type, and there is a wide range of wall sockets. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used. Lamp sockets are screw-type, and there is a wide range of wall sockets.
C,D,F,G,J
The cuisine varies, although most restaurants have a mixed menu which includes both Arabic and European dishes.
National specialties:
? Meze (small starters such as fool, humus, kube and tabouleh).
? Kebabs.
? Mahshi Waraq ?inab (vine leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat and spices).
? Musakhan (chicken in olive oil and onion sauce roasted on Arab bread).
? Mensaf (stewed lamb in a yogurt sauce served on a bed of rice), a dish which is normally eaten with the hand.
? Baklava (pastry filled with nuts or honey).
? Kanafa (pastry filled with nuts or goats cheese).
? Ataif (small fried pancakes filled with nuts or cheese and traditionally eaten during Ramadan).
? Mohallabiya (milk-based pudding perfumed with rose water or orange). National drinks:
? Drinking Arabic coffee is a ritual. Coffee tends to be very strong and is served in small cups (with plenty of coffee grounds at the bottom).
? Local beer, wine and other types of alcohol are served in most restaurants and bars, except during the fasting month of Ramadan (non-Arabic nationals can drink alcohol only in hotels during Ramadan).
? Araq is a local liquor similar to Greek Ouzo, usually mixed with water and ice. Tipping : 10 to 12 per cent service charge is generally added in hotels and restaurants, and extra tips are discretionary. Porters? and drivers? tips are about 8 per cent.
Nightlife
There are nightclubs, theaters and cinemas in Amman, while some other major towns have cinemas. Often clubs will only admit couples or mixed groups. Many of the 4- and 5-star hotels have popular clubs and bars.
* Please see visa section
Passport valid for six months required by all.
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates and Yemen for maximum stays of one month (extensions may be obtained at the nearest police station);
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey to another country by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Transit visas can only be issued at Jordanian airports/airlines and not at embassies or consulates.
1. (a) Nationals of certain countries ? including all European Union countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the USA ? can obtain visas on arrival at the airport in Jordan. Multiple-entry visas can only be obtained at the nearest Embassy/Consulate. (b) For information about land border crossings, see the Travel - International section or contact the Embassy.
Tourist, Transit and Business: US$19 (single-entry); US$36 (multiple-entry).
Validity varies according to nationality. For Australian, Canadian, UK and US nationals, visas are valid as follows: Tourist: Three months for single-entry if obtained from the embassy or two weeks if obtained at the airport, these can be extended at any Jordanian police station; Multiple-entry are valid for six months; Business: Three months. After the first two weeks of stay, all visitors holding a visa must report to the nearest police station.
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.
(a) Completed application form. (b) Passport valid for at least six months with at least one blank page. (c) One recent passport-size photo. (d) Stamped, self-addressed, recorded or registered envelope if applying by post. (e) Fee (only cash or postal orders are accepted). Business (a)-(e) and, (f) Company letter supporting application.
Two if applying in person; two weeks by post once application has been received.
Nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo (Dem Rep), Congo (Rep), Colombia, C?te d?Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Iran, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Kenya, Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of), Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Vietnam Zaire and Zambia are required to seek approval from the Ministry of Interior in order to obtain a visa and therefore should allow six to eight weeks for their applications to be processed. Contact the Embassy for further information (see Passport/Visa Information).
Apply to Embassy; see Passport/Visa Information.
Test required for anyone staying longer than 6 months
JD5 for individual tourists which is included in the airline ticket, JD25 for Jordanian nationals on international departures. Transit passengers are exempt.
The Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 76-80 Southwark Street, London SE1 0PN
(Previously 6 Upper Phillimore Gardens, London W8 7HA, UK)
Tel: (020) 7937 3685.
Website: www.jordanembassyuk.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1200 (consulate enquiries); 1400-1500 (visa collection).
3504 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 966 2664 or 966 2861 (consular section).
Website: www.jordanembassyus.org
Most visits to Jordan are trouble-free. However, there is a high threat from terrorism.
Travelers planning to travel to Jordan should take sensible precautions for their personal security arrangements throughout their visit.
Developments in the region could affect the security situation.
Travelers should take extra care at the borders with Israel and Iraq. Travelers should take particular care when using Jordanian service taxis to cross into neighboring countries.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
Dinar (JOD) = 100 piaters or 1000 fils. Notes are in denominations of JOD50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 500 fils. Coins are in denominations of 1JOD, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils.
The import and export of local or foreign currency is unrestricted.
Sat-Thurs 0830-1500. Hours during Ramadan are 0830-1000, although some banks open in the afternoon.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged easily in banks and bureaux de change. Most hotels also provide exchange facilities. The daily exchange rates are published in local newspapers.
American Express, Visa, Diners Club and MasterCard are accepted in hotels restaurants and larger shops. Check with your credit and debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. There are some ATMs but only some accept foreign cards.
Those issued by UK banks are accepted by licensed banks and bureaux de change. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
City/Region | City/Area code | Followed by |
---|---|---|
Central Jordan | (0)5 | + 7 digit subscriber nr |
Greater Amman | (0)6 | + 7 digit subscriber nr |
Northern Jordan | (0)2 | + 7 digit subscriber nr |
Southern Jordan | (0)3 | + 7 digit subscriber nr |
Avoid dental care unless you are in a major city as generally the standards of care and hygiene can not be guaranteed
Supplies of international medications are generally available in Jordan
Blood supplies are considered as safe, collected from volunteer donors and screened to international standards
Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of Jordan, but not necessarily in outlying areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution; avoid freshwater lakes, streams and rivers. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured. Dry, dusty weather complicates lung, sinus and other respiratory problems and may make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.
Cholera: Although limited in effectiveness, vaccination may be appropriate for persons living and/or working in less than sanitary conditions for more than 3 months where medical facilities are unavailable. Vaccination may also be appropriate for travelers with impaired gastric defenses who are planning an extended visit or being exposed to unsanitary conditions. Vaccination is not advised for pregnant women, infants younger than 6 months old, or persons with a history of severe reaction to the vaccine. Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Polio: A one-time booster dose is recommended for travelers who have previously completed a standard course of polio immunization. Refer to CDC guidelines for vaccinating unimmunized or incompletely immunized persons. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination; however, if protection is needed, either IPV or OPV may be used, depending on preference and time available. Rabies: Preexposure vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 30 days who are expected to be at risk to bites from domestic and/or wild animals (particularly dogs), or for persons engaged in high risk activities such as spelunking or animal handling. Need for vaccination is more important if potential exposure is in rural areas and if adequate postexposure care is not readily available. Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Insect-borne diseases: these do not generally pose widespread hazards to the traveler. Leishmaniasis (cutaneous) - occurs Leishmaniasis (visceral) - occurs Tick-borne relapsing fever - occurs Typhus (including murine and tick-borne) - occurs Food-borne and water-borne illness: pose a major hazard in most areas. Brucellosis - prevalent Cholera - occurs Dracunculiasis - occurs Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) - occurs Hepatitis (viral) - common Schistosomiasis - occurs Taeniasis - occurs Typhoid fever - common Other hazards: Diseases such as measles and diphtheria are commonly reported. Polio is still considered a possible risk, although cases have rarely been reported in recent years. Influenza risk extends from November to April. Trachoma and animal rabies may be problems.
AIDS: According to the Department of State, testing is required for anyone staying longer than 3 months. Contact Jordan's embassy for details. Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.
No recent disease outbreaks
Name | Address |
---|---|
Al Khalidi Medical Center | Ben Khaldoun Street P.O. Box 5355 Amman 1183 |
Amman Surgical Hospital | Jabal Amman 3rd Circle P.O. Box 815447 Amman |
Arab Center for Heart and Special Surgery | Jabal Amman Fifth Circle PO Box 3128 Amman 11181 |
Arab Medical Center | P.O. Box 3128 Amman 11181 |
Jordan Hospital | Queen Nour Street Fourth Circle Amman 11152 |
King Hussein Medical Centre | 2 km after 8th Circle Amman |
Speciality Hospital | P.O. Box 930186 Amman 11193 |
University of Jordan Hospital | University of Jordan Street Amman |
Jordan is trying to persuade Arab commercial satellite broadcasters to relocate to its media free zone, though investors remain concerned about safeguards against censorship. In 2003, the government repealed legislation that provided for jail terms for harming the King's reputation or for inciting strikes, criminal activity or "illegal" gatherings.
Press: Arabic-language daily publications include Ad Dustour, Al Ra'y, Al Ghadd and Al Arab al Yawm. The English-language newspapers are The Jordan Times (daily) and The Star (weekly).
TV: State-run Jordan Radio and Television operates main network Channel One, sports network Channel Two, film network Channel Three and Jordan Satellite Channel.
Radio: State-run Jordan Radio and Television provides services in Arabic, English and French. Radio Fann is an FM entertainment station run by armed forces. Mood FM and Play 99.6 are private, pop music stations. The BBC Arabic Service and Radio Monte Carlo Middle East are available on FM in Amman and in northern Jordan.