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TRAVEL REPORT
Jordan

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 8 (Ramadan) has been updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Jordan

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to Jordan do not experience problems.

There is a constant and high terrorist threat throughout the Arabian Peninsula and Jordan. From time to time, reports emerge that terrorists plan to attack specific locations in one of these countries. Targets could include government buildings, public areas, tourist sites and Western interests. Heightened security measures are currently in place and may be reinforced upon short notice. Canadians are strongly advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Caution should be particularly exercised in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (commercial, public, touristic). Canadians should monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are also advised to register and keep in contact with the Embassy of Canada in Amman, as well as to carefully follow messages issued through the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service.

It is recommended to exercise a high degree of caution near and in refugee camps, as well as border areas.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest

Demonstrations and civil unrest sometimes occur. Some have become violent in the past and have caused deaths and injuries. Canadians are advised to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they occur, as they may turn violent without warning. They should also monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime

The crime rate is low, but petty crime occurs, especially in downtown Amman and the Old City. To reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim, showing signs of affluence should be avoided and personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents should be secure at all times. It is advisable to stay away from crowded areas.

Women’s Safety

There have been a number of reports of sexual harassment and assaults. When taking a taxi, it is recommended that women sit in the back seat. It is advisable to travel in groups and in daylight. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

General Safety Information

Caution should be exercised at the borders with Israel, Iraq and Syria, especially if using service taxis when crossing the borders. These borders may close upon short notice.

Landmines and unexploded munitions are still a danger near military installations and borders, including the Dead Sea area. Minefields are usually fenced and marked, but could be difficult to see. Nobody should touch suspicious, unfamiliar objects.

Canadians should know that the police can help them if they find themselves stranded, even during daytime.

Dial 191 for police, 193 for medical services and fire department.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Jordanian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Jordan. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your departure from the country. Whatever the purpose of their stay, Canadians should be in possession of a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at any border crossing or airport or from any Jordanian diplomatic mission. For detailed information on requirements related to each type of visa, Canadians should seek advice from Jordanian authorities.

It is required to register with the police for stays of more than two weeks.

Vaccination and Medical Exams

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from an affected country. At present, medical exams are required to obtain a residency permit, including mandatory testing of BCG, HIV and Hepatitis C.

Regional Travel
 
In order to avoid border-crossing difficulties, Canadians travelling from Jordan to Syria or Saudi Arabia should ensure that they obtain their visas prior to their departure from Canada. These countries will normally not issue visas at the border crossings to individuals who do not have a Jordanian Residency permit. For detailed information on requirements, Canadians should seek advice from the nearest respective embassy or consulate of these countries.

Travellers arriving in Jordan from Israel are advised that visas are issued only at international airports, the north border crossing (Bisan/Sheikh Hussein Bridge) and the south border crossing (Elat/Aqaba). Visas are not issued at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge between Jordan and the West Bank. Canadians have been denied entry into some countries because their passports bore a Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel (such a stamp would indicate that the traveller entered from Israel). Travellers should consult the Travel Report for Israel and neighbouring countries when planning regional travel.

Canadians travelling in the Middle East are advised that their passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, and the authenticity of their passports could be questioned due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa for advice and assistance.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Jordan - AMMAN, Embassy of Canada
Address: Pearl of Shmeisani Building, Fourth Floor, Abdalhameed Shoman Street, Amman, Jordan
Postal Address: P.O. Box 815403, Amman, 11180, Jordan
Tel.: 962 (6) 520 3300
Fax: 962 (6) 520 3396
E-Mail: amman@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.jordan.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, contact the Embassy of Canada in Amman, Jordan, and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Modern medical care is available in Amman, but could be inadequate elsewhere. Immediate cash payment is often required.

Dehydration is a serious risk due to very high temperatures during the summer months. Preventive action includes ensuring protection from the sun and drinking plenty of water.

Drinking tap water is not recommended. Travellers should boil water or drink bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets.

Canadians should carry their original prescription and the original container for prescription medications.

See our Global Issue page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

The work week is from Sunday to Thursday.

Religion

The country's customs, laws, and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Religious and social traditions should be respected in order to avoid offending local sensitivities.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2010, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11.

Legal Process

The legal process may be slow and cumbersome. Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials.

Identification Documents

Identification documents should be carried at all times. Visitors are advised to leave their passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes.

Dress and Behaviour

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing, such as miniskirts, shorts, or sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops.

Illegal and/or Restricted Activities

Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

Common-law relationships, homosexual relations, adultery, and prostitution are illegal and are subject to severe punishment.

In public, physical contact (e. g. holding hands) should be avoided.
 
Canadians should be aware that the consumption of alcohol outside approved venues is illegal and could result in arrest and/or fines and imprisonment. Public intoxication is a criminal offence, no matter where the alcohol was consumed.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders are subject to heavy jail sentences and fines.

Possession of pornographic material is illegal.

Upon departure, luggage may be searched for security reasons, as well as to prevent the illegal removal of Jordanian and Iraqi antiquities.

It is forbidden to photograph government buildings and military installations. People should not be photographed without their permission.

Family

Children or spouses may be prevented to leave the country without prior authorization of the father and/or husband even if they are Canadians.

Dual Nationality

Dual nationality is not recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. Dual nationals must exit Jordan with the same passport presented on entry into the country.

It is advisable to confirm citizenship status with Jordanian authorities prior to departure.
 
The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Accidents are quite common. Driving habits and style differ markedly from those practiced in Canada. Driving during daylight is preferable. Roaming animals and insufficient lighting pose hazards.

If a pedestrian is injured in an accident, the driver is always considered guilty and may face imprisonment and heavy fines.
 
If involved in an accident, it is advisable to try to make financial arrangements with other involved drivers. In the event of traffic accidents resulting in personal injuries, police should be involved.  In the event of traffic accidents resulting in personal injury, regardless of fault, drivers may be held for several days until responsibility is determined and restitution made.

Off-road driving can be hazardous and should only be undertaken in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide. A travel itinerary should be left with a third party. Travellers should be well prepared and equipped with gasoline, water, food, and a cellular phone.

Public transportation is usually very crowded and can be uncomfortable.

Cleanliness and mechanical reliability of taxis varies considerably, it is therefore preferable to book taxis through hotels.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD). Credit cards, and U.S. traveller's cheques and dollars are widely accepted. U.S. dollars and euros are easily exchanged. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted. Automated banking machines (ABM) are available in Amman and at the Queen Alia airport, but limited elsewhere.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Jordan is located in an active seismic zone. Landslides are possible in affected areas, and strong aftershocks may occur up to one week after the initial quake.

Droughts, flash floods, as well as sand and dust storms occur.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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