Safety in Jordan: what overland travellers should know
Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 23 June 2026.
Safety
- Border strips — Keep away from the areas immediately next to the western border, the northern border with Syria and the border with Iraq. The Syrian frontier can be within range of weapons fired across it and is increasingly the scene of confrontations between the Jordanian army and smuggling groups. Entering the Za'atari and Azraq refugee camps requires specific authorisation from the Jordanian authorities.
- Flash floods in wadis — In autumn and winter, and whenever rain is heavy, flash floods hit rivers, the wadis and the secondary roads that run beside them, and they can flood the Petra site itself. In unsettled weather the ministry advises moving with reliable operators, or drivers and guides able to recognise and avoid flood-prone ground, and keeping up with forecasts and official warnings.
- Desert travel — Prefer excursions in already organised groups and avoid travelling alone into desert and thinly populated areas. Agreeing itineraries with professional guides is preferable, for logistics as much as for safety, and Italian-speaking guides are available.
- Terrorism and crowds — Jordan is a point of stability in an unstable region and the security forces control the territory closely, but it is not exempt from the risk of attacks, as recent arrests that broke up active cells show. Stay alert in places used by foreigners such as tourist sites, hotels, restaurants and shopping centres, and in crowded markets and mosques. Do not go near demonstrations, which can form at short notice, and follow every instruction or prohibition from the authorities and the police.
- Rockfall at Petra — At Petra take particular care near rock faces, in narrow passages including the Siq, and in the open space in front of the Treasury, where even large stones can fall without warning. At Petra and the other archaeological sites, follow the local instructions, stay on the marked routes and do not enter areas closed to the public.
- Women travelling alone — Sexual assaults on foreign visitors are limited, but reports of harassment have become more frequent in recent years. Women travelling alone are advised to be cautious in daylight hours too, and to dress in a way that respects local sensibilities, particularly though not only outside the capital and the main tourist sites.
Before you rely on this
This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 23 June 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Jordan before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.
Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 23 June 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.