Is Jordan Safe to Visit at the Moment? Traveler’s Guide

Jordan, a country located in the Middle East, has been a popular tourist destination for centuries due to its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. From the ancient city of Petra to the scenic Wadi Rum desert, Jordan has a lot to offer to travelers. However, like any other country, Jordan has its own set of challenges and concerns that may affect the safety of visitors. In recent years, Jordan has faced various security threats, including terrorism, crime, and social unrest. As a result, many travelers have been left wondering whether Jordan is safe to visit at the moment. In this article, we will delve into the current situation in Jordan and provide an honest assessment of the safety of visiting the country.

Current Security Situation in Jordan

Jordan has been facing a number of security challenges in recent years, including terrorism, crime, and social unrest. In 2016, Jordan was hit by a wave of terrorism, with several attacks targeting tourists and locals alike. The most notable attack was the bombing of a tourist bus in Amman, which killed 14 people and injured many more. Since then, Jordan has taken significant steps to improve its security, including increasing the presence of security forces and implementing new measures to prevent terrorism.

However, despite these efforts, Jordan still faces a number of security threats. The country is located in a region that is prone to terrorism, and there have been several attacks in recent years that have targeted tourists and locals. In addition, Jordan has a significant refugee population, which has put a strain on the country’s resources and infrastructure. This has led to social unrest and protests in some areas, which have further exacerbated the security situation.

Terrorism in Jordan

Terrorism is a significant threat in Jordan, and the country has been the target of several attacks in recent years. In 2016, a terrorist attack on a tourist bus in Amman killed 14 people and injured many more. Since then, there have been several other attacks, including a bombing in a popular tourist area in Amman and a shooting in a hotel in the city of Aqaba. These attacks have highlighted the need for increased security measures in Jordan, including the presence of security forces and the implementation of new technologies to prevent terrorism.

The most notable terrorist group operating in Jordan is the Islamic State (IS), which has been responsible for several attacks in the country. IS has a significant presence in Jordan, and the group has been able to carry out attacks in the country despite the presence of security forces. This has led to concerns about the ability of Jordan to prevent terrorism and protect its citizens and visitors.

Government Response to Terrorism

The Jordanian government has taken significant steps to respond to the threat of terrorism in the country. In 2016, the government implemented a number of new security measures, including the deployment of additional security forces and the implementation of new technologies to prevent terrorism. The government has also increased its cooperation with international partners, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to share intelligence and best practices in the fight against terrorism.

In addition, the government has taken steps to improve the security of tourist areas, including the implementation of new security protocols and the deployment of additional security forces. The government has also increased its efforts to engage with local communities and to address the root causes of terrorism, including poverty and unemployment.

Crime in Jordan

Crime is a significant concern in Jordan, and the country has a high rate of crime compared to other countries in the region. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft are common in tourist areas, and there have been several reports of more serious crimes, including armed robbery and assault. In addition, there have been several reports of scams and fraud targeting tourists, including scams involving currency exchange and hotel reservations. (See Also: Is it Safe to Visit Afghanistan? A Traveler’s Guide)

The most common areas for crime in Jordan are tourist areas, including Amman, Petra, and Aqaba. These areas are popular with tourists and are often crowded, making them vulnerable to crime. In addition, the areas are often poorly lit, making it easier for criminals to operate.

Tips for Staying Safe in Jordan

There are several steps that tourists can take to stay safe in Jordan. These include:

• Being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your belongings
• Avoiding walking alone at night and using reputable taxi services
• Keeping valuables secure and using hotel safes
• Avoiding displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewelry or watches
• Staying informed about local conditions and following government advice

Social Unrest in Jordan

Jordan has been experiencing social unrest in recent years, including protests and demonstrations against the government. The unrest has been fueled by a number of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and corruption. In addition, the country has a significant refugee population, which has put a strain on the country’s resources and infrastructure.

The most notable example of social unrest in Jordan was the 2018 protests against the government, which were sparked by a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing the country’s budget deficit. The protests were widespread and resulted in several deaths and injuries. Since then, there have been several other protests and demonstrations, including a protest in 2020 against the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Causes of Social Unrest in Jordan

There are several causes of social unrest in Jordan, including:

• Poverty and unemployment: Jordan has a high rate of poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people. This has led to widespread frustration and discontent among the population.
• Corruption: Corruption is a significant problem in Jordan, and many people feel that the government is corrupt and does not act in the best interests of the people.
• Refugee crisis: Jordan has a significant refugee population, which has put a strain on the country’s resources and infrastructure. This has led to tensions between refugees and local communities.
• Government policies: The government’s austerity measures and other policies have been widely criticized, and many people feel that they are unfair and do not benefit the majority of the population.

Government Response to Social Unrest

The Jordanian government has taken several steps to respond to social unrest in the country. These include:

• Implementing austerity measures to reduce the country’s budget deficit
• Increasing investment in education and job training programs to address unemployment
• Improving access to healthcare and other social services for refugees and local communities
• Engaging with local communities and addressing their concerns and grievances

Economic Situation in Jordan

Jordan’s economy has been facing significant challenges in recent years, including a high budget deficit and a decline in foreign investment. The country has also been affected by the Syrian civil war, which has led to a significant influx of refugees and a strain on the country’s resources and infrastructure. (See Also: Is it Safe to Visit Caracas? A Traveler’s Guide)

The most notable economic challenge facing Jordan is its high budget deficit, which has been driven by a decline in revenue and an increase in spending. The government has implemented several austerity measures to address the deficit, including cuts to public spending and increases in taxes. However, these measures have been widely criticized, and many people feel that they are unfair and do not benefit the majority of the population.

Impact of the Syrian Civil War on Jordan’s Economy

The Syrian civil war has had a significant impact on Jordan’s economy, including:

• A significant influx of refugees: Jordan has taken in over 650,000 refugees from Syria, which has put a strain on the country’s resources and infrastructure.
• A decline in foreign investment: The conflict in Syria has led to a decline in foreign investment in Jordan, which has had a negative impact on the country’s economy.
• An increase in spending: The government has had to increase spending to address the needs of refugees and to support the economy.

Government Response to Economic Challenges

The Jordanian government has taken several steps to respond to economic challenges in the country. These include:

• Implementing austerity measures to reduce the country’s budget deficit
• Increasing investment in education and job training programs to address unemployment
• Improving access to healthcare and other social services for refugees and local communities
• Engaging with international partners to attract foreign investment and support the economy

Conclusion

Jordan is a country with a rich history and culture, and it has a lot to offer to travelers. However, the country is facing several challenges, including terrorism, crime, social unrest, and economic difficulties. While these challenges are significant, they do not necessarily mean that Jordan is not safe to visit. With proper precautions and an understanding of the local situation, travelers can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Jordan.

Recap of Key Points

The key points to consider when evaluating the safety of visiting Jordan include:

• The country’s security situation, including the threat of terrorism and crime
• The impact of social unrest and protests on the country’s stability
• The economic challenges facing the country, including a high budget deficit and a decline in foreign investment
• The government’s response to these challenges, including austerity measures and investment in education and job training programs

FAQs

Is Jordan Safe to Visit at the Moment?

Is Jordan a safe country to visit?

Jordan is generally a safe country to visit, but there are some areas that are considered high-risk. The country has a significant security presence, and the government has taken steps to improve security in tourist areas. However, visitors should still be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to stay safe. (See Also: Is Madagascar Safe To Visit? Truth Revealed)

What are the main security concerns in Jordan?

The main security concerns in Jordan include terrorism, crime, and social unrest. The country has been the target of several terrorist attacks in recent years, and there have been reports of crime and social unrest in some areas.

What should I do if I encounter a security incident in Jordan?

If you encounter a security incident in Jordan, stay calm and follow the instructions of local authorities. Avoid taking any unnecessary risks, and try to stay informed about the situation through local news and government advice.

Is it safe to travel to Jordan with children?

Jordan is generally a safe country to visit with children, but parents should still take necessary precautions to ensure their children’s safety. This includes being aware of their surroundings, keeping a close eye on them at all times, and following local advice and guidelines.

Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Jordan?

Credit cards and ATMs are widely available in Jordan, but there may be some restrictions on their use. Visitors should check with their bank before traveling to Jordan to ensure that their cards will work and to inform them of any travel plans.