Criminal Penalties:You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
The Jordanian constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press with some restrictions. Insulting the King or members of the Royal Family may lead to detainment or imprisonment. Additionally, activities that the Jordanian government considers proselytizing to Muslims (including the distribution of religious material) are forbidden under the law and anyone undertaking these activities is subject to prosecution, imprisonment, and deportation. Please see the information below on Islam as the state religion of Jordan.
Jordanian courts may impose criminal penalties, including imprisonment, for alleged infractions that in the United States would be resolved in civil courts. The U.S. Embassy is aware of several cases involving business or financial disputes that resulted in lengthy pre-trial detention and imprisonment under local financial crimes laws.
Jordan has very strict drug laws; drug offenses fall under the umbrella of state security and adhere to a different set of criminal procedures than other offenses. Accused offenders can be detained for up to two weeks without charges; this delay can result in the Embassy not being notified about the detainment because an official arrest has not taken place. It is illegal to use and/or distribute drugs in Jordan.
Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Family Circumstances: The U.S. Embassy is aware of cases where U.S. citizens have been subject to domestic violence and abandonment by their spouses, including incidents of restrictions of movement through travel holds, loss of custody of children or forced marriage. Women and children should pay particular attention to any warning signs, including husbands or other family members withholding money or travel documents for such purposes after arrival in Jordan. Cases of domestic violence should be reported to the Family Protection Department, which is part of the national police. Travelers should also be aware that U.S. laws cannot protect U.S. citizens when they are outside of the United States.
Travel Holds: Under Jordanian law, any adult male may prevent his minor children from leaving Jordan by simply registering a hold on their travel with the Jordanian authorities. Husbands may place travel holds on their wives pursuant to a court order from a Jordanian court. Adult male relatives (uncles, brothers, grandfathers) may also petition Jordanian courts for a travel hold on their unmarried adult female relatives. Immigration officials may prevent minor children traveling with their mothers from departing Jordan without the fathers affirmative consent. This is possible even if the child or woman holds only U.S. nationality. Jordanian authorities consider disputes surrounding travel holds as private family matters, and the Embassy is limited in its ability to intervene. Travel holds may only be removed by the person who placed them or by a court. Please see the section below on Childrens Issues.
Male Military Requirement: U.S. citizen males who also hold Jordanian citizenship may be subject to laws that impose military service obligations on Jordanians. Jordanian men under age 40 are required to register for service in the Jordanian military. Those subject to registration may be prevented from leaving Jordan until exit permission is obtained from appropriate Jordanian authorities. This permission is often granted to U.S. citizens, but may take some time to obtain and may be limited to a single exit.
Dual Citizenship: The Government of Jordan considers U.S.-Jordanian dual nationals to be Jordanian citizens. Local authorities typically do not notify the U.S. Embassy of arrests, detentions, or accidents involving dual nationals. For this reason, dual nationals in particular should carry copies of their U.S. passports with them at all times so that evidence of their identity and U.S. citizenship is readily available for local authorities.
For additional information, see our information on Dual Nationality.
Customs: Jordanian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Jordan of items such as drugs, firearms, poisons, chemicals, explosives, pornographic materials, communications equipment, and antiquities, among other items. You should contact the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordanin Washington, D.C., or one of the Jordanian consulates in the United States, if you seek specific information regarding customs requirements.
Please also refer to our Customs Informationpage for additional information.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of States International Religious Freedom Report.
Islam is the state religion of Jordan. The Jordanian government generally does not interfere in religious practices. Some religious groups, however, cannot obtain legal recognition of their denominations. On official documents such as birth and wedding certificates, the Government of Jordan only allows affiliation with legally recognized faiths: Islam, certain Christian churches, and Judaism. Not listing an affiliated faith, or listing a faith outside those recognized by the government, is generally not permitted. Activities such as proselytizing or encouraging conversion to any faith other than Islam are prohibited. U.S. citizens have been detained, arrested, and deported for discussing or trying to engage Jordanians in discussions about religion, even if such discussions also involve other activities, such as humanitarian aid.
LGBTI Travelers: LGBTI status and/or conduct are not criminalized in Jordan; however, laws against adultery or breaches of modesty may be used against LGBTI travelers. Public displays of affection between individuals of the same sex are not considered culturally acceptable. Foreigners exhibiting such behavior or expressing themselves outside of traditional gender norms in terms of dress or appearance may face greater risk of official and societal harassment by and/or to betargets of violence. Gay and lesbian Jordanians frequently hide their sexuality, especially from family members. Family members who discover that a relative is LGBTI may target them for honor killing. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While in Jordan, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is found in the United States. Outside of a few of the more upscale hotels in the capital, individuals with disabilities will find almost no accessible accommodations. Similarly there are very few accessible restaurants, shops, or historical sites. Transportation is not accessible and sidewalks and crosswalks, even in the main cities, are not accessible. Handicap-accessible toilets and bathrooms, even in major hospitals, are generally not available.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Women visiting and residing in Jordan have reported incidents of sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, and assault. The Embassy continues to receive sporadic reports regarding incidents of sexual assaults involving taxis and taxi drivers. Many of the incidents have involved verbal sexual harassment, staring, or following the victim. Some have included physical assaults. To reduce the likelihood of being victimized, women should take precautions such as avoiding travel to unfamiliar areas at night, not traveling alone, not riding in the front seat of a taxi, and consider dressing modestly when in public. We also recommend carrying a cell phone at all times. Immediately report any incidents to the Family ProtectiProtection Department, which is part of the national police and can be reached by calling 911.
Read more:
Jordan International Travel Information
- Jordan - The New York Times [Last Updated On: August 21st, 2018] [Originally Added On: August 21st, 2018]
- Jordan | history - geography | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2018] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2018]
- Jordan travel | Middle East - Lonely Planet [Last Updated On: January 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 1st, 2019]
- Jordan | History, Population, Flag, Map, & Facts | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2019]
- American Rhetoric: Movie Speech from Braveheart - William ... [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2019] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2019]
- Shop Sofas, Mattresses, Sectionals and more at Jordan's ... [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2019]
- Jordan travel - Lonely Planet [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2019]
- Jordan | History, Population, Flag, Map, & Facts ... [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2019]
- Flags, rags and signs: The art of Mary Anne Jordan | The University of Kansas - KU Today [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- On this day: Michael Jordan came out of retirement to play for the Wizards - NBCSports.com [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- The Jordan Defy SP Adds Bold Text To Its Straps - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- This is what frosty peace looks like: Israel, Jordan choose to ignore treaty's 25th anniversary - Haaretz [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Testing Nike tech: unboxing the Air Jordan XXXIV and Huarache Adapt - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 34 Red Orbit Is Releasing On October 10th - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 1 Brings Satin To A Black And Red Colorway - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Jordan raises teachers' pay in bid to defuse nationwide strike; union unmoved - Reuters [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Another Off-White Air Jordan Collab Is Reportedly Releasing Next Year - Sole Collector [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Will There Ever Be Another Classic Air Jordan? - Complex [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington is ready to prove you wrong - ESPN [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Jordan Road project nearing completion, Ryland Pike to start soon - WHNT News 19 [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Jordan B. Peterson film sparks threats: 'We really don't want to have to bring out the guillotine' - Washington Times [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Inside NBA legend Michael Jordans stunning 6m mansion thats built into the mountains and includes a golf si - The Sun [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Cultural preservation to bring bedouins of region to Jordan - Jordan Times [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- How Did Jordan's Opinion Of Turbo Change After Their Challenge Beef? - MTV.com [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- The Jordan Proto React Z Is Coming In Dark Grey - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Is This Timeless Air Jordan 4 Retro Colorway Returning In 2020? - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Jordan Brand Travis Scott Air Jordan 6 Collection Release Info and Retail List - Nike News [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris on the new position, and new attitude, that have fueled his comeback - MLSsoccer.com [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Second round of tests deems South Jordan's water supply safe to use and drink - Salt Lake Tribune [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Watch: Former Seattle Seahawk, Oregon Duck Dion Jordan working toward return to the NFL - OregonLive [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Rep. Jim Jordan is among those who should be held accountable for the abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss - cleveland.com [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Where To Buy The Air Jordan 10 Seattle - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Kyle Costa's Linguistic Journey to Jordan and Lebanon The Heights - The Heights [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan: End arbitrary detention of women who disobey male guardians or have unsanctioned relationships - Amnesty International [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- What In God's Name Happened To Jordan Tebbutt? - Deadspin [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan Peterson Pulls Out of Politicon 2019, Citing Ongoing Health Concerns - Newsweek [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan to disregard IMF proposals inconsistent with its national interests - Middle East Monitor [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Where To Buy The Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard 3.0 - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- NBA 2K gives Jordan the nod in the never-ending GOAT debate - NBCSports.com [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- The Air Jordan I 'Fearless Ones' Collection Is Here - Maxim [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jim Jordan: impeachment inquiry has 'finally reached a boiling point' - Roll Call [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- How to Get the Shattered Backboard 3.0 Air Jordan 1 Thats Expected to Sell Out Fast - Footwear News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- 25 years on, remembering the path to peace for Jordan and Israel - Brookings Institution [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Official Images Of The Air Jordan 1 FlyEase - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 1 Fearless Ones Collection Has Something For Everybody - Hip-Hop Wired [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan's 25-year peace with Israel 'cold and getting colder' - FRANCE 24 [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan Brand Is Going Big on Bold Colorways and Adaptive Tech for the New 'Fearless Ones' Collection - Esquire [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan urged to stop imprisoning women for defying the wishes of men - The Guardian [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Celebrate Russell Westbrooks Birthday With The Jordan Why Not ZER0.2 Scorpio - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- The Jordan Mars 270 Appears In Vast Grey And Bright Ceramic - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jordan: Republicans to subpoena whistleblower to testify in public hearing | TheHill - The Hill [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- First Look At The Air Jordan 14 SE With Perforated Uppers - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- How to Get the Two New Island Green Air Jordans Dropping Soon - Footwear News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Where the heck has Jordan Travis been all season? - 247Sports [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- If Michael Jordan believes NBA players are paid to play 82 games, he's extremely wrong - For The Win [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Raiders sign DJ Swearinger and Dion Jordan; place Joseph on IR and waive Poling - Raiders.com [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Coldplay Want You to Be Part of Their 'Everyday Life' YouTube Live-Stream From Jordan: Find Out How - Billboard [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Wizards Hachimura is poised to be a breakout star for Jordan Brand - Bullets Forever [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Matt Gaetz and Jim Jordan Just Debuted the Trump Circus Defense - Esquire [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jordan to resume control over land leased to Israel - The Irish Times [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jim Jordan joins Intelligence Committee to boost Trump in public impeachment hearings - POLITICO [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jeremy Roenick Recalls a Wild Story of Golfing and Gambling With Michael Jordan - The Action Network [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Twenty five years after peace treaty: Jordan resumes control of enclaves leased to Israel - Haaretz [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- More Images Of The Air Jordan 14 SE Black Ferrari - KicksOnFire.com [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- First Look At The Air Jordan 6 Washed Denim - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jordan brand introduces the Air Jordan Fearless Ones collection - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- 'It is a celebration meal': Traditional Jordanian dishes meant to share with neighbors - The Dallas Morning News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Jordan Howard injury is taking longer than the Eagles once suggested it would - Bleeding Green Nation [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Here's how you can win Jordan Bohannon's shoes from the Iowa-Iowa State game - The Gazette [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Rapper Scarface of The Geto Boys Came Close to Houston City Council Seat - The Root [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- That Time Michael Jordan Lied to His Teammates in the Best Possible Way - Sportscasting [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 1 Mid Light Smoke Grey Is The Prime Base For A Dior-Themed Custom - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- WATCH: Ellen sends actor Michael B. Jordan to give Jersey City activist the surprise of a lifetime - NJ.com [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Why Jordan Described His War Of The Worlds 2 Victory As The 'Most Bittersweet Moment' Of His Life - MTV.com [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- The Futuristic Jordan Aerospace 720 Adorns Rookie Of The Year Color Themes - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- This New Air Jordan 3 Might Be Released for NBA All-Star Weekend 2020 - Footwear News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Closer Look at the Off-White x Air Jordan 5 - Sole Collector [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- First Look At The Jordan Why Not ZER0.3 - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Jordan Brand's Biggest Hater Admits It Had a Great Year - Complex [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Michael B. Jordan Wears One of the Thinnest Watches in the World - GQ [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2020]