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1. INTRODUCTION AND GEOGRAPHY Section 4 of this Travel Report has been updated. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (capital: Amman) is located in the Middle East, bordered by Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Tourist facilities are widely available, but the quality may vary. The official language is Arabic. The work week is from Sunday to Thursday. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country. The land border with Iraq is closed. Canadians are reminded that they should not travel to Iraq under any circumstances. Canadians in Iraq should leave. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada strongly advises against involvement in humanitarian missions to Iraq. Canadians contemplating travel to Iraq are urged to contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Middle East Division at 1 800 267-6788. For more information, see our Travel Report for Iraq. You should evaluate carefully the implications for your security and safety before deciding to travel to Jordan. Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, put Canadians at greater risk. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise caution in hotel lobbies, large gatherings and crowded places, including tourist sites, pedestrian promenades, open markets, universities, refugee camps, and near places of worship. Security is good at Jordan's hotels, restaurants, and principal tourist sites, such as Petra, the Dead Sea, and Jerash, where normal standards of caution are recommended. Canadians should monitor local developments and register and remain in regular contact with the Embassy of Canada in Amman (see Section 5 below) or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 5 below). BACK TO TOP 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. Jordan has been affected by terrorism for many years and is one of numerous countries where there is a continuing threat from international terrorism. The Jordanian government is a key participant in the global campaign against terrorism and maintains security measures that make it difficult for extremist groups to operate. Police and security forces employ considerable effort to ensure the safety of foreign visitors and implement enhanced security arrangements, especially at tourist sites. Nevertheless, travellers should exercise caution. On November 9, 2005, suicide bombings hit three major hotels in Amman. On September 4, 2006, a man opened fire on a group of tourists who were visiting the Roman theatre in Amman, killing one person and injuring six others. The Iraq situation and ongoing violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza continue to impact public opinion and the security climate in Jordan. Demonstrations sometimes occur at university campuses, town centres, and refugee camps. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Landmines and unexploded munitions are still a danger within 3.5 kilometres of military installations and borders, including the Dead Sea area. Minefields are usually fenced and marked with signs carrying a skull and crossbones, but the fencing may be difficult to see or in need of repair. Crime is generally not a problem for travellers. Theft occurs. Ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence. Do not leave vehicles unattended. In Amman's Old City, narrow and crowded streets entice pickpockets and petty criminals. Petty crime has also been reported in the downtown Amman Hashimiyah Square area and near the Roman theatre. Exercise caution when using public transportation and stay away from crowded areas. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Jordanian authorities and was valid on June 22, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries 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 country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. 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. Canadians must also 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 a fee. The Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Ottawa issues single and multiple entry visas, but border points and airports only issue single entry visas. Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student visa: a Canadian student staying less than three months in Jordan does not need a student residency permit but does need a tourist visa, renewable every month, to be able to enter Jordan. In order to avoid border-crossing difficulties, Canadians travelling from Jordan to Syria, Lebanon, or Saudi Arabia should ensure that they obtain their visas prior to departure from Canada. It is possible for Canadians, other than those of Palestinian origin, to have visas issued to them at any Lebanese border point. Canadians of Palestinian origin must apply at least two weeks prior to the date of departure for Lebanon. For travel to Syria, travellers should note that the Syrian Embassy in Amman will no longer issue visas to Canadians who are non-residents of Jordan, even when presented with a new Canadian passport issued in Amman. 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. Foreigners who wish to stay more than 30 days must apply for an extension at a Jordanian police station or at the department of foreigners and borders, an office of the Ministry of the Interior, by their 30th day in the country. Foreigners staying in Jordan for more than three months are asked to provide the department of foreigners and borders with a certificate proclaiming their “disease-free status” from the Jordanian department of health. HIV and tuberculosis tests are required to obtain the certificate. Airport departure taxes will be collected. Check with your travel agent for the latest information. When exiting Jordan, travellers and their luggage may be searched for security reasons and to prevent the illegal removal of Jordanian and Iraqi antiquities. 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. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. 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 visa requirements for this and other countries, 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 may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order. Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries 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. BACK TO TOP 5. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Jordan - AMMAN, Embassy of Canada Address: Fourth Floor, Abdalhameed Shoman Street, Pearl of Shmeisani Building, Amman 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.amman.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. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL 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, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders are subject to heavy jail sentences and fines. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a Muslim state. Visitors should exercise discretion in dress and behaviour to avoid offending local sensitivities. Women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing. Avoid wearing miniskirts, shorts, or sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops. There have been incidents of women being harassed because of their apparel. Women should not travel unaccompanied in the centre of Amman. Group travel is recommended outside of Amman. 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. 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. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 13, 2007. Canadians with Jordanian nationality or who are eligible for Jordanian citizenship may be subject to military service and other aspects of Jordanian law. While compulsory military service in Jordan was suspended in 1992, all Jordanian males between 18 and 40 years of age are required to register in the Jordanian military, to obtain a so-called "military service book," and to postpone their service yearly. Those who fail to do so may be prevented from leaving the country. Holding dual nationality will limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should check their status at the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Drive defensively at all times, and avoid driving after dark. Sudden sandstorms can reduce visibility to zero. There have been many fatal accidents in recent years. If a pedestrian is injured in an accident, the driver is always considered guilty and may face imprisonment. Main roads are in good condition but may become treacherous during periods of rain, which extend from December to March. Desert tracks should be avoided. On rural roads, drivers should be wary of herds of animals along the road. Ensure that your vehicle is in good repair if travelling on back roads or tracks. All vehicles must have a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle. Carry sufficient supplies of gasoline, water, food staples, and a cellular phone on trips. Unleaded gasoline is not available at all service stations in Amman and even less so outside the capital. Travel plans should be left with friends or relatives. Follow local advice carefully. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD). U.S. dollars and euros are easily exchanged. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted. ATMs are available in Amman and at the Queen Alia airport; however, they are limited in the rest of the country. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs 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. BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE Jordan is located in an active seismic zone. Droughts often occur. Roads may become flooded during heavy rains from December to March. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Amman, in the event of an emergency. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM 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 Medicine Program Web site. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza. 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. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Adequate medical care is available in major cities but not in outlying areas. Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases your chance of illness. Do not drink tap water. Travellers should drink bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets. BACK TO TOP 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. See Canada's Health Portal. 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. Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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