Is it safe to travel to Jordan? The UK government’s updated advice as strikes continue in the Middle East
The FCDO advises that “regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption”
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The UK government has changed its travel advice for Jordan, advising against all but essential travel for the entire country, apart from its border with Syria where it advises against all travel.
When the Middle East conflict first broke, the UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) did not immediately impose a warning against travel to Jordan for tourists.
However, Iran has now publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the United States and Israel. The UK government has warned Britons of falling missile debris in urban areas.
Holidaymakers who have trips booked in the region are advised to follow the advice of the FCDO on what to do if they are heading to or are currently in a country in the Middle East.
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Is it safe to travel to Jordan?
The FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria. An all but essential travel warning has been imposed on the rest of the country, including popular tourist hotspots such as Amman, Wadi Rum and Petra.
What is the UK government's advice if you are already there?
The advice reads that “regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.”
The FCDO says that the “Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the United States and Israel. This includes US or Israeli-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions.
“Iran continues to strike civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports.”
The FCDO also advises staying away from areas around security or military facilities and US or Israeli-linked locations.
Travellers are directed towards its “crisis abroad” guidance, which includes a list of emergency supplies in the event of an escalation.
It also says to sign up for FCDO Travel Advice email alerts, monitor local and international media for the latest information and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
The advice also notes that if a siren is sounded, people in Jordan should follow local advice and stay indoors or find the nearest designated shelter.
The FCDO says that missiles travelling through Jordanian airspace have been intercepted, with debris falling in some urban areas.
How can I get home?
Jordanian airspace has been affected by the regional conflict. The Jordanian authorities may announce closures of airspace with little notice.
However, flights are still departing from Amman Queen Alia airport, although many are subject to cancellations and delays. Travellers should check with their airline before travelling to the airport.
If your flight is cancelled, you are covered by UK law if you are arriving at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline.
Airlines must provide you with care and assistance if your flight is cancelled, meaning they must supply you with food and drink (often provided in the form of vouchers), means for you to communicate (often by refunding call costs), accommodation if you are given a new flight the following day, and transport to and from the accommodation or your home.
The airline must provide you with these items until it is able to fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it, the Civil Aviation Authority says.
British nationals who are trying to leave Jordan via Saudi Arabia and who are travelling on emergency travel documents, emergency passports, or passports with less than 6 months remaining validity, should call the helplines for British Embassy Riyadh (+966 (0) 11481 9100) or British Consulate Jeddah (+966 (0)126225550) for advice.
Can I cancel my holiday?
Should you decide to cancel a flight ticket, holiday, tour or excursion to Jordan, speak to your travel provider. As the FCDO advises all but essential travel – which include urgent family or business commitments – you may be able to cancel a package holiday without penalty for a full refund. Package holidays must follow the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, with refunds issued if there has been a “significant change at your destination” before you travel. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the FCDO.
Read more: How many people have been killed in the US-Israel war on Iran since the conflict began?
