Useful Information for Jordan

PASSPORTS

Please ensure that your passport is valid for six months after your return date.

VISAS

British citizens holding a British passport can obtain a visa on arrival at Amman International Airport – this visa costs JD10 and must be paid for locally in Jordanian Dinars. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, however please do check with the Jordanian Embassy on 020 7937 3685.

DRIVING IN JORDAN

Those planning to hire a car need an International Driving Licence/permit. Driving is on the right and brown signs are designed for tourists. Please note local drivers do not necessarily follow driving rules and car horns are used more than car signals!

ROAD NETWORK

Jordan has an excellent and expanding road network. International highways have signs in Arabic and English. Some off road drives should only be taken in a 4-wheel drive vehicle with a driver in attendance, as it is unsafe to travel unaccompanied in those areas.

CLIMATE

Jordan has a Mediterranean climate, pleasant for year-round travel. Amman in May to October averages 23 degrees. July and August are hot but not oppressive. In November to April temperatures range from 16 to 22 degrees.

INNOCULATIONS & HEALTH

Clients are advised to seek current information from the NHS Direct: Tel No:0845 4647 or your local GP. Information is also provided online at:www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.ukNo vaccinations are compulsory however as a guideline; polio, typhoid and hepatitis are recommended. Yellow fever is necessary if travelling via an infected area.Remember not to under-estimate the strength of the Arabian sun – sun cream, a good hat and sunglasses are recommended.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION FOR JORDAN

A number of modern medical facilities and Western pharmaceuticals can be found in Oman. Hospital emergency treatment is available if needed although doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services.

DRESS

Visitors should respect religious and cultural sensitivities particularly in the matter of dress and public conduct. Ladies should cover their elbows and knees and men should wear short or long sleeved shirts and long trousers. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Jordan has a fairly relaxed dress code, however, care should be taken not to offend. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swimsuits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed during the winter months, especially in the evenings.

SAFETY IN JORDAN

For the latest information, the Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit can be found on BBC2 (Ceefax) page 470, under internet address www.fco.gov.uk/ or by calling the ABTA Department on 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p per minute).

The Gulf is generally a safe place, however as in any foreign country, hazards exist. Sensible precautions should be taken to protect your belongings. The "Souq" and shops stay open late into the evening and it is perfectly safe to wander around on your own after dark (providing you are sensibly dressed).

ALCOHOL

Alcohol should not be consumed in public places apart from licensed premises. It is illegal to carry liquor in your car.

RAMADAN

During the holy month of Ramadan eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the hours of daylight is strictly forbidden. Some hotel restaurants remain open during this time, but will not serve alcohol. Alcohol though can be served through room service only after sunset.2009: Aug 21 – Sep 19.

The festival of Eid ul-Fitr is held after the end of Ramadan and may last several days. Exact dates depend on astronomical observations and may vary from country to country.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING

Normal tourist photography is acceptable, but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken.

CURRENCY IN JORDAN

Jordan Dinar (JD) = 100 piasters
JD 1.00 = GBP0.95
Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be changed at any bank or moneychanger, although the latter will usually give a better rate of exchange. Banks are closed on Fridays. Better hotels will also exchange money. American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club are the most widely accepted credit cards and can be used at major hotels, restaurants and tourist shops; cash can be withdrawn from inside banks. ATMs are available, though acceptance of foreign cards is limited.

LOCAL TIME IN JORDAN

GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to October).
Arabic but English is widely spoken. Road and shop signs are in both Arabic and English.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

220/240 volts AC (50Hz)
European two-pin plugs are the most common used

TIPS

10% is considered the norm at hotels and restaurants. Fares for taxis should be agreed before you get into the car. Please remember to carry some small notes/change for incidental tipping. For your guides on the tours of ruins and sites tip between USD15-USD25, and for your English-speaking driver/guide tip between USD30-USD80 depending on the length of the tour and your satisfaction.

CONTACTS FOR JORDAN

Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Address

6 Upper Phillimore Gardens, London, W8 7HA

Defence Attaché’s Office:

16 Upper Phillimore Gardens, London, W8 7HB

Telephone:

0207 937 3685
0207 937 9611 Defence Attaché’s Office
0207 937 9499 Jordan Information Bureau
0906 550 8968 Visa Information Service

Fax:

0207 937 8795
0207 937 7505 Defence Attaché’s Office
0207 937 6741 Jordan Information Bureau

Emails:

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Office hours:

Mon-Fri: 0900-1500
Defence Attaché’s Office: Mon-Thurs: 0900-1500 / Fri: 0900-1200
Jordan Information Bureau: Mon-Thurs: 0900-1500 / Fri: 0900-1300
Visa Information Service Mon-Fri: 1000-1300

Website:

www.jordanembassyuk.org