Is Jordan safe for female travelers? Absolutely! There are some things to keep in mind, though. These are my findings and tips.
Is Jordan a safe travel destination?
Absolutely. Jordan is generally considered a safe country for tourists to visit. It has a relatively stable political environment, especially compared to some of its neighboring Middle Eastern countries.
Tourism and hospitality are very important in the country. And that’s great because Jordan is home to one of the seven new wonders of the world: Petra. Other beautiful sights in Jordan include the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and many historical sites in Amman and Jerash, among others.
Check the latest Jordan travel advice
Before leaving for Jordan, check the travel website of your government for the latest travel advice.
Solo travel in Jordan: is Jordan safe for women?
Yes. Jordanians are known to be very respectful and protective of women. That said, in Jordan, as in any other country, you always have to be careful.
If you are a woman traveling alone in Jordan, you are a standout, especially if you have blonde hair like me. So you are frequently talked to, and people are very curious about you. Almost everyone asks very personal questions: “Are you married? How old are you? Do you have children?” This is quite normal in Jordan. Generally, they have no ulterior motives, although sometimes you will get a marriage proposal (I never know if it is a joke or or not).
During my trip in Jordan, I hiked about 100 kilometers alone on the Jordan Trail in the less touristy and more rural north of the country. During my hike, I met many people (mostly men). Almost everyone greeted me kindly, wanting to chat, and invited me over for a drink.
Unfortunately, I had two less pleasant interactions. The first was with two boys who wanted to take selfies and didn’t know when to stop. I addressed them sternly and then they immediately apologized. The second was a man who got a little too handsy and started making kissing noises. This one I gave a tap with my trekking pol. He immediately kept his distance after that.
While these are obviously unpleasant incidents, I was not afraid for a moment. After I clearly indicated that I didn’t like it, they stopped. This is something I really appreciate in Jordan, in many other countries men are often more annoying and don’t stop after you tell them to.
In short, if someone does something you don’t like, be clear. It is also a good idea to report such incidents to the Tourism Police. The men are then held accountable for their behavior.
I also felt very safe in the cities most of the time.
Tourism Police
Did you know that Jordan has a special Tourism Police? The main task of the Jordans Tourisme Police is to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists in the country. Consequently, you often see them at tourist attractions. They often come over for a chat, especially if you are traveling alone. Usually, you will even get a cup of coffee or tea.
If something happens during your trip in Jordan, you can always contact the Tourism Police. Save these numbers on your phone.
- Calling (hotline): 117777
- WhatsApp: +962 7 7099 1814
Pictured with the Tourism Police.
What should you be aware of in Jordan?
Although Jordan is a safe and hospitable destination, there are a few things to be aware of:
- Respect the culture: Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Be sure to dress modestly, especially in religious places and rural areas.
- Safety: Although Jordan is generally a safe country, it is always important to watch your safety. Watch your personal belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas. This is not something specific to Jordan, this should be done in Amsterdam or New York, for example. Always be alert in crowded areas.
- Hydration and sun protection: Temperatures rise considerably in Jordan, especially in summer. Make sure you always have plenty of water with you and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Drinking water: Do not drink tap water in Jordan as you might get sick. Bottled water is available everywhere.
- Visa: You need a visa to enter Jordan. You can arrange an E visa before departure or buy one on arrival at the airport.
- Local laws: It is important to be aware of and abide by local laws in Jordan. This applies to everything from respecting speed limits to not photographing military installations.
- Money: The Jordanian dinar is the local currency. It is useful to always have some cash with you, as not all places accept credit cards.
- Communication: Although English is often spoken in tourist areas, Jordanians greatly appreciate it if you speak a few words of Arabic, such as Shukran (thank you). When you plan on visiting more rural areas, it’s convenient to install Google Translate on your phone. This makes it easier to communicate with locals.
- Travel Insurance: Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance that covers medical expenses, repatriation, and theft or loss of property. Depending on the length of your trip, it may be more economical to purchase long-term or short-term travel insurance. Check Insubuy for options and pricing.
If you keep the above tips in mind, you will be well prepared to enjoy all the beauty Jordan has to offer.
What do you wear as a woman in Jordan?
One of the things to take into account when you’re traveling to Jordan is your clothing. Although you will see some people show some skin in touristy areas, it is wise to dress more conservatively out of respect for the people.
These are a few Jordan clothing tips for women:
- Wear something that covers your shoulders.
- Wear pants, dresses, or skirts that fall over your knees.
- Don’t show your cleavage.
- Bring a scarf or sarong if you enter a mosque, sometimes you need to cover your head. Places that attract many tourists often have robes available that you can put on over your clothes.
- Wear a bathing suit rather than a bikini when swimming.
And these are a few more general clothing tips for Jordan:
- Wear light and airy fabrics. It can get pretty hot in the desert.
- Wear comfortable shoes or sandals. In cities, the stones are often uneven, and in the desert, high heels are understandably not ideal either.
At the King Abdullah I Mosque in Amman, I was given a robe to put on. Many men also had to were this.
Traveling alone as a woman: my tips
I absolutely love traveling solo and have been traveling alone for over 10 years. For me, traveling solo is the best way to connect with locals and other travelers. It is a completely different experience than traveling with someone and you connect with other people much faster. For this reason alone, I recommend that everyone tries solo travel at least once in their lives.
Over the past few years, I have visited more than 30 different countries on my own, and while some countries are safer than others, I always have a set of rules I follow to feel safer.
- Research your destination before departure. Learn a few words of the local language, read about the culture and customs, and be aware of the security situation.
- Buy a local SIM card so you can always be reached and call for help. It is also useful for navigating and calling a cab, for example.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Do not walk the streets alone at night and always watch your belongings (especially in crowded places).
- Make sure that someone knows about your plans.
- Trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. It is better to be safe than sorry.
- Wear a (wedding) ring. In some countries, it is rather strange for a woman to travel alone. If you’re not too keen on all that male attention, it’s always smart to say you’re engaged or married (even if you’re not). A ring makes that even more obvious.
- Choose safe accommodations. Read reviews before booking and consider women-friendly options, such as hostels with special dormitories for women.
- Enjoy! While safety is important, don’t forget to enjoy your trip as well. Solo travel can give you a sense of independence and self-confidence you won’t find anywhere else. It is an experience you’ll never forget!
Are you traveling alone for the first time and looking for practical tips? Check out one of these articles:
- Traveling solo: 8 lessons I’ve learned
- The best destinations for solo travelers
- How to make friends as a solo traveler?
Book a trip to Jordan
Jordan is a beautiful country to explore and safe to travel to. Are you curious to learn about Jordan’s hospitality and do you want to check out those beautiful sites yourself? Don’t wait any longer and book your trip now.
✈️ Plane tickets
The best way to get to Jordan is to fly to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.
🚘 Rental Car
Traveling by public transport in Jordan is possible, but it takes a lot of time. If you want to see a lot in a short amount of time, it is smart to join an organized tour. But if you’d like to have a lot of freedom, make sure to get a rental car. This makes it even easier to get to the really interesting places off the beaten track and you can stop where you want. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.
🎡 Tours and activities
Are you interested in guided tours so you can learn more about the country? Check out Get Your Guide for interesting tours and fun activities.
Read more about Jordan
Do you have plans to travel to Jordan and looking for more tips for this beautiful country? Make sure to get one of these travel guides.
Jordan Travel Guide 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
You can also read more about traveling to Jordan on this website. Check out these posts as well:
- 16 Best things to do in Amman Jordan
- This is why you should hike the Jordan Trail: a comprehensive guide
- My Jordan Travel Diary – I traveled to Jordan in the spring of 2023. I hiked about 150 kilometers of the Jordan Trail and visited Amman and Salt.
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I visited Amman and Jordan on the invitation of Visit Jordan. I always give my honest opinion about a destination or product. Read more about collaborations on this page. This article also contains some affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, it will not cost you anything extra, but I will receive a small commission. With this, I can improve this website. Support Travel with Co.
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