After months of uncertainty amid the Middle East conflict, the UK government’s advice for Jordan has now been updated, no longer advising visitors against all but essential travel.
Following the US and Israeli strikes against Iran that started on February 28, the UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) advised against non-essential travel to the majority of Jordan, but on Wednesday, June 3 the advice was lifted.
Conflict continues in the Middle East, with multiple people injured on the morning of June 3 following a drone strike carried out by Iran on a passenger terminal at Kuwait airport.
The attack hit the T1 building at the international airport, causing flights to be suspended or diverted to alternative airports until further notice.
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?
Since 3 June, the FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Jordan but continues to advise against all travel within 3km of the border with Syria.
What is the UK government’s advice if you are in Jordan?
The FCDO still advises that the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable, and that attacks could resume at short notice.
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 has previously targeted 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.
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, follow the instructions of the local authorities and keep a departure plan under review.
The advice also notes that if you are advised to take shelter, people in Jordan should stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter.
“An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection,” it says. “The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure.”
How can I get home?
Flights are still departing from Amman Queen Alia airport. Travellers should check with their airline for any updates on flights.
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.
Will it be easier to book a holiday to Jordan now?
As the FCDO no longer warns against non-essential travel to the majority of Jordan, your travel insurance is likely to be valid if you now decide to book a trip. This is because your travel insurance is at risk of being invalidated if you travel against advice from FCDO. However, it is important to check individual policies.
Package holidays are likely to start operating as usual. There are currently no grounds for travellers to expect a refund if they cancel, nor to claim the money back through travel insurance.
If FCDO advice changes to advising against all travel, you can cancel a package holiday without penalty for a full refund.
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