Amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, concerns over the safety of travel to and from countries in the surrounding region of Israel, Gaza and Lebanon are heightened.
Although the Foreign Office considers most of Jordan generally safe to travel to – bar the area up to 3km from its northern border with Syria – travel guidance has been updated to reflect ongoing events.
After tensions spilt into the Red Sea in October 2023, cruise itineraries to Aqaba were cancelled in the first blow to holidaymakers visiting the country.
Last October, the Jordanian airspace was also temporarily closed after ballistic missiles targeted at Israel were intercepted over Jordan, including over Amman, resulting in flight cancellations and diversions.
On Sunday (4 May), flash flooding in Wadi al-Nakhil claimed the lives of a Belgian tourist and her son and prompted an evacuation of the archaeological site, Petra.
Jordan, a popular winter sun destination for tourists, shares its northern border with both Israel and Syria, and travellers with trips booked may be questioning whether to holiday there.
Here’s the latest travel advice for Jordan, plus all the key questions and answers.
What does the Foreign Office say?
As of 6 May, Foreign Office (FCDO) advice for Jordan states: “FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria.”
Its guidance notes that the situation in Syria is “unpredictable” and the situation “remains volatile and dangerous after over a decade of conflict and insecurity”, advising against all travel to Syria.
Travellers are also warned that the security situation “could change suddenly” in Jordan amid ongoing conflict in Israel, Lebanon, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Recent protests in Amman about the Gaza conflict near the Israeli and US embassies and downtown may also “heighten anti-western sentiment”, say the FCDO.
Land crossings with Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories “may be restricted or close at short notice” and tourists are told to “stay aware of your surroundings” at all times.
An FCDO weather warning says: “In the rainy season from November to March, the Jordanian government sometimes issues flood alerts, particularly along the Jordan Valley. Flood alerts can cause diversions and road closures, affecting drivers and hikers. There is a risk of flash flooding. Be alert to advisories and co-operate with the authorities.”
Are cruises stopping in Jordan?
Aqaba, Jordan’s only seaport, sits on the Gulf of Aqaba at the tip of the Red Sea. Cruise holidays due to dock in Jordan were diverted or cancelled due to the Red Sea crisis and neighbouring conflict in January 2024.
Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, says that the disappearance of cruises from the Jordanian port of Aqaba has “crushed the tourist industry that depends on frequent arrivals of thousands of holidaymakers keen to visit the marvels of Petra and Wadi Rum”.
So far in 2025, the only calls at Aqaba are occasional visits by Aroya, the Saudi cruise ship based at the Red Sea port of Jeddah.
There is a long gap between 9 June, the last such call, and the arrival of MSC Euribia on 29 October – on a voyage from Southampton via the Suez Canal to Dubai.
MSC Opera will call at Aqaba on 7 November on a voyage from Venice to Durban in South Africa.
The Greek-based cruise line, Celestyal, will make a couple of calls at Aqaba on 7 November and 3 December.
The next major arrivals will be in March 2026, when Tui’s German cruise line starts calling at Aqaba. The Egyptian cities of Port Said and Alexandria are also likely to benefit from the relaunch of Suez Canal voyages.
What do the Jordan authorities say?
A spokesperson for the Jordan Tourism Board said: “Jordan continues to remain a safe and welcoming destination. We were pleased to see visitor numbers to Jordan from the UK are already up 20 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting that travellers are excited to explore our breathtaking landscapes.
“Jordan takes great pride in its reputation as a secure and hospitable country, and our tourism industry remains resilient and ready to welcome visitors from across the globe.”
Are flights going to Jordan?
Queen Alia International Airport, south of Amman, remains operational with the home airline, Royal Jordanian, flying as usual.
Leading leisure airport King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordan’s southernmost point, has very few flights, mainly on Royal Jordanian to and from Amman.
The main airlines that fly from the UK to Jordan include British Airways, easyJet, Tui and Wizz Air out of London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London Luton. Royal Jordanian also departs from London Stansted and Manchester for Amman.
BA have resumed daily flights from Heathrow, and Wizz Air departs London Luton for Jordan three times a week.
What if I have booked a package holiday to Jordan?
Travellers who have booked package holidays to Jordan’s “no go” zone as advised by the FCDO can cancel without penalty for a full refund, although the main tourist spots – Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum – are a fair distance from here anyway.
Outside of the 3km radius between Jordan’s northern border and Syria, the conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone. There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on travel insurance due to safety concerns unless FCDO advice changes.
For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast
