Jordan

Situated between Israel, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Jordan is unexpectedly peaceful amid the turmoil of its neighbouring countries and is a wonderful place to visit, made more so by its hospitable people whose immediate reaction to travellers is 'welcome to Jordan'. With a reputation for being one of the friendliest countries on earth, it is sad that so few people dare to explore its rich history, as well as two of the most magnificent sights in the Middle East: the ancient rock-hewn city of Petra and Wadi Rum's spectacular desert scenery.

Jordan is a kingdom layered in antiquity, from the work of Nabataean stonemasons to characters such as Moses and Lawrence of Arabia; from ancient cities and Biblical sites to desert castles, Crusader forts and Byzantine mosaics. This ancient culture belies the fact that it is also a modern country, with a good infrastructure, a thriving business and arts scene, and first class hotels, restaurants and shopping opportunities. The contradictions between the old and new are astonishing.

Jordan is a relatively small country of varied landscapes, where the fertile Jordan Valley, bordering the entire western side of the kingdom, is separated from the immense desert stretching to the east by the populated highlands. As part of the Great Rift Valley, the Jordan Valley incorporates the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth's surface and most famous for its heavy salt and mineral concentrations, while the main towns are strung out along the length of the highland plateau, including the friendly capital, Amman, as well as plenty of historical sites from ancient civilisations.

Home to breathtaking desert-scapes, colourful coral reefs that are unequalled anywhere else in the world, and sweeping vistas towards the Promised Land, Jordan is full of charismatic beauty, both in scenery and in the genuine Arabic welcome afforded to strangers. Welcome to Jordan&

Climate

July and August are the hottest and driest months of the year, especially in Amman and the Jordan Valley, and in the desert areas, with temperatures over 97°F (36°C). Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit with clear, sunny days and moderate temperatures. The winter months from December to March can be very cold, particularly in Amman, with snow, rain and wind, but there is little rainfall in the desert regions and in Aqaba, which makes a pleasant wintertime resort. About 75 percent of the country can be described as having a desert climate with very little annual rainfall.

Money

The official currency is the Dinar (JOD), which is divided into 100 piastres or 1,000 fils. 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.

Passport Visa

All foreign passengers to Jordan must hold return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Furthermore, most nationalities require a visa to enter Jordan, which can be obtained on arrival, if arriving by air. A single-entry visa costs JOD 20, and is valid for one month. Note that the fee is payable in Jordanian Dinars only. This fee may be waived for registered tour groups of more than five people. Also note that all foreign nationals intending to stay in Jordan longer than 14 days will have to undergo an AIDS test, which must be carried out at the Directorate of Immigrant Health and Chest-Related Diseases. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival. Note that for South African passport holders, there is no visa fee.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of their arrival in Jordan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Health

Inoculations are not required unless travelling from an area infected with yellow fever, in which case a certificate will be requested on arrival. Although not necessary, it is recommended that a vaccination for typhoid be had before travel to Jordan, except for short-term business travellers who restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels. It is advisable to drink bottled water, which is cheap and widely available, although better hotels have their own water filtering systems. An outbreak of bird flu was detected in poultry in the north of the country, but the risk to travellers is low. However, close contact with live birds should be avoided and all poultry and egg dishes should be well cooked as a precaution. Medical services are good throughout the country with clinics, hospitals and medical centres in every city or village, and many doctors in the larger towns or cities speak English. Most hospitals are privately owned. Travellers should carry their own prescription medicines and medical insurance is recommended.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Jordan, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 966 2664.
• Embassy of Jordan, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7937 3685.
• Embassy of Jordan, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 8090.
• Embassy of Jordan, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6295 9951.
• Embassy of Jordan, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346 8615.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Amman: +962 (0)6 590 6000.
• British Embassy, Amman: +962 (0)6 590 9200.
• Canadian Embassy, Amman: +962 (0)6 520 3300.
• Australian Embassy, Amman: +962 (0)6 580 7000.
• South African Embassy, Amman: +962 (0)6 592 1194.
• Irish Honourary Consulate, Amman: +962 (0)6 553 3616.
• New Zealand Consulate, Ankara, Turkey (also responsible for Jordan): +90 312 446 3333.