Oh bloody hell! I am about to buy a ticket to Aqaba
The moment I tried to book an online ticket from Beirout to Aqaba on Royal Jordanian Airlines- news came in that a bomb dropped on the parking lot, 20m from the entrance to the Hyatt in Aqaba.
Tue, August 3, 2010 - 12:51 AM
Sitting at my computer trying to make up my mind about buying the ticket from Beirut to Aqaba/Jordan and just received from the smarttraveller service I subscribed to:
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Terrorism (artillery rocket attack near international hotel in Aqaba on 2 August). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
Summary
•We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Jordan because of the high threat of terrorist attack.
•Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.
•We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks in Jordan against Westerners and places frequented by Westerners or associated with Western interests.
•Terrorists have attacked international hotels in Jordan. Tourist hotels throughout Jordan, in particular in Amman, Aqaba, the Dead Sea and other resort areas, are potential targets for attack. For further information on possible targets, see Safety and Security: Terrorism.
•Political developments in the region may prompt demonstrations in Jordan. These demonstrations could turn violent and should be avoided.
•Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
•Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
◦organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
◦register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
◦subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it’s reissued.
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On this page:
Summary
Safety and Security
Local Laws
Entry and Exit Requirements
Health Issues
Where to Get Help
Safety and Security
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Jordan because of the high threat of terrorist attack. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.
We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks in Jordan against Westerners and places frequented by Westerners or associated with Western interests. International hotels have been attacked by terrorists in the past and further attacks cannot be ruled out. On 22 April 2010 an artillery rocket fired towards the Israeli city of Eilat, landed in the adjoining Jordanian city of Aqaba, causing minor damage. On 2 August 2010, a similar rocket exploded outside an international hotel in Aqaba, killing one and injuring four. On 14 January 2010 an Israeli convoy was the target of a roadside bombing on the Amman to Dead Sea road. These incidents highlight the risk to Australians in Jordan from attacks directed at others.
A public statement in March 2008, purportedly by a senior al-Qa'ida figure, called for attacks against Jordan. Possible targets include tourist hotels in Amman, Aqaba, the Dead Sea, Petra, Jerash and other cities and resort areas. Attacks could also be directed at embassies and consulates of countries that are part of the coalition in Iraq, including by implication the Australian Embassy, US and UK military bases and Jordanian government sites. Al-Qa'ida bombed three international hotels in Amman in 2005 and has also assassinated targeted foreigners in Jordan and could do so again.
In planning your activities, consider the types of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided at these places. Tourist areas and attractions throughout Jordan and tourists travelling to or from these places, including those in tour groups or tour buses, could be targeted. Other possible terrorist targets in Jordan include hotels, restaurants, bars, nightspots, clubs, sporting clubs and sporting venues, international fast food outlets, supermarkets, markets, bars, cinemas, theatres, office buildings, public transport, pedestrian promenades, universities, places of worship, expatriate residential areas and schools, outdoor recreation events or identifiably Western or Jewish businesses and interests.
The central business and embassy districts of Amman, including embassies, other metropolitan and tourist centres and premises, symbols and buildings associated with the Jordanian Government, key transport infrastructure including airports, petrol stations, shopping centres and shopping malls are also possible targets.
You should be vigilant in the lead up to and on days of national or religious significance as terrorists may choose to use these occasions to mount attacks.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
International events or political developments in the region may prompt demonstrations in Jordan. These demonstrations could turn violent and should be avoided.
You should avoid all large gatherings, including those at university campuses, near mosques and Palestinian refugee camps as they may become violent. The risk of violent disturbances is higher on Fridays, near main city mosques and downtown areas of Amman (East Amman) after midday prayers.
Crime
Petty crime is a concern, especially in downtown and wealthier parts of Amman. Unattended bags have been stolen in hotels. Bags have also been snatched from pedestrians by thieves in passing vehicles. Victims have been knocked to the ground and sometimes dragged. Bags should be carried on the side away from the kerb. Burglaries also occur.
You should be vigilant when using ATMs.
Women are vulnerable to harassment, which can include leering, unwanted physical contact and stalking. There have been several incidents of sexual assault against foreign women. You should avoid walking alone after dark and in isolated places. See also Local Travel below.
In September 2006, a lone gunman shot at a group of foreign tourists and their tour guide close to the Roman ruins in downtown Amman, killing one person and injuring six, including a Jordanian police officer. In February 2008, a Western tourist was stabbed in the same area, while a gunman wounded six people as they boarded a bus near the ruins in July 2008.
Local Travel
Unexploded munitions, including landmines, are still a danger along Jordan’s northern border, particularly around military installations. Known minefields are usually fenced and marked, but these warnings may not be obvious.
The border crossing point between Jordan and the West Bank could be closed at very short notice. For details about travel to the West Bank, see our travel advice for Israel, Gaza Strip and West Bank.
Police perform random security checks of vehicles on Jordanian highways and you are advised to carry identification documents to present at checkpoints.
Women should avoid travelling alone, particularly at night. Serious assaults by taxi drivers on lone female passengers have been reported. Where possible, women should avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi and use a recommended taxi company and driver. You should pay attention to your immediate surroundings and exercise judgement.
Jordan has a high accident road toll. Roads can be hazardous at night, particularly in rural areas where stray livestock and unlit vehicles are common, and you should avoid driving outside the cities after dark. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety. Vehicles must carry an extinguisher and a warning triangle.
The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities, might not always be met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed.
We strongly recommend Australians do not travel to Iraq due to the extremely dangerous security situation and very high threat of terrorist attack. If you plan to go to Iraq, you should first read our travel advisory for Iraq.
Airline Safety
Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.
Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate
Jordan is located in an active earthquake zone.
Sand and dust storms can occur, particularly in desert areas.
Flooding, including flash floods, can occur in valleys (wadis) from November to March.
Rock falls and landslips can also occur in valleys and other natural rock fissures and formations. You should take particular care in these areas.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Money and Valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
For Parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children’s Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
Local Laws
When you are in Jordan, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can’t get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Australians who might engage in activities that involve local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support), are strongly advised to seek professional advice and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities. See also Entry and Exit Requirements below.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include life imprisonment. Penalties for possession of even small quantities of 'soft' drugs include mandatory prison sentences.
Serious crimes, such as murder, treason and rape, may attract the death penalty.
Hard labour may be imposed for offences causing personal injury or property damage.
Adultery (including consensual sex between unmarried couples) may be punished by up to 3 years imprisonment.
Australians wishing to marry in Jordan should confirm legal requirements prior to travel, either from the Australian Embassy in Amman or the Jordanian Embassy in Canberra.
Under Jordanian law, drivers are considered guilty if they are involved in an accident in which a pedestrian is injured. They face possible prison terms and payment of financial compensation.
It is illegal to photograph embassies, military and security installations and sites. You should obey all signs prohibiting photography of official buildings. You should seek consent before photographing people.
You should check local regulations and sensitivities before engaging in missionary work, preaching or other religious activities.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
Local Customs
There are strict standards of modest dress and behaviour in Jordan. You should take care not to offend.
You should avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan. See our Ramadan 2010 Travel Bulletin for further information.
Public displays of affection between couples are not socially acceptable and may cause offence in many parts of Jordan.
It is not socially acceptable for unmarried couples to live together or share accommodation.
Homosexual relations are not socially acceptable in Jordan.
Cultural and social expectations vary between regions of Jordan. If in doubt, seek local advice.
Information for Dual Nationals
Dual nationals are considered Jordanian while in Jordan.
Compulsory military service has been suspended. However, all Jordanian males between 18 and 40 years, including dual nationals, are required to register for Jordanian military service and postpone their service each year. Eligible males who fail to register may be prevented from leaving Jordan.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Jordan for the most up-to-date information.
Foreigners wishing to stay more than one month in Jordan must register with the police and may be required to undergo medical and HIV tests.
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Jordan if you have come from or transited an area where there is a risk of transmission.
Under Jordanian law, a husband may prevent his wife and children from leaving Jordan, even if they are Australian citizens.
If you travel between Jordan and Israel, you may experience difficulties in or be refused entry to some Arab and Muslim nations if your passport has evidence of travel to Israel, including entry and exit stamps issued at border crossings in Jordan, or if your luggage has stickers indicating you have been to Israel.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Health Issues
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Outside major cities, Jordan's health services are basic. Most high quality medical services in Amman are private and cash payment is expected in advance. In the event of serious illness, accident or for complex medical procedures, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate medical facilities could be necessary. Medical evacuation costs would be considerable.
Water-borne, food-borne, mosquito-borne and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, typhoid, measles, brucellosis, sand fly fever, rabies and schistosomiasis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling, including booster doses of childhood vaccinations, and take precautions against being bitten by insects, including using insect repellent at all times. You should boil all drinking water or drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Jordan. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Where to Get Help
In Jordan, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy
41 Kayed Al Armouti Street
Abdoun Al Jonoubi
Amman, JORDAN
Telephone: (962 6) 580 7000
Facsimile: (962 6) 580 7001
Email: amman.consular@dfat.gov.au
Website:
www.jordan.embassy.gov.auThe working week is Sunday to Thursday, in accordance with local practice.
If you are travelling to Jordan, whatever the reason and however long you’ll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the embassy, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
This Advice was issued on Tuesday, 03 August 2010, 16:05:44, EST.
Tue, August 3, 2010 - 12:51 AM
Today I arrived early for my class at the Arabic Islamic institute. When we have spare time, we have a special place to hang out: the "women's floor". So, in through the sheltered women's door down the little garden path and up to the women's floor where we can all sit around a low table, some of us on the chairs and some on the thick, lush Persian carpet. 
