Jordan 2019 Crime & Safety Report
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Jordan 2019 Crime & Safety Report This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Jordan at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Do not travel to the border with Syria and Iraq due to terrorism and armed conflict. Overall Crime and Safety Situation The U.S. Embassy in Amman does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. Review OSAC’s country-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Crime Threats There is minimal risk from crime in Amman. Jordan remains a low-threat crime country. The Public Security Directorate’s (PSD) Criminal Information Department tracks the total number of crimes committed in Jordan annually. The PSD has not released the statistics for 2018; however, there were 22,550 total crimes in 2017, following 22,595 in 2016. The tally includes crimes such as murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, counterfeiting, theft, robbery, conspiracy, kidnapping, and rape were included in the report. Six armed bank robberies occurred in 2018, which is a departure from previous years; there had been no recent prior armed bank robbery in Jordan. Although criminal events are less prevalent in western Amman, crime remains a concern. Travel in pairs or small groups, and increase vigilance in areas where opportunistic thieves might operate, such as crowded areas and tourist venues. The most common crimes directed against U.S. and other Western travelers are petty crimes, including pickpocketing and bag snatching. When carrying a purse or bag, hold it close to your person by wearing it over your neck and shoulder. Conceal wallets and other valuables and avoid displaying credit cards and cash. Try to maintain a low profile by not drawing unnecessary attention to yourself through behavior, jewelry, or clothing. Jordanian police warn the public to exercise vigilance when leaving banks and ATMs. Violence at universities continues to be a problem. Several disturbances at universities were incited by disagreements stemming from university elections, tribal affiliations, and perceived grievances and injustices. The U.S. Embassy noted 13 instances of non-lethal campus violence in 2018. 1 Sexual harassment and assault is a concern for Western women in Jordan, with most cases involving inappropriate staring, cat calling, stalking, indecent exposure, and touching. The Embassy continues to receive sporadic reports of sexual assault and harassment against women. Westerners should be mindful of cultural differences; some Jordanians may see seemingly innocuous behavior such as riding in the front seat of a taxi or even polite conversation with the opposite sex as forward and/or inviting. Women should ride in the back seat of taxis, dress modestly, carry a charged cell phone, and avoid solo travel to unfamiliar areas, especially at night. In 2018 and consistent with previous years, the U.S. Embassy received several reports of minor thefts at diplomatic residences, to include theft of patio furniture, propane tanks, and diesel fuel. These incidents, particularly propane and diesel fuel theft, can be significant issues for the expatriate community. Vehicle theft and vehicle break-ins are infrequent but do occur. Travelers should try to park in well-lighted or secured areas, and ensure nothing of value is in plain sight inside the vehicle. Firearm possession, transport, and sales remained a serious concern for Jordanian authorities. Firearms are not widely available, but have been used by criminal and terrorist elements against police and security personnel conducting law enforcement operations. The U.S. Embassy is aware of scams in Jordan affecting tourists and Embassy personnel. In the tourist areas of Petra and Wadi Rum, there have been reports of Bedouin males acting as unofficial tour guides attempting to extort money from tourists. Romance schemes have also been reported, in which Bedouin males will try and develop relationships with female tourists in a scheme to solicit money. Cybersecurity Issues This year witnessed a growing trend of internet scams, primarily using fictitious social media accounts purporting to be current or former U.S. government officials. These incidents have included fictitious LinkedIn accounts, Facebook posts, and the use of other cyber platforms. Remain vigilant to protect against cyber solicitation, identity theft, and scams. Do not send money to any person or business entity that you do not know personally. For more information on international financial scams, see the Consular Affairs website. Other Areas of Concern On multiple occasions in 2018, explosive ordnance landed inside Jordan within 10km of the border with Syria. Avoid Jordan's borders with Syria and Iraq given the continued threat of cross- border activity, including the risk of terrorist attack. Due to ongoing conflicts in the region, anti- ISIS Coalition activity, and border security concerns, the U.S. Embassy maintains a strict travel policy for personnel. All U.S. government employees on official travel must receive prior permission to visit refugee camps and any area within 10km of the Syria and Iraq borders. Embassy travelers must use armored vehicles equipped with tracking and communication devices. Prior to any such travel, the Regional Security Office consults with Jordanian security officials to ascertain hazards and, if necessary, arranges additional security measures. The Al-Karama border crossing between Iraq and Jordan opened in 2017, and the Jaber border crossing between Syria and Jordan reopened in 2018. The U.S. government warns U.S. citizens not to travel to Syria or Iraq due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. 2 Celebratory gunfire, especially during weddings, funerals, and upon the release of academic results, is also a concern. Additional issues include altercations between tribes, marrying families, honor killings, and retaliatory attacks. Transportation-Safety Situation For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Road Safety and Road Conditions Physical road conditions in urban environments are generally good. Driving conditions in rural areas can be hazardous, as roads are less developed. Avoid driving outside greater Amman at night; poor lighting increases driving hazards associated with unmarked traffic patterns, livestock crossings, construction detours along major highways, and non-traditional (erratic) driving. Traffic accidents are common and can result in serious injuries/fatalities. Fatality rates are higher than in the United States. Excessive speeding and failure to obey traffic regulations are common. Drive defensively and use extreme caution; always wear seatbelts. Minor accidents may resolve at the scene, although some parties may escalate tensions and demand immediate compensation. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices. Public Transportation Conditions Use licensed commercial taxis available at most major hotels. Insist the driver not pick up additional passengers. Although not unique to Jordan, commercial taxis have overcharged foreigners and taken indirect routes to increase fares. This is more prevalent when taking taxis to and from any of the major hotel chains. Ride sharing services such as Uber and Careem are available in Jordan. Avoid other forms of public ground transportation such as city buses. There were instances where private intercity bus lines were targets of rock throwing and other forms of harassment while traveling throughout Jordan this year. Aviation/Airport Conditions In 2018, Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) and Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) implemented heightened security interviews for passengers at check-in and security screenings, in line with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommendations. This is in addition to enhanced screening of personal electronic devices at the last point of departure gates to the United States. Currently RJ operates regular direct flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Detroit Metro Airport, and New York John F Kennedy International Airport, with plans for direct flights to Washington Dulles International Airport in 2019. The U.S. is coordinating with Jordanian authorities to further bolster security at departure gates during 2019. King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is close to Aqaba in southern Jordan. AQJ is 175 miles (280km) south of Amman; the drive between the two locations takes approximately four hours. AQJ primarily serves regional commercial passenger and cargo flights, as well as regular flights to and from AMM. There are no direct flights to the United States from AQJ. 3 Amman Civil Airport (ADJ), commonly known as Marka International Airport, is approximately 3 miles (5km) northeast of Amman’s city center. Primarily a military airport, it also serves as a civil airport for chartered and VIP private flights, as well as air cargo. There are no direct flights to the United States from ADJ. Jordan’s