2019 and Consistent with Previous Years, the U.S
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Jordan 2020 Crime & Safety Report This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Amman. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Jordan. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Jordan country 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. Travel Advisory 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. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. Overall Crime and Safety Situation Crime Threats The U.S. Department of State has assessed Amman as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Jordan remains a low-threat crime country. Although criminal activity targeting Western expatriates is uncommon, foreigners should exercise vigilance at tourist sites and crowded locations. Common petty crimes, include pickpocketing and bag snatching, have targeted foreigners in the tourist areas of Amman’s city center. 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. Travelers can increase their personal security by traveling in pairs or small groups and by varying routes and times in daily activities. Jordanian police warn the public to exercise vigilance when leaving banks and ATMs to avoid targeting from opportunistic thieves. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud, and Taking Credit. 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 individuals acting aggressively as unofficial tour guides attempting to extort money from tourists. Romance schemes have also occurred in which local men attempt to develop relationships with female tourists to solicit money. Sexual harassment and assault are concerns for women in Jordan, including Western and foreign women, with most cases involving inappropriate staring, verbal harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, and touching. The Embassy continues to receive reports of sexual assault and harassment against women. Foreigners 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. To avoid any misunderstandings, 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 2019 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. 1 Vehicle theft and vehicle break-ins are infrequent but do occur. Park vehicles in well-lighted or secured areas, and ensure nothing of value is in plain sight inside the vehicle. Firearm possession, transport, and sales remain a serious concern for Jordanian authorities. Criminal and terrorist elements have used available firearms against police and security personnel conducting law enforcement operations. Although against Jordanian law, celebratory gunfire, especially during weddings, funerals, and upon the release of academic results, is common and a concern. Additional issues include altercations between tribes and retaliatory attacks. 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. In some instances, those perpetrating the fraud have claimed to be U.S. embassy employees offering jobs or visas to the United States. 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. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband? Other Areas of Concern In 2019, the Syrian regime regained control of land in southern Syria near Jordan’s northwest border, which had been held by opposition forces. On multiple occasions in 2018, explosive ordnance landed inside Jordan within 10km of the border with Syria. Travelers should 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 and border security concerns, the U.S. Embassy maintains a strict travel policy for personnel. All U.S. government employees must receive prior permission to visit refugee camps and any area within 10km of the Syrian border, and all areas east of Ruwayshid toward the Iraq border. Embassy personnel must use armored vehicles equipped with tracking and communication devices for travel to these areas. 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 against travel to Syria or Iraq due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. Lethal force is authorized to prevent anyone from crossing illegally into Jordan from Syria. Transportation-Safety Situation 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 Amman city limits at night; poor lighting increases driving hazards associated with unmarked traffic patterns, livestock crossings, construction detours along major highways, and erratic driving. 2 Traffic accidents are common and can result in serious injuries/fatalities. Excessive speeding and failure to obey traffic regulations are common. Drive defensively, wear seatbelts, and use caution. Drivers may resolve minor accidents at the scene, although some parties may escalate tensions and demand immediate compensation. It is typical for drivers in Jordan not to signal for turns or lane changes. Drivers tend to be aggressive, and cars operate very closely together on highways. Jordanian roads are particularly treacherous during the rainy season, which runs from October to March. Heavy snowfall can occur in winter months (December to February), making many roads – even major highways – impassable for several days. Driving in Amman also is hazardous in the summer months of June to September when Jordan experiences an influx of visitors from other countries in the region. Highway traffic is heavy around the Muslim holidays, when Jordanian expatriates return to Jordan for family visits. The Desert Highway outside Aqaba, as well as the Dead Sea Highway from Amman, both popular tourist routes, are dangerous because they are narrow, winding, steep, and crowded with trucks. Avoid using these roads at night. When driving in both urban and rural areas, beware of unmarked speed bumps and livestock, including camels, sheep, and goats. Collisions with livestock are common. Drivers must have a valid Jordanian license or a valid foreign license with an International Driving Permit to drive in Jordan. U.S. visitors who intend to drive should obtain an International Driving Permit before travel to Jordan. Temporary visitors may use their valid U.S. driver's licenses only to rent green-plated rental cars. Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts. All cars must have a fire extinguisher and warning triangle in the vehicle. Child car seats are not required by law. Fines for speeding can exceed $140. Cameras enforce speeding laws on many roads. Talking on a cell phone while driving is prohibited. If police stop you, you may face a fine. Police may pull over speeding drivers, as well as those believed to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Licensed drivers must carry local third-party insurance with sufficient coverage for accidents resulting in injury or death. Drivers involved in an accident should remain at the scene and immediately call the police and emergency personnel in case injuries have occurred. Police frequently hold the driver’s license or passport to prevent the driver from fleeing. Drivers may recover identification documents at the police station. It is common for foreign drivers to receive blame for accidents, regardless of the actual circumstances. Following an accident, the other party may file criminal or civil charges to seek damages. Police have occasionally detained U.S. citizen drivers as a result. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive