U.S. State Department Updates Jordan Travel Advisory to Level 3: Reconsider Travel; Orders Departure of Non-Emergency Pe

Current rules

The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Jordan due to terrorism and armed conflict. As of 29 August 2026, family members are permitted to join U.S. government employees in Jordan. The advisory notes ongoing threats of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights following hostilities between the United States and Iran that began on 28 February 2026. Specific areas with heightened risk of terrorism and crime are Zarqa City, Ma'an City, all areas of Ma'an Governorate east of Highway 15 ('The Desert Highway'), and all areas of Ma'an Governorate within two kilometres to the west of Highway 15. For official travel to these areas, U.S. government personnel must follow U.S. embassy travel restrictions; when travelling at night, major highways must be used. Personal travel to these areas is permitted only during daylight hours, though direct transit through them is allowed at night along major highways. Areas designated 'Do Not Travel' due to terrorism and unrest include Mansheyat al Ghayyath, Ruwayshid, and the border with Syria and Iraq. Designated Syrian refugee camps in Jordan are 'Do Not Travel' areas due to Government of Jordan restrictions on entry. Rusayfah city and the Baqa'a neighbourhood of Ayn Basha are also 'Do Not Travel' due to terrorism and crime.

Overview

The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Jordan, maintaining a 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel' recommendation due to ongoing concerns about terrorism and armed conflict. A significant change effective from 29 August 2026 is the allowance for family members to join U.S. government employees working in Jordan. The advisory now provides more detailed information on specific high-risk areas within Jordan and outlines specific travel restrictions for U.S. government personnel.

What changed in the latest version

This change is important for U.S. government staff working in Jordan. It formally allows their family members to live with them. This could improve staff morale and family time. For U.S. citizens planning to travel to Jordan, the risk of drone and missile attacks and flight delays means they must be more careful. They need to plan their trips more thoroughly. People who plan to visit areas like Zarqa City or Ma'an City, or those near the Syrian and Iraqi borders, must now follow stricter safety rules and 'Do Not Travel' warnings. This could limit where they can go and increase worries about their personal safety.

Explained simply

Imagine your parents are sending you on a trip. This update from the U.S. government is like them saying, 'Jordan is still a bit risky, so think carefully before you go.' But good news! If your parent works for the U.S. government in Jordan, you (and other family) can now join them, starting from 29 August 2026. However, some specific towns and border areas in Jordan are still considered quite dangerous, so you should definitely avoid those, just like avoiding a bad neighbourhood back home. Always use main roads if you have to travel at night in certain areas.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v40Effective 4 May 2026EffectiveMedium impact
   U.S. State Department Updates Jordan Travel Advisory to Level 3: Reconsider Travel; Orders Departure of Non-Emergency Personnel

   Follows v17 · U.S. State Department Raises Jordan Travel Advisory to Level 3: Reconsider Travel, Orders Non-Emergency Personnel Departure

   The U.S. State Department has changed its travel advice for Jordan. This advice, called 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel', started on 29 August 2026. Now, family members can live with U.S. government employees in Jordan. The advice also mentions a threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. It notes that commercial flights have been greatly disrupted since 28 February 2026, after fighting started with the United States. It repeats that Zarqa City, Ma'an City, and parts of Ma'an Governorate are more dangerous. U.S. government staff have special rules for travel to these areas, for both work and personal trips. Some areas still have a 'Do Not Travel' recommendation.

2. v17Effective 2 Mar 2026EffectiveHigh impact
   U.S. State Department Raises Jordan Travel Advisory to Level 3: Reconsider Travel, Orders Non-Emergency Personnel Departure

   The U.S. State Department has raised its travel warning for Jordan. This warning is now 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel'. This is due to more terrorism and armed conflict risks. On 2 March 2026, the department told U.S. government staff who do not handle emergencies and their families to leave Jordan. The warning also names specific areas as 'Level 4: Do Not Travel'. These areas are Mansheyat al Ghayyath, Ruwayshid, the border with Syria and Iraq, Syrian refugee camps, Rusayfah City, and the Baqa'a area of Ayn Basha. Other areas are under a 'Reconsider Travel' warning. These include Ma'an city, parts of Ma'an Governorate, and Zarqa city.

Timeline

1. Announced

   2 Mar 2026

   The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Jordan to Level 3: Reconsider Travel, effective 2 March 2026. This change reflects heightened safety concerns, including risks of terrorism and armed conflict, prompting the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their families. Travellers are strongly advised to reconsider non-essential travel to Jordan and

2. Takes effect

   2 Mar 2026

   The travel advisory level for Jordan is 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel' due to terrorism and armed conflict. Non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members were ordered to leave Jordan on 2 March 2026, due to safety risks. Specific areas like Mansheyat al Ghayyath, Ruwayshid, the border with Syria and Iraq, Syrian refugee camps, Rusayfah City, and the Baqa'a neighborhood of Ayn Bas