Is Jordan Safe for Americans?

Is Jordan Safe for Americans to Travel? Absolutely Yes, and Here’s Why

The short answer is yes, Jordan is safe for Americans to travel. In fact, it’s even safer than being at home in the United States. If you’re curious why that is, keep reading, and I’ll explain how Jordan, despite its location in the Middle East, offers a level of safety that might surprise you.

A Nation Built on Hospitality and Tourism

First, it’s important to understand that Jordan is a country where locals deeply rely on tourism. This dependence goes beyond just those who work directly in the tourism industry; it affects almost every aspect of life in Jordan. The Jordanian society isn’t divided by religion, region, or political beliefs but rather by major family names. With a population of 11.29 million in 2022, the country is like one big extended family. And just like in any close-knit community, the safety and well-being of guests (tourists) are paramount.

Crime Rate: Jordan vs. The United States

To put things in perspective, let’s start with a comparison of crime rates between Jordan and the United States.

In 2022, the homicide rate in the United States was 6.4 cases per 100,000 population, resulting in a total of 21,593 homicides in a country of 333.3 million people. In contrast, Jordan’s homicide rate was significantly lower at 1.1 cases per 100,000 population, with around 125 cases in total. This stark difference highlights a key aspect of safety in Jordan: violent crime is rare.

Similarly, the robbery rate in the U.S. was 86.2 cases per 100,000 population in 2018, down from 137.3 cases per 100,000 in 2004. Jordan’s robbery rate in 2017 was just 6.1 cases per 100,000 population, having gradually decreased from 10.7 cases per 100,000 in 2005. Again, this comparison shows that the likelihood of encountering violent crime in Jordan is far lower than in the U.S.

(Data credit to knoema.com)

Why Is Jordan So Safe?

Despite not having the economic power of the United States, with a GDP per capita of just $4,311 in 2022, Jordan remains remarkably safe. The reason lies in the culture and social structure of the country. Jordanians work hard to earn an honest living, often juggling multiple jobs or side hustles. The culture and religion strongly discourage theft, robbery, drugs, and other criminal activities.

In Jordan, family ties are incredibly strong, and social reputation matters deeply. If someone were to commit a crime, everyone would know about it, and the individual would face not only legal consequences but also social shame and potential ostracization from their family. This tight-knit social fabric acts as an additional deterrent against crime.

The Role of Tourism in Ensuring Safety

For you, as a tourist, Jordan’s dependence on tourism is crucial. The current situation, where international media have painted the entire region as unsafe, has significantly impacted Jordan’s tourism industry. Hotels, particularly in popular locations like Petra, have closed due to a lack of visitors, leaving hundreds of workers without income. Even non-tourism workers, such as dentists in Wadi Musa, have felt the economic strain, as locals struggle to afford basic services.

Because tourism is so vital to the Jordanian economy, locals go to great lengths to ensure that tourists feel safe and welcome. The importance of tourism to their livelihoods means that they have a vested interest in maintaining a secure environment for visitors.

In Jordan, it’s common to walk through city streets at any time of night without fear. People are busy with their own lives and are more concerned about making ends meet than about your nationality. Whether you’re American or not, you’ll find nothing but warmth and hospitality in Jordan. Don’t let the media fool you—enjoy your trip and embrace the local culture.

What About the Regional Tensions?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the current tensions in the Middle East. Jordan is a country that has successfully navigated through numerous regional conflicts without being drawn into the fray. The country has strong borders and a population that prioritizes safety above all else. Importantly, Jordan is not an occupying power; it hasn’t taken land from others, and thus, it isn’t embroiled in conflicts over stolen territory.

Jordan has survived and thrived despite the challenges of its region. Its people care deeply about their country’s safety, and this translates into a secure environment for both residents and visitors.

So, if you’re considering a trip to Jordan, know that you’re likely safer there than back home. Enjoy your time in this beautiful and welcoming country, and experience firsthand why Jordan is not just safe but also incredibly enriching to visit.