Is it safe for americans to travel to Jordan?

Answer 1

Its very safe

Answer 2

Here is the latest from the State Department on travel in Jordan:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1149.html

Answer 3

SAFETY AND SECURITY: The threat of terrorism remains high in Jordan as exhibited by recent terrorist attacks. Transnational terrorist groups, as well as less sophisticated local elements, have demonstrated the capability to pose threats in Jordan. Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi’s Al-Qa’ida in Iraq network (AQIZ) in particular continues to focus its terrorist activities against U.S and Government of Jordan (GOJ) targets in Jordan. AQIZ claimed responsibility for the November 9, 2005 bombings of three international hotels in Amman, where 60 people were killed and over 100 were injured. The bombs were carried into the hotels by pedestrian suicide bombers, who were wearing explosive vests. AQIZ also claimed responsibility for the Aqaba rocket attack on August 19, 2005, which killed one Jordanian soldier while wounding another. The assassination of American diplomat Larry Foley outside his west Amman residence on October 28, 2002 was also attributed to Zarqawi’s group.

In addition, there has been a series of serious, confirmed terrorist threats and disrupted terrorist plots targeting U.S. or Jordanian interests in Jordan. In November 2005, the Government of Jordan (GOJ) indicted six men for planning to carry out attacks against Americans at hotels and bars in Amman and Aqaba. In August-September 2005, four militants were arrested for plotting assassinations of Americans in Jordan. In July 2005, GOJ authorities arrested an AQIZ-linked group of 17 men, which had planned to assassinate GOJ officials and Americans in country. In February 2005, four men were arrested for plotting attacks against GOJ officials, tourists and five-star hotels. In the same month, another four-man group was disrupted while plotting to attack liquor stores in Amman and foreign tourists in Aqaba. In April 2004, Jordanian authorities disrupted a major Zarqawi-linked plot in its advanced stages to attack the U.S. Embassy and Jordanian leadership sites with explosive-laden vehicles.

Terrorists often do not distinguish between U.S. government personnel and private citizens. Terrorists may target areas frequented by Westerners, such as tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, places of worship, expatriate residential areas, and schools. In light of these security concerns, U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high-level of vigilance, to be aware of their surroundings, and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. It is especially important for travelers to be unpredictable by varying their times and routes and to maintain a low profile. Moreover, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid contact with any suspicious or unfamiliar objects and to immediately report the presence of such objects to the authorities. U.S. Government personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions.

Anti-western sentiment, though less pronounced since the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom, has been sparked on occasion by incidents within the region, particularly those related to Israeli/Palestinian issues and to a lesser extent Iraq. Travelers are advised to avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. Special sensitivity and caution should be exercised at or near religious sites during holy days and the Friday Muslim Sabbath. Modest attire should be worn in deference to local custom.

U.S. citizens are advised to increase their vigilance as they approach the border area with Iraq. In July 2005 and December 2004, Iraq-based terrorists targeted the Jordan/Iraq border crossing by utilizing vehicle bombs. The Department of State advises against travel into Iraq; see the Travel Warning and Consular Information Sheet for Iraq for further information.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site , where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

CRIME: Crime is generally not a serious problem for travelers in Jordan, but petty crime is prevalent in the downtown Amman Hashimiyah Square area and near the Roman Theater. In the narrow streets of the Old City, crowded conditions invite pickpockets and other petty criminals. It is safer to travel in groups when visiting the center of Amman. Travelers are urged to be more guarded in these areas so that they do not present easy opportunities for criminals. Purse-snatchings in central and western Amman are reportedly on the increase. In many cases, thieves in moving vehicles snatched pedestrians' purses and drove off. In some instances, victims were injured when they were unable to free themselves from their purses. When carrying a purse, it would be wise to conceal it if possible, to avoid walking near the road within reach of passing vehicles, and to walk against the flow of traffic.

There have been isolated incidents of sexual harassment, assault and unwelcome advances of a sexual nature against Western women both visiting and residing in Jordan. These incidents, while troubling, are not pervasive. Women are advised to take reasonable precautions, including dressing conservatively and not traveling alone.