Jordan · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Petra scores 44/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: caution advised. Reconsider travel — Jordan’s overall advisory level is Level 3, and the safety profile caps at 44/100 due to conflict‑terrorism concerns and limited medical infrastructure. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 3 (Reconsider Travel).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Jordan · Assessed 28 July 2026
44
/ 100
Safer than ~32% of countries
Score capped at 44 — Level 3 advisory — reconsider travel. No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Reconsider Travel
“Updated to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel on March 2 and the change to Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to safety risks, and to add the “other” risk indicator.”
Updated Mon, 04 May 2026
Full advisory →Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Jordan-Syria border FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria.”
Updated 2026-07-22T12:47:55Z
Full advisory →Avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Jordan: avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-07-23T10:15:22.4371216-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging or armed robbery of visitors is uncommon but can occur near the main entrance after dark; stay in well‑lit areas and avoid walking alone after sunset.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag‑snatching are frequent in Petra’s crowded ticket queues and souvenir markets, especially during peak hours.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
55/100
Recent traveller reports indicate a cautious optimism — most feel safe inside the archaeological site but are wary of scams and occasional petty theft.
Reconsider travel — Jordan’s overall advisory level is Level 3, and the safety profile caps at 44/100 due to conflict‑terrorism concerns and limited medical infrastructure.
The multi‑database safety profile rates Petra as CAUTION (44/100) because of a Level 3 government advisory tied to regional security risks, while crime and health scores are mixed. Recent news shows growing anxiety about tourism amid regional tensions, but isolated incidents remain limited.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Petra is currently rated “CAUTION” with a composite safety index of 44/100, driven primarily by a Level 3 government advisory that urges travelers to reconsider their visit due to regional conflict‑terrorism concerns and limited medical facilities. While the city’s homicide rate is extremely low (1 per 100 k) and there have been no recorded terrorist attacks in recent years, the advisory reflects broader instability that can affect travel logistics and emergency response.
Recent headlines from July 2026 highlight growing anxiety among tourists: The Telegraph noted tighter security checks and a rise in opportunistic scams at the main entrance, while Arab News reported inflated prices for camel‑ride experiences as visitor numbers swell. A Jordan News Agency report in July 2026 also mentioned heightened law‑enforcement activity related to drug‑trafficking near the site, indicating that authorities are actively monitoring security but also that the environment can feel more controlled than usual.
For visitors, petty crime is the most tangible risk. Pickpocketing and bag‑snatching are common in the crowded ticket queues and souvenir stalls, so keep valuables in a front‑pocket money belt and stay alert to your surroundings. Overpriced camel rides and horse‑drawn carriage tours are frequent scams; agree on a price beforehand or decline the service if you feel pressured. Although armed robbery is rare, isolated incidents have been reported near the site after dark, so it is wise to avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas once the sun sets.
Practical safety steps include using only licensed tour operators, confirming all fees before any animal‑based transport, and carrying a photocopy of your passport along with emergency contact information. Stay updated with the latest advisory notices from the U.S. State Department, UK FCDO, and Canadian authorities, and monitor local news for any sudden changes in security protocols. By staying vigilant, respecting local advisories, and planning ahead, you can enjoy Petra’s extraordinary archaeology while minimizing avoidable risks.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Petra districts for visitors: 3 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Petra safety map.
Petra Main EntrancecautionHigh foot traffic, pickpocketing reported; stay alert, avoid after dark
Beidha VillagecautionRural outskirts, occasional theft; travel in daylight only
Wadi Musa Old TownsaferWell‑patrolled, low crime, but keep belongings secure
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)saferQuiet area, minimal incidents, normal precautions
Petra Visitor CentersaferSecure facilities, staff present, safe for visitors
07 · After Dark
Mugging or armed robbery of visitors is uncommon but can occur near the main entrance after dark; stay in well‑lit areas and avoid walking alone after sunset.
After dark, be most careful around Petra Main Entrance, Beidha Village. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Petra's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Reconsider travel — Jordan’s overall advisory level is Level 3, and the safety profile caps at 44/100 due to conflict‑terrorism concerns and limited medical infrastructure. The multi‑database safety profile rates Petra as CAUTION (44/100) because of a Level 3 government advisory tied to regional security risks, while crime and health scores are mixed. Recent news shows growing anxiety about tourism amid regional tensions, but isolated incidents remain limited. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Beidha Village (rural outskirts); Petra Main Entrance after dark. See the district-by-district safety map.
Petra ranks #1 of 2 Jordan destinations we've assessed, scoring 44/100. See the Jordan safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Jordan safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: petra.json (CC BY 4.0).
