Jordan: Authorities ban direct flights with India through May 9 due to COVID-19 activity /update 66

Jordan bans direct flights with India through May 9 due to COVID-19 activity. Other restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities in Jordan banned direct flights with India April 25-May 9 due to concerns regarding a new COVID-19 variant and increased disease activity in that country. Jordanian nationals returning from India will be required to quarantine at a government facility for 14 days; foreign nationals who have departed from India fewer than 14 days prior to arrival in Jordan will be barred from entry.

A number of other restrictions on international travel also remain in force. All international travelers aged five years or older must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight. Travelers are required to test again at their own expense on arriving in Jordan; the fee for this second test must be paid online prior to arrival. Upon successful registration and payment, travelers will receive a QR code to present to authorities. All individuals entering Jordan must download the AMAN COVID-19 contact-tracing application and complete a health declaration form; they must also have valid health insurance for the duration of their visit. Arriving passengers who test negative for COVID-19 are no longer required to self-quarantine.

The Al-Mudawara, King Hussein Bridge, and Sheikh Hussein Bridge land border crossings are open. Travelers who wish to transit these crossings must complete a Travel Declaration Form that requires them to submit personal information and obtain a QR code. Travelers must also provide negative results from a COVID-19 test; a second COVID-19 test will be administered at the border crossing. Only a limited number of travelers per day are allowed to transit at each of the crossings. The Omari border crossing will continue receiving cargo shipments and diplomatic missions. The Nasib-Jaber border crossing with Syria is open to trade.

Authorities have extended existing COVID-19 restrictions, including the nightly and weekend curfews, until at least May 15 due to an increase in disease activity. The nightly curfew is in effect nationwide 19:00-06:00. A 24-hour curfew is in effect nationwide on Fridays. Residents are required to stay in their homes and limit nonessential movement during curfew hours. Restaurants and pharmacies are permitted to remain open during curfew hours but are limited to delivery service only. Most other businesses may operate 06:00-18:00; establishments in the agricultural sector may begin work 05:00. Furthermore, the capacity of public transport is limited to 50 percent. Nightclubs, bars, sports clubs, public parks, and swimming pools remain closed.

Authorities have extended exemptions for foreign workers wishing to leave the country until May 31. The exemptions include waiving residence and work permit fees to allow foreign workers and their families to leave Jordan due to the limited employment opportunities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to extend the deadline was due to travel restrictions and other difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have prevented workers from benefitting from the measure.

Domestically, nonessential travel between governorates is permitted. Across the country, residents must wear face coverings and gloves while in public places; violators may be subject to fines. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.