Jordan: Authorities announce gradual relaxation of domestic COVID-19 restrictions beginning June 1 /update 70

Event

Jordanian officials announced a three-phase plan that would scale back the ongoing domestic restrictions, beginning June 1. As part of phase 1 on June 1, cinemas, sports clubs, fitness centers, swimming pools, and entertainment centers will be allowed to reopen to vaccinated patrons; these businesses are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity only. Such facilities located inside hotels may also reopen. Children under 18 years of age are not required to be vaccinated to access these businesses. Technical and vocational education facilities may also reopen.

The ongoing nationwide nightly curfew of 23:00-06:00 remains unchanged; businesses are permitted to operate 06:00-22:00 daily. Residents must 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. Furthermore, the capacity of public transport remains limited. Additional restrictions, which are yet to be announced, will be lifted if the country meets its vaccination goals as part of phase 2 on July 1 and phase 3 on September 1.

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.

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.

Authorities reopened two land border crossings with Saudi Arabia and Syria to passenger travel from May 3. However, only a limited number of travelers per day are permitted to transit at each of the crossings. The Al-Omari border crossing with Saudi Arabia will receive 200 travelers per day and the Nasib-Jaber border crossing with Syria will receive 150 travelers per day. 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 taken within five days prior to travel; a second COVID-19 test will be administered upon arrival in Jordan. Authorities had previously reopened the Al-Mudawara, King Hussein Bridge, and Sheikh Hussein Bridge land border crossings.

Direct flights with India remain suspended 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 45 days prior to arrival in Jordan will be barred from entry.

Authorities have extended the suspension of non-essential international flights through at least August, when it will issue a list of safe countries. Repatriation flights are still permitted.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements, including required in-country quarantine requirements, before travel. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for delays at available shopping centers.