Jordan: Authorities reopen two land border crossings to passenger travel from May 3 amid gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions /update 68

Jordan reopens Al-Omari and Nasib-Jaber land border crossings with Saudi Arabia and Syria to limited passenger travel from May 3.

Event

Authorities in Jordan reopened two land border crossings with Saudi Arabia and Syria to passenger travel from May 3 amid a gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions. However, only a limited number of travelers per day will be 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.

A nightly 19:00-06:00 curfew remains in effect nationwide until further notice. Residents are permitted to travel on foot to perform evening prayers. However, with the exception of prayers, 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. Most other businesses may operate between the hours of 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, and swimming pools remain closed.

Direct flights with India remain suspended through 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.

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.