Jordan: Authorities to resume flights to Damascus, Syria, from Oct. 3 /update 76

Event

Jordanian authorities have announced that they will resume flights to Damascus, Syria, from Oct. 3. Flights have been suspended between Jordan and Syria for nearly a decade. The decision to resume flights comes amid efforts to ease COVID-19 restrictions.

Authorities previously opened the Jaber-Nassib border crossing with Syria, Sept. 29. Authorities previously eased a series of restrictions from Sept. 1 following an improvement to the epidemiological situation in the country. A partial overnight curfew was lifted. Most businesses and public transport may operate at 100-percent capacity. Wedding halls remain limited to 50-percent capacity with a maximum of 200 guests. Individuals visiting government institutions must either present proof of full vaccination or a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their visit.

Travel Restrictions
All international arrivals 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 must undergo another test at their own expense upon arrival; payment for this second test must be made online before 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 throughout their visit.

Travelers from selected locations are exempt from taking a PCR test upon arrival if they are fully vaccinated. These locations include Australia, Bahrain, Canada, China, EU countries, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, and the US. Authorities will likely amend the list of selected locations regularly. Vaccination certificates must be in either Arabic or English and presented to airline personnel before boarding.

Authorities have reopened two land border crossings with Saudi Arabia and Syria to passenger travel. Travelers need a Travel Declaration From that requires them to submit personal information and obtain a QR code, to access the form, click here. Arrivals must also present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within five days before travel; travelers will undergo a second COVID-19 test upon arrival in Jordan.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

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.

Resources

Travel Declaration Form
Ministry of Health (Arabic)
Jordan COVID-19 Website
Jordan’s Ministry of Health "AMAN App" Mobile Application for Tracking COVID-19