Jordan: Authorities impose travel ban on seven African countries, including South Africa, as of Nov. 28 /update 78

Event

Authorities in Jordan have announced plans to impose a travel ban on South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique effective Nov. 28. The measure, which will remain until further notice, is in response to the emergence of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. Jordanian nationals arriving from these countries will undergo a 14-day quarantine at government-designated hotels at their own expense. Foreign nationals traveling from these countries must spend 14 days in a third country before being allowed entry into Jordan.

Other pandemic-related restrictions on international travel remain largely unchanged. 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 to Jordan. Arriving international travelers aged five and older must also complete a Travel to Jordan Declaration Form on the Visit Jordan platform before travel and present the generated quick response (QR) code to board their flight; to access the platform, click here.

Most travelers arriving by air are subject to a PCR test upon arrival at their own expense. Fully vaccinated travelers from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, China, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, the UAE, the US, and certain European locations are exempt from taking on-arrival tests. Individuals testing positive for COVID-19 must quarantine for 14 days and take another PCR test on the final day of the quarantine period at their own expense.

All travelers arriving via air and land must complete a health declaration form and a locator form. All individuals entering Jordan must also download the AMAN COVID-19 contact-tracing application. Non-Jordanian visitors must obtain health insurance valid for the duration of their stay.

Travelers are not permitted to transit Jordan for more than 10 hours; transiting international travelers must have a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Domestic Measures
Jordanian authorities have ended all curfews, and businesses in most sectors can operate at full capacity. Theaters, exhibits, wedding halls, and festivals are subject to additional restrictions.

Individuals in Jordan are required to wear a facemask in public buildings and on public transport; those utilizing taxis and app-based ride-share services are required to sit in the vehicle's back seat. All individuals in Jordan must adhere to social distancing regulations by keeping 1.5 meters (5 feet) away from others; those violating facemask and social distancing orders are subject to fines. Unvaccinated private-sector employees are required to submit a PCR test every Sunday and Thursday; businesses in violation of this regulation may be subject to closure.

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