Jordan: Authorities reduce the nightly curfew to 23:00-06:00 from May 13 until further notice amid gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions /update 69

Jordan reduces the nationwide nightly curfew to 23:00-06:00 from May 13 until further notice; businesses permitted to operate 06:00-22:00.

Event

Authorities in Jordan reduced the nationwide nightly curfew to 23:00-06:00 beginning May 13 until further notice amid a gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions; businesses are permitted to operate from 06:00-22:00 daily. The curfew was previously in effect from 19:00-06:00. 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.

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.

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.