• Population: 10 million
• Capital: Amman
• Demographics: 98% Arab, 1% Circassian/Chechens, 1% Armenian. Palestinian refugees, Syrian refugees, and Iraqi Christian refugees have all sought refuge in Jordan. Main religious affiliations include Muslim 97.1% (official; predominantly Sunni), Christian 2.1% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), Buddhist 0.4%, Hindu 0.1%, Jewish <0.1%, folk <0.1%, other <0.1%, unaffiliated <0.1% (2020 est).
• Type of government: Unitary state with a constitutional monarchy
• Currency: Jordanian Dinar
• Common foods: olive oil, hummus, ful medames, baklava, Mansaf (bread called sherack, lamb meat, and yogurt), zarb (coffee and tea flavoured with na'na or meramiyyeh)

Modern Standard Arabic is the official language of Jordan. Jordanian Arabic is the dialect of Arabic spoken here. Jordanian Sign Language is also used.

Though English is not an official language, it is widely spoken, as it is used for commerce and banking as well as almost all university-level classes. It is also taught in public schools.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

U.S. Citizens may obtain a 30-day single-entry visa upon arrival at the airport in Jordan (or a fee of 56 USD) or at the Embassy before arriving in Jordan. Multiple entry visas must be obtained in advance of travel at the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Jordan. U.S. Permanent residents (green card holders) can apply for an E-visa through the Ministry of Interior.

To apply for a visa through the Embassy:

• Visa application form must be filled out entirely.
• A passport valid for at least (6) months from the expected date of arrival with a full blank page for the visa stamp.
• One recent photo (2X2) Inch
• Send the visa application along with the required documentation to: Consular Affairs, Visa Department, 3504 International Drive NW Washington DC 20008 Telephone: 202 966 2861

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• There is expansive coverage in Jordan for mobile phone networks. Local SIM cards can be used for international calls and can be topped up with readily available prepaid cards. 4G is increasingly available.
• Two main service providers are Zain and Orange, both of which offer a full range of plans and prepaid SIM cards (ID required to purchase).
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• Internet access is widespread via Internet cafes and hotels.

Electricity

• Jordan uses plug types, C, D, F, G and J. As a result, you will need a universal adapter.
• The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz, which is different than in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Using Money

• ATMs are available throughout the country and credit cards are widely used.
• When paying and withdrawing money, keep the following in mind: There are 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 JD notes. The dinar is divided into 100 piasters (pronounced “pee-asters”) of 1000 fils (“fills”). The fils is the unit most commonly used and you will usually see prices written as 4,750 (which is 4 JD and 750 fils).

Banking Tips

• Currency can be exchanged at major banks, exchange booths and at most hotels.
• Street money-changers are best avoided.
• Exchange rates are set daily by the Jordanian Central Bank.

Geography

• Jordan is strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa.
• Jordan is a small, semi-arid, landlocked country.

Climate

• Low Season (Jun–Aug): The desert in the middle of the summer is extreme. Temperatures throughout Jordan can be stifling.
• Shoulder (Sep–Feb): This is the best time to visit the Red Sea; prices in and around Aqaba rise accordingly. Bitter nights in the desert with rain or snow curtail many activities, such as camping.
• High Season (Mar–May): The weather is pretty mild throughout Jordan with warm days and cool nights. Northern Jordan is blanketed in wildflowers in April.

Packing

• Although Jordanians are highly tolerant of other people's customs and manners, they are a conservative society and appreciate a bit of decorum from visitors. Covering shoulders and knees everywhere except the beach (and including on hikes) is a good rule of thumb for men and women. Female travelers do not need to cover their hair. Ideally, clothing should be loose rather than close-fitting, which generally suits the climate better too.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• Taxis are inexpensive and often the most convenient form of transportation in Jordan. Careem Jordan is like Uber in Jordan.
• There are a lot of local bus companies which are also helpful when getting around the country.

Flights

• The flying time from the major European cities is about four hours.
• The easiest way to reach downtown Amman from the airport is by taxi; the journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Airports

• Queen Alia International Airport is the main airport. It is located within 50 minutes of Amman’s downtown and is serviced by premier global airline carriers. Taxis are readily available outside the terminals. Shuttle buses also link QAIA with Amman’s southern terminal.
• Amman Civil Airport also serves as a regional airport for domestic and nearby international routes.
• King Hussein International Airport is located in the vicinity of Industrial City, northern suburb of Aqaba in Jordan.

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.