Jordan is Islamic country located in the Arabian peninsula. Official name of is “Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan”. The geographic location of Jordan is strategic as lies on the intersection of Africa, Europe and Asia. Jordan shares border with Saudi Arabia,Iraq, Israel and Palestine. It is connected with sea through Red Sea. Jordan being an islamic country is relatively modern and global. It is a major tourists attraction with world renowned tourists destinations. The peculiar feature of Jordan that the Arab Spring did not touch Jordan even being surrounded by the countries where revolution blossomed. Jordan is also an exception among Arab countries in terms of diplomatic relations with Western World. It has maintained cordial relationships with the West and have relaxed Visa rules for citizens from developed Western countries. Kingdom of Jordan is constitutional Monarchy, Jordan is still ruled by King though powers are not exceptional.

Historically,Jordan can trace human presence from Palaeolithic period.Since then Jordan has been ruled by large Empires from Roman, Ottoman and in colonial times by French and British. Jordan gained independence in the year 1946 from the British. After which is has been a Constitutional Monarchy. The population of Jordan is over a million. Majority of people reside in Amman the capital city of Jordan. Almost all the Jordanians link their ethnicity to Arabs, very few have ethnic roots to Circassians and Armenians. Jordan has been open to refugees and accepted them in large numbers.Muslims from Iraq, Lebanon and Syria has taken refuge in Jordan in large numbers. Christians from Iraq has also taken refuge in large numbers.There are around 1.2 million illegal, and 500,000 legal, migrant workers in the kingdom.American and European expatriate communities are concentrated in the capital, as the city is home to many international organizations and diplomatic missions.

Religion of majority population is Islam, around 95%, rest are Christians. Jordan has been home to world’s oldest Christian communities People of Christian religion has been living on this land since 1 AD. Jordanian Christians number around 250,000, all of whom are Arabic-speaking, according to a 2014 estimate by the Orthodox Church. The religious tolerance in Jordan is famous and Christians as very much integrated into Jordan culture, without facing any discrimination.  

Economy of Jordan is “Upper Middle Class” country. In the Arab region, the size of economy is very small. The economy is well diversified and tourism is among the major earners in Jordan.Having distinct tourism destinations, it has always been a attraction among travellers to visit Jordan.The State interference is large in Jordan economy in comparison to private sector. The population of Jordan is highly educated and skilled, this enabled the people of Jordan to get jobs abroad and earn foreign exchange.In terms of natural resources, it lacks them, but this gap has never been able to stop  Jordan from growing economically.

Capital

Amman is the capital city of Jordan. It is among the oldest continuously inhabited country in the world. The antiquity of Amman can be traced back to 750 BC. Since then, Amman has been settled and growing. Amman is the most modern city of Arabian peninsula as the kingdom has promoted education and opened the Jordan to the world, whereas it’s neighbour, except Israel, no other islamic country welcomed the change.Is the most populous city of Jordan with a population of nearly half a million. With time Jordan has grown to exceptional scale, with growing population, Amman has stretched and now the biggest city of Jordan with a land area of 1,680 square kilometres (648.7 square miles).

Amman is among the most visited city in Arabian peninsula. It has been visited by more than 2 million tourist every year. The city of Amman is 5th most visited city in Arab region.Moreover, it was named one of the Middle East and North Africas best cities according to economic, labor, environmental, and socio-cultural factors.It is a beautiful city with ancient architecture, along with colonial impression on buildings.

Tourism in Jordan

Jordan, a nation having links with ancient cultures and kingdoms. Once a part of great kingdoms, their remnants are now maintained and preserved in best conditions, visited by millions of tourists from around the world. The home to modern and ancient, mixed together so well that both co-exists and thrives. If it has Petra - a 300 BC rock city, there also exists  Amman, a modern city with nightclubs and shopping malls.The landscape of Jordan has variety to offer from desert to sea, mountains and valleys, walking through them you’ll reach a archaeological site.Desert safaris, relaxing with spa in beach resorts and archaeological paradise from Greco Roman to Islamic period.

When to Visit : - Jordan has a varied climate, with extremes like cold winters, heavy rains and very hot summers that may make outdoor activities inadvisable. Peak travel periods are Apr–May and Sep–Oct. Many businesses may be closed during the month of Ramadan and hotels will be especially crowded on its final day, the national holiday Eid al-Fitr. Other popular events are the Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival (Feb), focused on Bedouin culture; the Jerash Festival (Jun), with food stalls and shows; and the Jordan Rally automobile race (Oct).

Major Tourism attractions in

• Petra : - The crown jewel of Jordan tourism. It is the most visited place in Jordan. Once a capital of Nabataeans, it was the centre of trade with China, india and Europe. Also called the Rose City, because of the Red color of mountains and surroundings. Al -Khazneh, temple of Nabataeans Kingdoms. This temple is believe to be  the mausoleum of Nabataean King Aretas IV. This temple is also featured in global hit hollywood movie “ Transformers”. Entering to Petra one need to go through Siq, a narrow valley flanked by mountains from both sides. While walking through the Siq, one can witness the genuineness of people who architectured it, it has water conduits which stored rainwater for long periods and served humans and animals. This city was huge in terms of size in its own time. A roman Theater, fire temples, obelisks and Ad Deir Monastery,  which  has around 800 steps. To experience Petra, once need few days to explore each and every site and learn something from everything. As motorised vehicles are not allowed, it is accessible with Camels.
• Amman : - The capital city of Jordan. One of most visited capitals in Arabian Peninsula. Amman is fixed  in between by hill and Jordan river. A modern city with numerous ancient ruins.Among the most famous are Roman Temple of Hercules and 8the Century Umayyad Palace complex, and 2 AD Roman amphitheater, with a capacity to accomodate 6000 people, one can understand the grandeur of city in those times. Citadel includes Jordan Archaeological museum which has oldest statue. King Abdullah Mosque is also a site to visit along with Royal Automobile museum, which exhibits the car collection of the king.NIght life of Jordan is famous, nightclubs and bars, filled with Arabs and Europeans and resorts on the beach present a different side of Amman.
• Wadi Rum : - A desert, beautiful in its own way, it has been home to Bedouin tribes and one can experience the same in those by camping in Bedouin camps. This place has been famous among Hollywood for shooting.
• Dead Sea : - The world lowest sea can be visited form Jordan. Many tourist come to visit and crawl on this lake as due to salinity, it is impossible to get drowned. 
• Aqaba : - A port city, inhabited since BC 4000, it is well known for its resorts, diving, windsurfing and other popular water sports. Yamanieh Coral Reef is famous for scuba divers.Aqaba fort and  Aqaba Archaeological Museum is place to visit.
• Jerash -  A city north of Amman, is a heaven for Roman Historian. Hadrian Arch, Temple of Artemis and Oval Plaza are ruins of Greco Roman buildings. 
• Dana Biosphere Reserve -  A reserve famous for hiking. 
• Mabada : - A town south of Amman, this city is well known for the Christian religious architecture. A map of built in 6th century by Mosaic of the Holy land is visited by many tourists. Byzantine period Church ruin and Virgin Mary Church ruin are places to visit in Mabada. Important to Christian, a church where St. John was beheaded is also in this city.

Visa 

• Jordan pass is available for travelers staying at least three nights, it includes visa plus entry for 1 or more days to many popular Jordanian sites such as Petra. Jordan Pass cost at writing(04 FEB 2018) was 70, 75 and 80 JOD for 1, 2 or 3 days in Petra respectively including Entry Visa.(Petra entrance fee is typically 50-90 JOD and Visa is typically 50-60 JOD) Info is instantly emailed and Jordan Pass can be used immediately.
• Visa Free - Nationals of Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates may enter Jordan visa-free. Egyptian and Palestinian citizens will be granted entry for 1 month in a 6 month period, all other nationals will be granted 3 months in a 6 month period. Lebanese citizens may use a national ID card in lieu of a passport.
• Visa on Arrival : -  Citizens of most other countries and territories can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 2, 3 or 6 months for a fee. The visa is issued free of charge for citizens of Algeria, Hong Kong, Japan, Morocco, and South Africa, for tour group visitors of a minimum of 5 members staying for a minimum of two nights and are holding a non-refundable return or round trip ticket, or for independent travellers staying for a minimum of three nights and who have purchased the unified tourist site ticket that includes admission to the Roman city of Jerash, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra and others in the capital Amman. The fees for a visa on arrival are:
  • JOD 40.- for stay of max. 2 months and single entry
  • JOD 60.- valid for 3 months and two entries
  • JOD 120.- valid for 6 months and multiple entries.

● Visa Required : - Nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Cote dIvoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Iran, Kenya , Laos, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen and Zambia will be required to apply for a visa at a Jordanian Diplomatic Mission prior to travel. Additionally, they will also require a Security Approval.

Important Notes while Travelling Jordan : - 

• Consider getting the Jordan Pass Issued by the Ministry of Tourism, this pass will save you money even on a short trip as it includes both your visa fee and the entrance fee for Petra.
• Sharhabil Bin Hassneh EcoPark : -(4-6 JOD taxi ride from Sheikh Hussein border crossing), ☎ +962 6 58666 02 .
• Wadi Rum Protected Area, Wadi Rum ☎ 00962776671085.
• Royal Automobile museum and the Children museum -  ☎ 00962787730011. 
• Homosexuality is not a criminal offence in Jordan.
• The legal drinking/purchasing age of alcoholic beverages is 18.

Public Holidays

• New Years Day
• Easter Sunday 
• Easter Monday 
• Labour Day
• Independence Day
• Eid al-Fitr Holiday
• Eid al-Adha Holiday
• Islamic New Year
• Prophet Muhammads Birthday
• Christmas Day

Medical tourism

Healthcare in Jordan is presently good condition in comparison with its neighbours.Being a upper middle class country, Jordan has invested in healthcare. It is now claimed that Jordan is becoming an medical tourism destination. He cost of Jordan healthcare is low comparing to USA and UK or its Arab neighbours, but when compared with India in terms of medical tourism, the cost is very high. Patients from neighbouring Jordan travel to India for their medical treatments. Orthopedic and Obesity / weight loss treatments are most preferred by the Arab people for treatment in India. Majority travel to India as its cheaper and has globally high standard of medical quality.

Indian Embassy

Embassy of India, Amman, Jordan

Address: No.24, Al-Hidhab Street, (corner of Abu Bakr Al Banani Street), Abdoun, Amman, Jordan. P.O. Box 2168, Amman 11181, Jordan

Telephone : 00962-6-4622098, 463

Embassy of India, Amman, Jordan

Address No.24, Al-Hidhab Street, (corner of Abu Bakr Al Banani Street), Abdoun, Amman, Jordan. P.O. Box 2168, Amman 11181, Jordan

Telephone : 00962-6-4622098, 463

Email : amboffice.amman@mea.gov.in