SerpApi.Org
British tourists have been warned to avoid travel to parts of Jordan, long considered a safe haven for holidays in the Middle East, after Iran resumed retaliatory missile attacks on the country.
In recent days Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait have all intercepted Iranian drones as tensions re-escalate in the Middle East. Some have broken through air defence systems. On July 17, two US servicemen were killed in Jordan while defending against Iranian strikes.
On Monday (July 20), air-raid sirens sounded in the Jordanian capital of Amman, warning people of an aerial threat. The Jordanian military later confirmed it had intercepted three incoming missiles. A fourth fell in an “empty area”.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has responded to the military threat in Jordan. On July 19, the FCDO issued a new advisory against all but essential travel to Aqaba International Airport and Aqaba seaport. It also warns against all travel to within 3km of the Syrian border.
The FCDO advises British tourists to keep their departure plans under review, and to take shelter if advised to do so.
Warning has ‘an impact on bookings’
A spokesman for Trailfinders said: “Demand has been slow” since the outbreak of war in the Middle East. He added: “Whilst Aqaba isn’t the main draw for UK tourists, any FCDO advice against travel to a destination will always have an impact on bookings.”
Ayman Abd-AlKareem, co-founder of Experience Jordan Adventures, said daily life in Jordan has continued as normal.
“The recent escalation has understandably attracted significant media attention and created uncertainty amongst travellers. We have received questions from clients with confirmed bookings, some have cancelled, while others are waiting to see how the situation develops,” he added. “Our advice to British tourists is to stay informed, while also relying on official authorities and experienced local tour operators.”
The country’s tourist board is similarly keen to reassure tourists that the country is open for business. With tensions rising, it issued a statement to confirm it is working in close coordination with international aviation and security partners.
Is it safe to travel to Jordan?
In mid-July, with a peace deal hanging in the balance, the US resumed military strikes against Iran. In retaliation, Iran attacked a number of US allies in the region, including Jordan, which has a large but low-profile US military presence.
The primary targets are American air bases in Jordan, including Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, around 50 miles from Amman, and the international airport in the resort city of Aqaba, on the Red Sea. Other US military sites have been targeted.
Dozens of US service members have been wounded and at least two have died in the attacks. No tourists have been reported injured or killed in Jordan since the US-Iran war began in February 2026, and the primary tourist sights of Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and the ancient city of Jerash remain unscathed by this year’s military activity.
Are flights to Jordan still running?
Some flights in and out of Queen Alia International Airport in Amman have been cancelled because of incoming Iranian missiles. On Monday, Royal Jordanian cancelled four flights from the city to Damascus, one to Bahrain, one to Algiers, and one to New York City.
On Tuesday, July 21, Royal Jordanian’s flights from Heathrow to Amman appeared to be running as scheduled.
British Airways has suspended all flights to Amman until October 2026, along with other Middle Eastern airports including Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv and Riyadh.
What is the Foreign Office (FCDO) advice for Jordan?
On June 3, the FCDO lifted its blanket warning against all but essential travel to Jordan, which had been in place since March 2 2026.
As it stands, the FCDO only warns against all travel to within 3km of the Syrian border. It also advises against all but essential travel to Aqaba International Airport and Aqaba seaport.
The FCDO says: “The situation remains unpredictable. Iran has carried out further attacks on Jordan since the [Memorandum of Understanding] MOU was agreed, and could do so again at short notice.”
If hostilities resume, British nationals are advised to follow the advice of local authorities, stay away from military facilities, keep departure plans under review and to take shelter when advised.
It adds: “Iran has previously targeted civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports.”
I have booked a holiday. Will it go ahead?
As it stands, holidays in Jordan will carry on as usual. A number of reputable tour operators – including Trailfinders, Exodus, Explore and Intrepid – continue to sell trips to the country. Most escorted tours take place in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November).
“As things currently stand, we are still hoping to be able to run all our trips to Jordan, as well to other destinations in the region like Saudi Arabia and Oman, later this year, and have advised our clients accordingly,” said Clare Tobin of Wild Frontiers.
Some tour operators continue to list Aqaba, known for its diving opportunities in the Red Sea, on their sample itineraries. However, given the latest travel advisory, these could be amended to avoid the port town.
It is always advisable to book a package holiday or escorted tour with a reputable tour operator. In doing so, your money will be protected if the FCDO changes its travel advisory and your trip can’t go ahead.
Will my insurance be valid if I travel to Jordan?
As it stands, given the current FCDO advisories, your travel insurance will remain valid. However, if you go against the FCDO advice by going within 3km of the Syrian border, or travelling to Aqaba International Airport or seaport, your policy is at risk of being invalidated.
