Guidance

Living in Jordan

Advice for British people living in Jordan, including information on health, education, benefits, residence requirements and more.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
9 January 2014
Last updated
16 May 2024 — See all updates

Introduction

This guide aims to sets out essential information and additional resources for British nationals residing in Jordan, including advice on health, education benefits, residence requirements. For general information or enquiries about Jordan, you should consider joining the EXPATS in Amman Facebook group.

We are unable to provide any additional guidance on general lifestyle enquiries beyond the information and links provided. See Our Services section for more information on the services we can provide for British nationals. This information supplements the travel advice for Jordan.

Health

Before coming to Jordan, visit the Health section of our Travel Advice pages.

For information on accessing healthcare in Jordan, visit the Ministry of Health’s website.

Medical facilities outside Amman are basic. In an emergency you should seek treatment in Amman. Emergency treatment is also available in Aqaba. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Some medicines (accepted in the UK) containing psychotropic substances are banned in Jordan. You should check your prescriptions are legal in Jordan. If you are using prescribed drugs it is advisable to carry a doctor’s note. If you are bringing prescription drugs into Jordan you may need to seek prior agreement from the authorities. You should check with the nearest Jordanian embassy or consulate before you travel.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, or need mental health support whilst abroad please see health and wellbeing abroad.

Education

For information about studying in school visit the Ministry of Education’s website. For information about studying in Jordan and lists of public and private colleges and universities in Jordan, visit the Ministry of Higher Education’s website.

Employment and recognised qualifications

For information on employment in Jordan, visit the Ministry of Labour’s website.

For recognition of UK educational qualifications and details of their verification services, check with the British Council in Jordan.

Entry and residence requirements

For information on entry requirements , visit our Travel Advice pages. British nationals usually receive an entry visa upon arrival.

Working without the proper visa is illegal. You cannot undertake any kind of paid employment without first obtaining a work visa. If caught, you may face imprisonment. Your employer should arrange your residence status. For information on immigration and residency, you should contact the Immigration and Residency Department (Tel: +962 6 550 5360).

Social ethics and traditions

Our travel advice offers an extensive overview of the Jordanian culture, traditions and social ethics in the country. The official portal of the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism also offers information on Jordanian local customs as well as a guide on popular touristic sites.

The vast majority of British expatriates have a trouble free and enjoyable time while staying in Jordan. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office research shows that the majority of difficulties that British nationals find themselves in abroad can be avoided. Respecting local laws and customs can help you avoid getting into trouble.

Voting

For information relating to your voting rights in the UK see voting when you’re abroad. British citizens living abroad can vote in some UK elections – you’ll need to register as an overseas voter.

Births

See register a birth abroad. Note that it is illegal in Jordan to give birth to a child if the parents are not married. A marriage certificate is required to issue a birth certificate. If you are unmarried and give birth in Jordan you could face problems obtaining official documentation from the Jordanian authorities which could have a knock on effect when applying for a UK passport for your child and exiting the country.

Marriage

See getting married in Jordan.

List of notarial and documentary services in Jordan

See a list of services provided by the British Embassy in Amman.

Death

See:

Renewing passports

See Overseas British Passport Applications.

Emergencies

Jordan uses 911 as their emergency number.

Useful information

See:

Leaving Jordan

If you have been resident of Jordan and are leaving for good, you will need to cancel your residency status, close all your accounts (bank and credit cards) and pay off fines or debts. Failure to do so could delay your departure or mean you are marked on the immigration system as an absconder or debtor. This could cause problems in the future, even if you only transit in Jordan.

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.

Updates to this page

Published 9 January 2014
Last updated 16 May 2024 + show all updates

  1. Added link to seek mental health support abroad.

  2. Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.

  3. First published.

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