Vaccinations and health precautions for Jordan
Safe and healthy through Jordan
Safe and healthy through Jordan
A trip to Jordan promises fascinating cultural treasures, impressive desert landscapes, and warm hospitality – but as with any long journey, good health preparation is essential. Even though Jordan is considered a safe and well-developed travel destination compared to other countries in the region, there are still specific health risks that travelers should be aware of and consider.
Traveler's diarrhea is one of the most common complaints, particularly due to differences in drinking water and food hygiene. In rural areas or during outdoor activities, there may also be infections from sandflies, such as leishmaniasis or phlebotomine fever. The strong UV radiation in the desert climate also poses health risks – from sunburn to heatstroke. Although there is no malaria risk, a well-thought-out travel pharmacy and protective measures against insect bites and sun exposure are part of the basic equipment.
The official recommendations from international health organizations such as the WHO and national bodies like the Foreign Office emphasize: Those who travel well-prepared can significantly minimize risks. In addition to current vaccination protection – especially against hepatitis A – experts recommend individual travel medical advice. The nature, duration, and region of your journey influence which measures are sensible.
This article provides you with a comprehensive overview of recommended vaccinations, protective measures, and health precautions so that you can start your trip to Jordan well-informed and safely.
Check and update standard vaccinations
The first step towards a healthy journey to Jordan
Before embarking on your trip to Jordan, it’s worth taking a look at your vaccination record – as many standard vaccinations form the foundation for reliable health protection while traveling. The Permanent Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends, in its vaccination calendar for 2025, vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. Vaccinations against hepatitis B, pneumococci, or influenza are also part of the recommended basic program – depending on age, health status, and individual history.
The good news: Many of these vaccinations offer long-lasting, sometimes lifelong protection after complete primary immunization. However, for some – especially tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough – a booster every ten years is considered sensible. Especially for trips to countries like Jordan, where minor injuries during desert hikes or outdoor activities are not uncommon, current protection is particularly important.
To ensure that all relevant vaccinations are up to date, travelers should check their vaccination status early. The yellow vaccination record – or the digital version in the eVaccination record – provides information on which vaccinations have already been administered and whether boosters are necessary. A consultation with your family doctor quickly provides clarity. Those seeking a more specialized assessment for long trips are well-advised at tropical and travel vaccination centers, where individual risks such as longer stays or contact with rural areas are also taken into account.
Conclusion: Checking and updating standard vaccinations is a simple but crucial step for a worry-free trip to Jordan. The better your vaccination protection is prepared, the more relaxed you can enjoy the impressive cultural treasures and landscapes of the country.
Special vaccination recommendations for Jordan
In addition to standard vaccinations, travelers to Jordan should focus on additional vaccination recommendations. Depending on the duration of stay, type of travel, and individual exposure, additional protective vaccinations may be advisable. The most important international health authorities – including the WHO, CDC, and STIKO – recommend individual travel medical consultations to optimally adjust your vaccination status before departure.
Rabies risk and vaccination
Although the risk of rabies infection in Jordan is low, it may become relevant for certain travel profiles – especially during trekking tours, extended stays in rural regions, or close contact with animals. In remote areas, medical care may be limited, making preventive vaccination especially sensible. Therefore, rabies vaccination is expressly recommended for backpackers, animal lovers, and long-term travelers. When traveling with children, it should also be individually assessed whether vaccination is advisable.
Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis A is a widespread infectious disease transmitted through contaminated food and drinking water. Since this risk exists nationwide, vaccination against hepatitis A is urgently recommended for all travelers to Jordan – regardless of duration or location. The vaccination should ideally be administered at least two weeks before departure.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood contact or unprotected sexual intercourse. Vaccination is particularly recommended for longer stays, close contact with the local population, or potential medical procedures. It can also be sensible for children and teenagers – it is often already part of the regular vaccination schedule.
Regional health precautions
Stay healthy between city, desert, and wadis
Jordan offers travelers a fascinating variety – from the vibrant capital Amman to the majestic rock formations of Petra and the expanses of Wadi Rum. However, this variety also brings different health challenges that you should prepare for specifically.
In cities like Amman, Zarqa, or Irbid, medical care is generally good, especially in private clinics. However, even there, there can be shortages in water supply, which can impact hygiene and, therefore, the risk of diarrhea. In major tourist hotspots like Petra or at the Dead Sea, the infrastructure is also well developed, but it can become overloaded during peak season.
In remote rural areas and desert regions, the situation is different: Here, medical care is often limited, hygiene is poorer, and water supply is strictly rationed. The risk of heat-related illnesses such as sunstroke or dehydration is high, especially during outdoor activities. In wadis, heavy rainfall can also lead to dangerous flash floods – particularly in the winter months.
The water situation is also a crucial factor: Jordan is one of the driest countries in the world, which is especially noticeable in rural areas and refugee camps. Clean drinking water is often scarce there, increasing the risk of infections. In areas near the Syrian border, there is also sporadic landmine risk.
For your travel planning, this means: Inform yourself about the specific conditions in your destination region, rely on good preparation – such as adequate sun protection, hygiene measures, and carrying a travel pharmacy – and take advantage of the option for individual travel medical advice. This way, you are well-prepared to enjoy Jordan’s beauty healthily and carefree.
Protection against mosquito-borne diseases
Specifically avoid leishmaniasis and phlebotomine fever
Although Jordan is not considered a malaria area, travelers should not neglect protection against mosquito bites. In certain regions, particularly in rural areas or during outdoor activities, there is an increased risk of two diseases transmitted by sandflies: leishmaniasis and phlebotomine fever. Both diseases can cause unpleasant and prolonged symptoms, from flu-like complaints to serious tissue damage – there is currently no vaccine against them.
Therefore, consistent mosquito protection is the best prevention. Especially during evening and night hours, when sandflies are most active, you should wear long, light-colored clothing and treat all exposed skin areas with an effective repellent – ideally with active ingredients such as DEET or Icaridin. Sleep under a tightly woven mosquito net whenever possible, especially outside of air-conditioned or well-protected accommodations. Impregnated clothing or mosquito nets also provide additional protection.
By combining these measures, the risk of infection can be significantly reduced – and you can enjoy Jordan without worries. Remember: Prevention starts with good preparation. A suitable travel pharmacy with mosquito repellents is essential.
Travel pharmacy for Jordan
Well prepared for small emergencies on the go
A well-thought-out travel pharmacy is essential for your trip to Jordan – especially if you are exploring remote regions or planning outdoor activities. Although medical care in cities like Amman is good, there may be shortages or quality differences in medications in rural areas. With an individually tailored supply, you are prepared for most health challenges.
Basic supplies include medications for gastrointestinal complaints such as travel diarrhea (e.g., loperamide) and electrolyte solutions, pain and fever medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as well as wound care products – such as band-aids, sterile compresses, and disinfectants. A high sun protection factor, after-sun care, and insect repellents with tropical active ingredients are also essential in Jordan's climate. Nasal spray, throat lozenges, and allergy medications should also be included in the travel pharmacy, along with preparations for motion sickness and a small set of tools (e.g., thermometer, tweezers, disposable gloves).
Also, bring all regularly needed prescribed medications in sufficient quantity – ideally distributed between hand and travel luggage. Obtain a medical certificate (preferably multilingual) confirming the necessity – especially for medications regulated under narcotics laws. Additional regulations and proof obligations apply to strong painkillers or replacement medications.
Tip: Keep medications in their original packaging with the package insert whenever possible – this facilitates entry and possible checks. And very importantly: Always adjust the travel pharmacy individually with your doctor for chronic illnesses, pregnancy, or travel with children. This way, you are well prepared for a safe and carefree travel experience in Jordan.
Travel insurance for trips to Jordan
Why travel health insurance is indispensable
Even though Jordan has a well-developed medical infrastructure – especially in private clinics and major cities like Amman – an unexpected visit to the doctor can quickly become expensive. Statutory health insurance in Germany generally does not cover costs for medical treatments abroad outside of Europe. Therefore, a strong travel health insurance is an essential part of every trip to Jordan.
A good insurance policy should cover not only the costs for outpatient and inpatient treatments as well as necessary medications, but also provide a 24-hour emergency hotline. Particularly important is the coverage of costs for a medically necessary return transport to Germany. Such repatriations can quickly cost five- to six-figure amounts depending on the effort and distance – amounts that would be paid out of pocket without insurance.
It is also advisable to choose a plan that covers emergency dental treatments, medically necessary evacuations, and, if necessary, the accompaniment of a companion. Ensure that the insurance covers the entire duration of your trip and can be flexibly extended if your stay spontaneously lengthens. Some providers also offer direct billing with local clinics – thus avoiding high advance payments in emergencies.
In short: The costs for high-quality travel health insurance are low – but the protection it provides is invaluable in case of emergency. Thus, those preparing for a trip to Jordan should not only think of vaccinations and travel pharmacies but also of the appropriate coverage in case of illness.
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