Jordan and Petra in 2026: Should You Cancel or Reschedule Your Trip?

What foreign ministries are really saying

Jordan has historically been distinguished by its internal political stability — a precious asset in a troubled region. But since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February 2026 and the reprisals that followed, the regional situation has deteriorated significantly. According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, traffic restrictions, airspace closures and flight cancellations are expected across the region.

Jordan is not at war: it recorded only 28 injured and no deaths during the initial strikes, according to the US Embassy in Amman. But its geographical position, surrounded by Iraq, Syria, Israel and Saudi Arabia, places it at the heart of a region under high tension.

Zones to avoid completely

• Jordanian-Syrian and Jordanian-Iraqi borders
• Towns of Mansheyat al Ghayyath, Ruwayshid and Ma’an (local tensions)
• Near the Israeli and US embassies in Amman (Friday demonstrations)
• Any political gathering or demonstration — particularly on Fridays after prayers

Safe zones for tourists

• Petra and the Wadi Musa region — reinforced police presence, no incidents since 2022
• Wadi Rum — desert far from any tension zone
• Dead Sea — luxury hotels with enhanced private security
• Tourist areas of Amman (Jabal Amman, Rainbow Street)
• Aqaba — southern port, far from tensions

From 1.17 million to 457,000 visitors: the dramatic fall

The figures are damning. According to the Petra Development and Tourism Authority, visitor numbers fell from 1.17 million in 2023 to just 457,000 in 2024 — a 61% decrease with devastating economic consequences for the region. In the first half of 2025, the trend had not yet reversed: just 259,798 visitors, compared to 692,595 over the same period in 2023.

The impact on accommodation has been equally brutal: 28 classified hotels have closed in the Petra region, representing 1,975 rooms and 56% of local hotel capacity. The occupancy rate of establishments still open has fallen below 6%, compared to 60–70% in normal times. According to Ulysse, the loss of nearly 550,000 international tourists cost Jordan over half a billion euros between November 2023 and June 2024.

The first signs of recovery in 2026

The situation is not without hope. In just the first two weeks of January 2026, 76,054 visits were recorded across Jordan’s historical sites, including 15,244 at Petra alone, according to the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism. This is an encouraging signal, even if the March 2026 re-escalation has probably slowed this recovery.

Petra: open but profoundly transformed

Despite the alarming headlines, Petra is open and fully operational. Guided tours are organised daily. Police presence has been reinforced at the entrance and along the Siq. Restaurants and shops in Wadi Musa (the access village) are functioning, although many have reduced their hours, according to Travel and Tour World.

What many travellers don’t yet know: Petra is today almost empty of tourists. Hussam Battat, a guide at Petra for 16 years, testifies: « People in Europe don’t really understand what’s happening here. They’re afraid to come to the Middle East in general. » This misperception creates a paradoxical situation: visiting Petra in 2026 means strolling alone in front of the Treasury at sunrise — something that had been impossible for years.

The Jordan Pass 2026: still the best investment

The Jordan Pass remains essential: 70 JOD (€86) with 1 day at Petra, 75 JOD (€92) with 2 days, 80 JOD (€99) with 3 days. It includes the Jordan visa fee waiver (provided you stay at least 3 nights) and access to over 40 archaeological sites. Without the Jordan Pass, entry to Petra alone costs 50 JOD (€65) per day.

The Valley of the Moon with its empty Bedouin camps

Wadi Rum is just 1h30 from Petra by road. With the drop in tourism, Bedouin camps are almost empty. Groups are very small, which means excursions sometimes take place with a guide all to yourself. Orange desert landscapes as far as the eye can see, encounters with dromedaries, meals prepared in the middle of the desert, blazing sunsets. According to MyFairyTrail, it is now possible to book unique experiences such as hot air balloon rides over Wadi Rum at negotiable rates.

The Wadi Rum desert is located tens of kilometres from any tension zone. It constitutes one of the safest and most spectacular parts of the country. The roads between Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba pass through regions completely removed from the problematic borders (Syria, Iraq).

Amman: the safe capital to start your stay

Amman remains one of the safest capitals in the Middle East for tourists. The hilltop city offers the Citadel with its Temple of Hercules and panoramic views, the Roman Theatre, desert castles (Qasr Amra, UNESCO-listed), and the bohemian Rainbow Street district. Jordanian cuisine — mansaf, falafel, mezze — is at its best here.

Important precaution: Demonstrations regularly take place in Amman in districts near foreign embassies, particularly on Fridays after prayers. Avoid these areas during these times. The rest of the city remains calm and accessible, according to Australian Smartraveller travel advice.

Dead Sea: the world’s unique floating experience

Floating naturally in water with 30% salt is an experience only the Dead Sea can offer. Located at −430m below sea level, it is the lowest point on Earth. 5-star hotels on the shores offer day passes generally between 20 and 40 JOD (€25–55). In 2026, with reduced footfall, some luxury hotels have cut their rates by 30–40%, according to GTLA.

Make the best decision for you

Based on data gathered from the UK Foreign Office, the US State Department and several on-the-ground operators, three traveller profiles stand out this spring 2026:

🔴 Scenario 1 — Cancel

Who it’s for: You have non-refundable bookings for flights or accommodation and the regional situation has worsened further since your booking. First check your cancellation insurance (some cover geopolitical risks). Cancelling is reasonable if your country’s foreign office formally advises against travel on your departure date.

🟡 Scenario 2 — Postpone by 4 to 8 weeks

Who it’s for: You are in the planning phase and don’t yet have firm bookings. This is the most sensible recommendation at this time. The situation related to the strikes on Iran (February 2026) could stabilise by May–June. Only book flexible, modifiable tickets. The ideal season (Jordanian spring) extends to May, and autumn (September–November) is an excellent alternative window.

🟢 Scenario 3 — Go now

Who it’s for: You are an adventurous, well-informed traveller with total flexibility on your dates and plans. Jordan has maintained exemplary stability despite its proximity to conflict zones. You will have sites like Petra and Wadi Rum almost to yourself, at prices not seen for ten years. Essential condition: check official advice in the 48 hours before each flight, take out evacuation insurance, and keep a back-up evacuation plan.

Realistic estimate for a couple (7 days)

For 14 days in Jordan, a couple can expect to spend approximately €2,117, or €75 per person per day on the ground, including the Jordan Pass. In 2026, with discounts linked to low footfall, this budget is even more achievable:

• Flights: €200–400 per person return from London (easyJet, Royal Jordanian, British Airways)
• Jordan Pass 2 days Petra: 75 JOD (€92) — visa + 40 sites included
• Accommodation: €35–50/night at a 3★ hotel, from 25 JOD in a Wadi Rum Bedouin camp
• Meals: 7–12 JOD (€9–15) at a restaurant, 2–3 JOD for a sandwich
• Transport: car hire recommended, ~€30/day, excellent roads