Jordan
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
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Using, possessing, or distributing any drug including marijuana is illegal in Jordan; drug cases are tried in the State Security Court, where a suspect can be held in investigative detention for up to two months.
Mandatory jail; DFAT warns penalties can include life imprisonment.
§ US State Dept — JordanVerified Jul 24, 2026
Cannabis
Cannabis is illegal in Jordan, and which form you are carrying changes the penalty sharply. Herbal cannabis is in the lightest category: one to six months in jail, a fine of JOD 200–500, or both. Hashish and cannabis resin are in the most serious category — one to three years in jail and a fine of JOD 1,000–3,000. All drug cases, including simple use, are heard by the State Security Court.
Herbal cannabis: 1 to 6 months' imprisonment, a fine of JOD 200–500, or both. Hashish or cannabis resin: 1 to 3 years' imprisonment and a fine of JOD 1,000–3,000. The State Security Court has exclusive jurisdiction over every offence under this law, to the express exclusion of all other courts.
§ Jordan Food & Drug Administration — Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law No. 23 of 2016 (as amended by Law No. 24 of 2021), arts. 9 & 33; schedules of 15-05-2025Verified Aug 23, 2026
Medications
Carry prescription medications in original packaging with a prescription and check with the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, as some medications legal elsewhere may be controlled or prohibited.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — JordanVerified Jul 24, 2026
Customs & Cash
Declare cash or equivalent exceeding JOD 10,000 (about USD 14,000) when entering Jordan; there is no currency restriction on exit.
§ US State Dept — JordanVerified Jul 24, 2026
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol on the street is illegal in Jordan. Alcohol is legal to drink in bars, clubs, hotels and private homes, so the venue is what decides whether you are breaking the law.
§ UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Jordan travel advice, Safety and securityVerified Sep 28, 2026
Driving
Carry a valid foreign license plus an International Driving Permit to drive in Jordan; a US license alone is only valid for green-plated rental cars, and mobile-phone use while driving is prohibited.
Speeding fines can exceed USD 140.
§ US State Dept — JordanVerified Jul 24, 2026
Photography & Drones
Personal drone use is illegal in Jordan without pre-authorization before entry; drones are restricted imports requiring prior approval.
Confiscation and possible arrest if brought without authorization.
§ US State Dept — JordanVerified Jul 24, 2026
LGBTQ+ Safety
Same-sex relations are not explicitly criminalized in Jordan, but adultery and 'breach of modesty' laws may be applied; public same-sex affection is not culturally accepted and may bring harassment, arrest, or violence.
Significant societal and legal risk; risk of family 'honor' crimes.
§ US State Dept — JordanVerified Jul 24, 2026
Public Conduct
Insulting the King or the Royal Family is illegal in Jordan, and commenting on local or political events on social media has led to arrests.
Detention or imprisonment.
§ US State Dept — JordanVerified Jul 24, 2026
Jordan is socially conservative — dress modestly in public, especially near mosques — and during Ramadan eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight is illegal; proselytizing to Muslims is illegal.
Proselytizing can bring arrest, imprisonment, and deportation.
§ Australian DFAT Smartraveller — JordanVerified Jul 24, 2026