Visit Jordan now: A rare window to explore without the crowds

Published on Oct 6, 2025, 8:44 am CDT

5 min read

Jordan's greatest hits are seeing unusually light foot traffic, opening a rare opportunity to visit Jordan without the crowds. In late September, Petra's grand Treasury felt almost hushed, the Siq echoing with birdsong instead of selfie sticks. The shift stems from regional headwinds, not from issues inside the country, and the current U.S. advisory remains Level 2, in line with many European destinations. For travelers comfortable with the guidance, this is a moment to experience Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea with uncommon breathing room, while supporting communities that rely on tourism.

Key points

Why it matters: Historic sites like Petra are unusually quiet, creating a rare, less-crowded experience.
Travel impact: Level 2 advisory remains in effect; routes via Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) operate normally.
What's next: Industry events are spotlighting Jordan to accelerate recovery and restore traveler confidence.
Operator signals are mixed, but several report bookings stabilizing or rising into late 2025.
Visiting now directly supports jobs in gateway cities, desert camps, and guiding communities.

Snapshot

At Petra, the Rose City that usually absorbs thousands of visitors each day, guides and hoteliers describe a dramatic ebb in foot traffic. Journalists at a recent trade gathering found cool, comfortable weather and minimal lines at iconic viewpoints, an experience that is uncommon in high season. Industry leaders stress that Jordan's challenge is perception, not on-the-ground conditions. The U.S. State Department's Level 2 advisory-"exercise increased caution"-remains unchanged, putting Jordan in the same general category as countries like Italy and Germany. For travelers willing to go, the payoff is significant: emptier trails to the Monastery, quieter desert skies in Wadi Rum, and unhurried afternoons along the Dead Sea.

Background

Tourism is a vital pillar of Jordan's economy, and 2023 set records for international arrivals. The Israel-Hamas war, however, soft-pedaled demand in 2024 and into 2025 as some travelers postponed Middle East itineraries. Hoteliers in Petra report the sharpest swings, while coastal and Dead Sea properties have fared a bit better thanks to domestic and regional business. To counter the perception gap, Jordan has leaned into trade outreach, hosting G Adventures' GX World Community Tourism Summit in Amman. Bringing hundreds of advisors, media, and creators into the country is a deliberate bet that firsthand experience-cool heads, friendly welcomes, and smooth logistics-will ripple outward and rebuild confidence.

Latest developments

Jordan travel now: Light crowds, steady guidance, and a smoother Petra experience

The U.S. advisory for Jordan remains Level 2, emphasizing caution in specific border areas but allowing typical tourist circuits-including Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea-to proceed. On the ground, visitor counts at Petra have been well below typical highs, with local officials and operators noting far lighter daily flows than the roughly 5,000-per-day Petra often sees in busier times. Trade attendees at GX Jordan described walking the Siq without bottlenecks and photographing the Treasury at leisure. Wadi Rum camps report similar patterns, with stargazing and sunrise jeep tours unfolding in near-silence. For planners, that translates to easier ticketing windows, more flexible guide availability, and a better chance of securing coveted photo moments across Petra's main viewpoints.

Industry momentum: GX summit showcases safety, hospitality, and community benefits

Jordan's selection as host of the GX World Community Tourism Summit brought more than 700 "changemakers" to Amman, including advisors and media. The message from organizers and the Jordan Tourism Board: travel here remains welcome and safe, and community tourism dollars matter now more than ever. While some premium FIT and escorted operators still report softer pipelines than Morocco or Egypt, others say interest is rebounding as travelers seek authentic experiences without the usual crowds. Expect itinerary tweaks that lean into slower travel-two nights in Petra, a Bedouin-hosted dinner in Wadi Rum, and restorative time at the Dead Sea-to maximize the current calm.

Analysis

For travelers who have long dreamed of Petra but dreaded the lines, the present conditions add up to a compelling value-plus experience. Level 2 advisories are familiar to seasoned international travelers, and most mainstream travel insurance policies work normally here. Air access remains straightforward via Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), and core circuits are operating with fewer bottlenecks at ticket gates, trails, and overlooks. Fewer day-trippers mean better odds of lingering at the Treasury, climbing to the High Place of Sacrifice without congestion, or timing a Monastery arrival for golden hour. In Wadi Rum, small group departures and camp stays benefit from quieter dunes, less convoy dust, and more flexible route-finding.

For advisors, this window rewards client education: align expectations with the Level 2 guidance, partner with reputable ground handlers, and lock in guides who can adjust routes if crowds do build during holidays. Ethical travel choices-locally owned hotels, licensed guides, and community experiences-multiply impact and help Jordan's tourism ecosystem recover faster. If you have Jordan on your list, the next few months may deliver a once-in-a-decade blend of access, value, and ambiance.

Final thoughts

If you are ready to exercise normal big-trip diligence under a Level 2 advisory, this is an exceptional moment to visit Jordan without the crowds. Expect shorter lines, quieter viewpoints, and easier logistics across Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. Your trip supports the guides, drivers, and hoteliers who keep Jordan's welcome warm, and it earns you the kind of unhurried, contemplative moments that define lifelong travel memories. For many travelers, the rarest luxury is time and space-right now, Jordan offers both. Plan with care, choose community-positive operators, and savor the chance to truly visit Jordan.