How Does Dress Code Work in Jordan?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required throughout Jordan, though Aqaba resort areas are more relaxed.
2What You Need to Know
Jordan is a conservative Muslim-majority country and modest dress is both legally and culturally expected outside tourist resort zones. Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees when visiting cities, souqs, ancient sites, religious buildings, and rural communities. Women are strongly advised to carry a scarf at all times for mosques and conservative areas. Aqaba's beach hotels and resort pools permit standard swimwear, but covering up immediately upon leaving the beach area is appropriate. At Petra, practical hiking clothes are necessary — shorts are acceptable in the heat but longer options are preferable out of respect. Wadi Rum camps are relaxed but modest.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Pack at least one long-sleeved top and one pair of long trousers or a long skirt as your standard city outfit — it avoids unwanted attention and respects local norms
- 2Carry a lightweight scarf whenever sightseeing — it is needed for mosque entry, can shield from sun, and doubles as an evening layer in Wadi Rum's cold nights
- 3At Petra in summer, loose linen trousers and a breathable long-sleeved shirt strike the right balance between modesty and comfort in the heat
Important Warning
Ignoring dress norms in conservative areas outside Amman and resort zones will attract persistent unwanted attention and marks you as disrespectful to local communities.
How does this compare?
Dress Code rules in nearby and similar countries:
Dress modestly in public. Shoulders and knees should be covered in malls, markets, and public areas. Swimwear is only for beaches and pools.
Cover shoulders and knees in most public areas; swimwear is fine at Red Sea and Mediterranean resorts.
Dress modestly throughout Morocco — cover shoulders and knees especially in medinas, souks, and rural areas.
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Tipping is expected in Jordan — 10% at restaurants, 1–2 JOD for hotel staff, and 5–10 JOD per day for guides.
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There is no reliable public transport network for tourists — taxis, Uber in Amman, and JETT buses are the practical options.
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Amman has excellent private hospitals, but medical facilities outside the capital are limited — travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential.
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Drugs are strictly illegal, LGBTQ+ relationships carry legal risk, and photographing military or government sites is prohibited.
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Call 911 for police, ambulance, or fire in Jordan; the dedicated tourism police line is +962 6 560 0700.
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Alcohol is available at licensed restaurants, hotels, and some off-licences, but is not sold everywhere — check before assuming.
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