Middle East - Anthony Ham [328]
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
The following embassies and consulates are in Amman (area code 06). Egypt also has a consulate in Aqaba. Click here for an overview of visas for neighbouring countries. In general, the offices are open 9am to 11am Sunday to Thursday for visa applications and 1pm to 3pm for collecting visas.
Australia (Map; 06-5807000; www.jordan.embassy.gov.au; 3 Youssef Abu Shahhout, Deir Ghbar)
Egypt Embassy (Map; 06-5605175; fax 06-5604082; 22 Qortubah St; 9am-noon Sun-Thu) Located between 4th and 5th Circles. Consulate (Map; 03-2016171; cnr Al-Isteglal & Al-Akhatal Sts, Aqaba; 8am-3pm Sun-Thu)
France (Map; 06-4604630; www.ambafrance-jo.org; Al-Mutanabbi St, Jebel Amman)
Germany (Map; 06-5930367; www.amman.diplo.de; 31 Bin Ghazi St, Jebel Amman) Between 4th and 5th Circles.
Iraq (Map; 06-4623175; fax 06-4619172; Al-Kulliyah al-Islamiyah St, Jebel Amman) Located near the 1st Circle.
Israel Consulate (Map; 06-5503529; Maysaloon St, Shmeisani)
Lebanon (Map; 06-5929111; fax 06-5929113; Al-Neel St, Abdoun) Near the UK embassy.
Netherlands (Map; 06-5902200; www.netherlandsembassy.com.jo; 22 Ibrahim Ayoub St) Located near the 4th Circle.
New Zealand Consulate (Map; 06-4636720; fax 06-4634349; 99 Al-Malek al-Hussein St, downtown) Located on the 4th floor of the Khalaf Building.
Saudi Arabia Consulate (Map; 06-5924154; fax 06-5921154; 5th Circle, Jebel Amman)
Syria (Map; 06-5920684; Abdoun Prince Hashem bin Al-Hussein St, Jebel Amman) Located near the 4th Circle.
UK (Map; 06-5909200; www.britain.org.jo; Dimashq St, Wadi Abdoun, Abdoun)
USA (Map; 06-5906000; http://usembassy-amman.org.jo; 20 Al-Umawiyeen St, Abdoun)
Yemen (Map; 06-5923771; Al-Ameer Hashem bin al-Hussein St, Abdoun Circle)
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Jordan’s best-known cultural event is the Jerash Festival (www.jerashfestival.com.jo), a program of traditional music concerts and plays held in the spectacular Roman ruins of Jerash and Amman in July and August.
If an all-night party is more your style, then time your trip to Jordan with Distant Heat (www.distantheat.com), billed as one of the top-ten music festivals in the Middle East and organised to promote international youth peace. Featuring top international and local DJs, the festival is held at the end of July each year in Wadi Rum and often continues next day with beach pool parties in Aqaba.
GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS
Most sources state that gay sex is not illegal in Jordan (though some dispute this) and that the age of consent for both heterosexuals and homosexuals is 16.
There is a subdued underground gay scene in Amman but public displays of affection are frowned upon. Two men or two women holding hands, however, is a normal sign of friendship.
There are a few places in Amman that are discreetly gay friendly, such as the multipurpose Books@café (Click here) and Blue Fig Café (Click here), which attract a young gay and straight crowd.
HOLIDAYS
In addition to the main Islamic holidays (Click here), Jordan observes the following:
New Year’s Day 1 January
Good Friday March/April
Labour Day 1 May
Independence Day 25 May
Army Day & Anniversary of the Great Arab Revolt 10 June
Christmas Day 25 December
INSURANCE
If you’re planning to enjoy some of Jordan’s many outdoor activities, you may want to check that your travel insurance policy covers them. Click here for more on insurance.
INTERNET ACCESS
There are internet cafés in almost every town in Jordan, with costs averaging JD1.500 per hour. Connecting to the internet from your hotel room is possible, although only at limited midrange and top-end hotels. Jordan boasts numerous internet service providers (ISPs), including Cyberia (www.cyberia.jo).
INTERNET RESOURCES
Specific websites about Jordan include the following:
Jordan Jubilee (www.jordanjubilee.com) The best website about Jordan, it offers loads of extra detail on Petra and Wadi Rum among other practical tips.
Jordan Tourism Board (www.visitjordan.com) Good site with links to a range of Jordan-related