Is Aqaba safe? 🇯🇴

Aqaba is currently not recommended for non-essential travel due to elevated regional security risks, despite its historically low crime rates and welcoming atmosphere for tourists. The U.S., UK, and Canadian governments have all issued Level 3 advisories — urging reconsideration or avoidance of travel — primarily due to threats of drone and missile attacks linked to broader Iran-Israel tensions, which prompted the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. personnel in March 2026. While the city itself maintains strong security infrastructure and low levels of violent crime, the overarching geopolitical instability has significantly altered the risk environment, making emergency preparedness essential for anyone who chooses to visit.

On the ground, street-level safety remains relatively strong: violent crime such as robbery is uncommon, and pickpocketing is only a moderate concern in crowded areas like markets, beachfronts, and transport hubs. Traveler sentiment reflects this, with many visitors reporting positive experiences and feeling safe during the day, especially in well-patrolled hotel and resort zones along the Red Sea coast. However, reduced tourist numbers due to advisories mean fewer crowds and a quieter atmosphere, which some travelers note can feel isolating after dark. The main criminal risks to visitors are not violent but rather financial — particularly scams involving fake dive shops that take advance payments for PADI courses or liveaboard trips and either vanish or provide substandard services, and persistent taxi overcharging at the Eilat-Aqaba border, where a monopoly operator inflates prices.

To stay safe, travelers should prioritize vigilance and verification: book all diving activities exclusively through operators listed on the official PADI dive shop locator or reputable platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide, pay by credit card to enable charge disputes, and confirm reservations directly by phone. When using taxis, agree on fares in advance or use ride-hailing apps where available, and avoid border taxis unless absolutely necessary — if used, insist on fixed rates and consider involving border police to mediate pricing disputes. Keep valuables secure and bags zipped in crowded public spaces, and avoid isolated areas, especially at night. Most importantly, monitor official advisories closely and have a clear evacuation plan, as the security situation can shift rapidly due to regional developments beyond street-level crime.