Jordan

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.

Verified Jul 24, 2026

Cannabis is illegal in Jordan, and the penalty depends on which schedule of the Narcotics Law the substance falls under. Article 9(a) sets two bands: one to six months in jail plus a fine of JOD 200-500, or both, for substances listed in schedules 3 and 9; and one to three years plus a fine of JOD 1,000-3,000 for substances listed in schedules 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Which band covers herbal cannabis and which covers hashish is fixed by those schedules, and the schedules are a separate instrument that is not contained in the law text - so assume the heavier band until you have checked the schedule itself. A first offence of use, or of possession for use, is not recorded against you as a criminal record or a security record, and instead of passing sentence the court may order treatment in a specialist clinic (art. 9(b) and 9(c)). All drug cases, including simple use, are heard by the State Security Court, to the express exclusion of every other court and of the customs authorities (art. 33).

Article 9(a) sets the bands by schedule, not by substance name: 1 to 6 months' imprisonment and a fine of JOD 200-500, or both, for substances listed in schedules 3 and 9; 1 to 3 years' imprisonment and a fine of JOD 1,000-3,000 for substances listed in schedules 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. The schedules are published separately and are not inside the law text, so which band applies to herbal cannabis, and which to hashish or cannabis resin, cannot be read off this source. A first such offence is not treated as a criminal record or a security record (art. 9(b)). The State Security Court has exclusive jurisdiction over every offence under this law, including the consequential penalties and civil obligations, to the express exclusion of all other judicial and administrative bodies and of the customs authorities (art. 33).

Verified Oct 6, 2026

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.

Verified Jul 24, 2026

Declare cash or equivalent exceeding JOD 10,000 (about USD 14,000) when entering Jordan; there is no currency restriction on exit.

Verified Jul 24, 2026

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.

Verified Sep 28, 2026

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.

Verified Jul 24, 2026

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.

Verified Jul 24, 2026

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.

Verified Jul 24, 2026

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.

Verified 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.

Verified Jul 24, 2026