How safe is it to visit Petra?

Absolutely! If you ever get a chance to go to Jordan, Petra is a place you must visit. It is the most famous attraction in the whole country; even more important than the capital Amman. Petra is an ancient city located in the middle of a desert.



Visiting Petra in 2026 is generally considered very safe for international tourists, as the Jordanian government places a high priority on the security of its premier UNESCO World Heritage site. Jordan remains one of the most stable countries in the Middle East, often referred to as an "oasis of calm" in a complex region. At the site itself, you will find a dedicated "Tourist Police" presence to assist visitors and deter petty crime. However, the "safety" concerns for most travelers are environmental rather than criminal. The terrain is rugged, desert heat can be extreme, and flash floods occasionally occur in the narrow Siq during the winter rainy season. Another minor "safety" annoyance is the persistent "touting" by local bedouins offering donkey or camel rides; while mostly harmless, it can feel aggressive to some. To stay grounded and secure, it is a supportive peer recommendation to stick to marked trails, carry at least two liters of water, and stay updated on local weather alerts. As long as you respect local customs and stay hydrated, Petra offers a profoundly rewarding and secure archaeological experience.

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Yes, Jordan, including Petra and the nearby town of Wadi Musa is very safe, even for women traveling on their own. You may encounter one or two local Bedouins who try to convince you to hire their camel or horse, but a firm ?no thank you? is usually enough to get them off your back.

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Distance and Difficulty: The Petra Monastery Trail is 2.5km / 1.6 miles return from the end of the Petra Main Trail (4km in). Medium walk, steep with lots of stairs, but not too long (in my opinion, the Petra map says hard).

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Many people know of Petra's famous Treasury from the Hollywood film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” with Harrison Ford. It's inside that Ford finds the Holy Grail.

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In more touristy areas (excluding mosques) such as Mount Nebo, Wadi Rum, and Petra, I dressed a bit more liberally (see photos below) and felt entirely comfortable. Our tour guide assured us wearing shorts at these places is totally acceptable and common.

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While there is certainly enough to occupy yourself for five or more days, two to three days is sufficient to visit all of the highlights in and around the park. One day--or worse yet a morning or afternoon--is likely to bring some disappointment to those who have traveled a great distance.

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Camel Ride in Wadi Rum & Petra is optional for 15 JD / $ 21 USD per camel per hour. You don't need to book it in advance and can be arranged upon arrival to Petra or Wadi Rum.

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Is Wadi Rum safe ? Yes trips in Wadi Rum are safe as they are supervised by our professional guides.

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The Jordan Tourism Board said in a statement: “In light of the recent developments in Gaza, we want to emphasise that Jordan continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for tourists from around the world.

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With a stable political situation and a low crime rate, Jordan is a safe and welcoming destination for travelers from around the world. Things to Consider: It is important to be aware of cultural norms and dress modestly when visiting mosques or conservative areas.

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The Nabateans carved Petra out of sandstone, a soft rock that's easily damaged by wind, rain, earthquakes and flash floods.

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Monday and Tuesday tend to be the quietest days as many people arrive in Amman on the weekend, then stay a few days in the north and then come to Petra. So usually Wednesday and Thursdays are the busiest weekdays.

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You can totally visit Petra by yourself—we did! If you're visiting several areas in Jordan, a tour guide and driver may simplify things, but it's certainly not a requirement.

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It is fine to travel in Jordan in jeans most of the time, and you can, of course, wear them in Petra as well, in case this is the piece you never leave your home without, but as the visit of Petra requires quite a lot of walking, we think hiking trousers are a much better choice.

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Wearing shorts can also be seen as disrespectful, so opt for long pants instead. Dress codes are generally stricter for women than men, and many female travellers choose to wear a headscarf like the local women.

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Similarly to most neighboring countries, the dress codes for women are slightly stricter than men. Women should refrain from showing flesh as much as possible. Wearing loose clothing which covers the arms, legs, chest, and the nape of the neck also helps female travelers avoid negative and unwanted attention.

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It is believed that Moses' brother Aaron died and was buried in the Petra area and a white-domed mosque, built in the 14th century, commemorates this.

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Several bullet holes on the facade of the Treasury were caused hundreds of years ago by Bedouin tribesman hoping to uncover riches that they believed were hidden within. The giant urn carved above the Treasury bears the most bullet marks as it was believed to be holding riches inside.

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