In Jordan, sleeping with an unmarried individual of the opposite sex is not allowed. This is actually considered adultery in the country. And when in Jordan, adultery can mean spending a few years in prison.
Whether you are a citizen of Jordan or not, this should always be the rule.
Having sexual relations outside marriage is going against the law.
Some can outright say they are actually married even when not. This is possible. But this is something we discourage. But when one gets away with it, an unmarried couple can stay in a hotel room together.
Traveling in Jordan
Whether you are traveling solo or with your romantic partner, there are a few things you need to know. Remember these when in Jordan.
This should include a few tips on public displays of affection.
This should also include expectations on the behavior of an unmarried couple.
And so, before you take your partner to the ancient city of Petra, know these things.
This should avoid awkward encounters after that passionate time inside a desert tent.
Know the local rules. Familiarize yourself with the rules and customs.
It is only then that you and your partner will be safe in Jordan.
The Culture of Jordan
Jordan is popular for its amazing dishes laden with cardamom and spices. It is also a country of scented pipes and smooth perfumes.
The country has all the noise of the market to the quiet of the desert.
And indeed, the country ticks all that we look for in a powerful holiday destination. In fact, not only do solo travelers go to Jordan.
Even couples find the country a perfect hub for a romantic getaway.
But if there is one thing you should know, it is to respect the customs of Jordan.
The country has specific laws that relate to sexuality and relationships. Compared to Western norms, these laws may appear to be very conservative.
And yes, even as a tourist, you can get in trouble when you go against these laws.
Over the years, the country has gone through different reforms. These reforms are those that impacted its economy and its image. But overall, the country is still conservative.
This, however, should not stop you, as a couple, from visiting the country.
Everyone is welcome. As long as you do not go against the customs of the land, they treat you well.
We may all have different opinions when it comes to sex, love, and relationships. But if there is one thing you have to put in mind, you should respect Jordan as it is.
Here are a few things you should know before visiting this beautiful country.
For the Unwed
When single and in Jordan, there are a couple of things you have to remember.
Traveling while single in Jordan is an experience of a lifetime. But remember:
– Sleeping with the opposite sex outside marriage is actually considered adultery.
– Such an offense is punishable by law. One can go to prison for as long as three (3) years when found guilty of adultery.
We understand that vacations usually last for a few days to about a month.
But when found guilty of adultery, you can stay in Jordan for up to three years. This time, however, you spend your time in jail.
And yes, one can easily miss the flavors of home.
So, when in the heights of passion, always think before you do something drastic. Get a hold of yourself. We cannot allow you to be cooped up in a cell somewhere in Jordan for the next three years.
And remember, the rules apply regardless of citizenship.
The both of you can be tourists. Or the one you slept with, maybe Jordanian. It does not matter.
And so, when on the road in Jordan and you meet somebody cute, make sure to hold your horses. Perhaps, you both can stay in the friend’s lane until you are out of the country?
If you are, you both can still enjoy your holidays while in Jordan.
And we know you know it. Jordan has a lot of exciting things to offer. These are far more exciting than jumping under the sheets with the cute traveler you met last night.
Most of the time, sexual relations are not that urgent.
But if they are, you may choose to go into some lodgings. Some of these go with Western ideologies when it comes to love and passion.
You may have a few intimate moments there. Although, we do not recommend it.
But again, if the urgency is beyond your control, close the door. Make sure to close the windows as well. And be discreet.
Never make so much of a ruckus that you disturb everyone within a 1-kilometer radius.
Also, take note that even public displays of affection (PDA) are something they frown upon.
This includes holding hands or even touching. How much more should they frown if they find you kissing in public? These behaviors are a big NO when you are in Jordan.
If it bothers the people around you, you’re in trouble. They can charge you with public indecency for such an act.
Jordan and the Opposite Sex
But this does not mean you cannot befriend the cute girl you met at the airport.
Yes, you can.
In fact, out of the many Middle Eastern countries we know, Jordan is one of those that are far more accepting.
When it comes to clothes, you can easily wear your Western type of clothing. This is especially true when you are in the city.
The country also does not require women to wear a veil in Jordan. Truth be told, women enjoy most of the rights as men do.
Locals can easily adapt to thoughts of having friends of the opposite sex.
But this should not mean you can hug a friend of the opposite sex in public.
If you get too close, there may be repercussions. Either they charge you of public indecency or something similar. Or they can hand you down with charges of adultery, which is much worse.
Finally, you should also know by now that Jordan is one conservative country.
And so, when in the country, you cannot expect to have protection available in drugstores.
Items like condoms or anything of that sort would be hard to come by.
And so, it would be much more difficult for somebody single to get into a passionate romance. Unless, of course, you take the risk of adultery and unsafe encounters.
How is Jordan when it comes to same-sex couples?
As previously mentioned, the country of Jordan is leaning towards the conservative side. As such, same-sex couples are actually frowned upon. Homosexuality is legal. But Jordan is a Muslim nation. As much as possible, be discreet with showing same-sex relations.
We all know how unwed couples of the opposite sex should behave in Jordan.
As mentioned, sexual relations outside marriage are against the country’s laws.
When checking in into hotels, some would ask if you, as a couple, are actually married.
In fact, some would even go as far as asking for a marriage certificate or another document. This, however, is rare. But consider this as a possibility when visiting the country. And this should be possible, especially if checking in with somebody of the opposite sex.
Of course, you can always say that you are really married.
But what if you are not and they ask for documents? That would be awkward.
And even if you are actually married, be discreet when in public.
But how does the country fare with its treatment of same-sex couples?
First of all, you should know that homosexuality is legal in Jordan.
But you should also know that the country is a predominantly Muslim nation. Even if legal, most would frown upon same-sex relations.
At worst, some can even criminalize this.
If they catch you engaging in anything sexual with somebody of the same sex, this is adultery in Jordan. And yes, even if you are married in your home country, this will not hold any bearing in Jordan.
As long as both parties are of the same gender, it is adultery.
Public displays of affection between two people of the same gender is also a big NO. Some would consider this as a disruption of public peace.
When alleged of such, there is even risk of persecution of one or both parties.
But make no mistake about this.
Jordan is actually one of the most forward countries in the region.
Even as a homosexual, you are safe traveling in Jordan. This also holds true for homosexual couples.
But while traveling in this country, be discreet.
You and your partner will be safe. As long as you act just like good friends do when in public.
And when choosing hotels, go with Western-style hotels. They would be more forgiving and open to such relations within their premises.
Is Public Display of Affection (PDA) allowed in Jordan?
As you already know by now, PDAs in Jordan are frowned upon. At worst, they may even complain and file charges against you for disturbing public peace. And this applies to everyone – tourists, locals – no matter the gender.
There are actually a lot of laws in Jordan that would appear to be strange to non-locals.
Yes, they may be weird. But as a tourist, you have no choice. The only choice you have is to follow the laws. Otherwise, you run the risk of imprisonment or deportation from the country.
As we already know by now, Jordan is predominantly Muslim.
A lot of these laws have their roots in Arab beliefs and heritage.
And so, when you are in the country, a pinch of respect can go the extra mile.
All you have to do is to understand. You have to understand that this is just the way it is in Jordan. No matter how you behave back home, you have to adjust this time. Otherwise, you get yourself in trouble when you choose to disobey these laws.
The rule of thumb is simple.
If the Muslim faith goes against it, Jordan is against it as well.
This would include homosexuality. This should also have alcoholic drinks and their consumption outside of proper venues.
And finally, this should also include possession of pornographic materials.
And take note, you may have them in public or private. No matter the case, this is not allowed in Jordan.
In the case of homosexuality, one should note that the country has a certain level of acceptance of this.
Strictly speaking, the country does not consider homosexuality as illegal. And this was already discussed in the previous segment.
But, when it comes to public displays of affection or PDA, the act may not be acceptable.
Whether both parties are of the same or opposite genders, locals tend to frown upon PDAs. In fact, locals can file complaints against you simply for hugging and kissing in public.
A peck or two may be acceptable.
But more than that – torrid kissing and the likes – can cause discomfort to the people around you.
Such acts are actually considered to be a disturbance of public peace.
When it comes to sexual relations, it should only be between married couples.
Any sexual relations outside marriage are actually considered adultery. Such acts can run you the risk of going to prison or deportation from the country.
But when these are between parties of the same gender, the punishments are severe.
Both parties may be in a relationship. Or both may have an agreement of being in a relationship back home.
But these factors do not matter in Jordan. As long as it is outside marriage, it is not allowed.
You may behave differently back home.
But it is always respect that should come first when in Jordan.
Such indiscretion can result in you or your partner’s imprisonment. The severity would have to depend on where they catch you or who caught you.
Remember that Jordan has a lot to offer.
There are different sites that you should visit.
Do not risk the potential for a great holiday for a simple romantic fling.
You may be straight or a member of the LGBTQ++ community. No matter where you belong, you can always be friendly.
But draw a line as to where the friendliness ends.