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International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Jordan International Parental Child Abduction Information
The Department of State renewed its Travel Advisory for Jordan on December 18. There was no change to the advisory level. The “other” risk indicator was removed. Advisory summary was updated.
Exercise increased caution in Jordan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do not travel to:
Reconsider travel to:
Advisory Summary
There is risk of terrorism in Jordan. Terrorists may attack without warning, including such targets as:
Jordan is relatively stable but due to high tensions in the region, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly.
Mansheyat al Ghayyath, Ruwayshid, and the Border with Syria and Iraq – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to the towns of Mansheyat al Ghayyath, Ruwayshid, and Jordan's border with Syria and Iraq due to the continued threat of cross-border violence, terrorism, and crime.
Level 4: Do Not Travel – Syrian Refugee Camps
Do not travel to Syrian refugee camps in Jordan. This is due to the Government of Jordan’s restrictions on entry into these camps.
All U.S. government personnel on official travel to the following three Syrian refugee camps must follow U.S. embassy travel restrictions:
Official U.S. government travel to these camps must occur during daylight hours. Personal travel by U.S. government personnel to these refugee camps is not authorized.
Level 4: Do Not Travel – Rusayfah city
Do not travel to Rusayfah city due to the risk of terrorism and crime.
Level 4: Do Not Travel – The Baqa’a Neighborhood of Ayn Basha
Do not travel to the Baqa’a neighborhood of Ayn Basha due to the risk of terrorism and crime.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel – Zarqa City
Reconsider travel to Zarqa city due to the risk of terrorism and crime.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel – Ma’an city and some areas of Ma’an Governorate
Reconsider travel to these areas due to the risk of terrorism and crime:
Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
If you decide to travel to Jordan:
Al-Umayyaween Street,
Abdoun neighborhood,
Amman 11118
Jordan
Telephone: +(962) (6) 590-6000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(962) (6) 590-6500
Fax: +(962) (6) 592-4102
Email: Amman-ACS@state.gov
For information concerning travel to Jordan, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Jordan.
The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA). The report is located here.
Jordan is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Jordan and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Jordan and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction. For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children’s Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child. The Office of Children’s Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.
Contact information:
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children’s Issues
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Fax: 202-485-6221
Email: MiddleEastIPCA@state.gov
Website
Parents are encouraged to consult with a Jordanian attorney to determine if their particular case qualifies as a crime under Jordanian law.
Parents may also wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court. Please see Pressing Criminal Charges for more information.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Jordan and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Office of Children’s Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States. Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Jordan for information and possible assistance.
Neither the Office of Children’s Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy in Jordan are authorized to provide legal advice.
The U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.
This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.
The Jordanian Family Mediation Directorate provides mediation services directly to parents involved in international parental child abduction cases. Mediation is voluntary and both parents must agree to participate. Contact the Office of Children’s Issues for additional information about this mediation program.
While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent. Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:
The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.
To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.
For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney.
Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.
For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.
Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
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