Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
| Quick Answer: Jordan is a low to moderate risk destination for UK travellers. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. No malaria risk exists in Jordan or most Gulf states. Rabies is present and vaccination is recommended for longer stays. No vaccines are required as a condition of entry to Jordan from the UK. |
Jordan is a growing destination for UK travellers, with Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba attracting increasing visitor numbers. The wider Middle East, including the UAE, Oman, and Qatar, is also popular for both tourism and business travel. Travel health risks in the region are generally moderate, and travellers to major Gulf cities require relatively minimal preparation beyond routine vaccinations. Newdays Pharmacy provides travel health consultations for Jordan and the Middle East from our Berkshire branches.
Vaccinations Recommended for Jordan
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Jordan. Despite Jordan’s relatively developed tourist infrastructure, contaminated food and water remain a risk particularly in local restaurants, street food settings, and rural areas. The two dose course provides long term protection.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting Jordan who will eat local food, travel to rural areas, or stay outside international hotels. Petra and Wadi Rum involve significant time in outdoor and desert settings where food and water hygiene standards may vary.
Rabies
Rabies is present in Jordan and throughout the Middle East through stray dog populations. Pre exposure vaccination is recommended for travellers planning stays of a month or more, those undertaking adventure or desert travel, those working with animals, and children. Access to rabies immunoglobulin in remote parts of Jordan may be limited.
Malaria and Other Risks in the Middle East
Jordan is malaria free for all practical tourist purposes. The UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman are also effectively malaria free for standard tourist itineraries. No antimalarial tablets are required for Jordan, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, or any other standard Middle Eastern tourist destination. Traveller’s diarrhoea is the most common health issue for UK visitors to Jordan and should be anticipated with appropriate medication and oral rehydration.
Health Considerations for Gulf State Visits
Travellers to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and other Gulf destinations face very low infectious disease risk. Hepatitis A vaccination is still sensible for any international travel. The main health risks for UK visitors to Gulf states are heat related illness, sun exposure, road traffic accidents, and access to medical care for pre-existing conditions. Medical care in major Gulf cities is generally of high quality but can be very expensive without appropriate travel insurance.
| Book Now: Book a Travel Health Consultation at Newdays Pharmacy. We serve patients from Windsor, Eton, Twyford, Reading, and across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. |
| Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all Jordan visitors including Petra and Wadi Rum. Typhoid is recommended if you will eat at local restaurants or street stalls. Rabies vaccination is worth discussing if you plan extended time in rural or desert areas. Routine NHS vaccinations should be up to date before any international travel.
No vaccinations are required as a condition of entry to the UAE from the UK. Hepatitis A is still sensible for any international trip. No malaria risk exists in the UAE. The main preparation for Dubai is comprehensive travel insurance given the high cost of medical treatment.
No. Jordan is effectively malaria free for all standard tourist itineraries. Antimalarial tablets are not required for travel to Jordan, Petra, Wadi Rum, or Aqaba.