Jordan

Compliance/Financial Considerations

If you intend to do any of the following in Jordan, please contact Risk Services at risk@berkeley.edu or 642-5141:

  • Hire a local to work for you as an employee
  • Purchase or lease office or research space
  • Purchase or lease an automobile
  • Establish a long-term (over 90 days) or ongoing project
  • Conduct a clinical trial

U.S. GOVERNMENT COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS

Foreign activities may trigger many U.S. laws, including:

  • Import Controls
  • Export Controls
  • Tax Reporting
  • Foreign Bank Account Reporting
  • Country Embargoes and Targeted Sanctions
  • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
  • Anti-Boycott Laws

Import Controls. UC employees must adhere to U.S. import requirements, and may need to enlist the services of a customs broker, especially for shipments arriving by sea and subject to the Importer Security Filing 71730, also known as ISF 10+2.

Export Controls. Export controls may apply to advanced software and technology, research data, and other sensitive assets. UC’s Export Compliance FAQ contains useful information and can be found here.  Go here for the University of California plan for compliance with federal export controls. If you plan on taking or sending potentially export-controlled materials to Jordan, consult the campus Research Administration Compliance Office at 642-0120.

Tax Reporting. The University and its employees may be taxed in foreign countries. The United States does not have a tax treaty with Jordan. For more information about double taxation issues, contact the Controller’s Office at:

Foreign Bank Account Reporting. The U.S. Treasury Department requires U.S. citizens with a financial interest in or signatory authority over a financial account in a foreign country, where accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during a calendar year, to report such accounts on a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FinCen Report 114). Those needing to complete the form should contact the Controller’s Office at cashiers@berkeley.edu or 643-9803 for assistance. An IRS 1040 Schedule B form (Part III–Foreign Accounts and Trusts) must be filed by the signatory for any foreign bank account, regardless of the account balance.

Country Embargoes and Targeted Sanctions. In general, collaborations between University personnel and scholars at foreign institutions or organizations do not require export licenses unless they involve export-controlled or -restricted research or involve scholars in sanctioned countries. Before engaging in an international collaboration, the University needs to determine whether export licenses are required and to verify that the foreign collaborator is not blocked or sanctioned. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is responsible for enforcing all U.S. embargoes and sanctions. Depending on each country’s embargo or sanction program, activities may be prohibited without specific authorization or license. UC’s International Collaborations webpage contains additional information on this topic.   

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is intended to stop bribery. It prohibits offering to pay, paying, promising to pay, or authorizing the payment of money or anything of value to a foreign official. The term “foreign official” generally includes any employee or contractor of a foreign government, and may include individuals employed by foreign universities. It is also unlawful to make a payment to a third party knowing that all or part of the payment will go to a foreign official. For more information, review the federal government’s Resource Guide to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. If you need further clarification, contact the UC Berkeley Office of Legal Affairs at 642-7122.  Transparency International’s 2018 survey of perceived public sector corruption rated Jordan at 49 out of 100 (58th out of 180 countries reviewed, i.e.  somewhat corrupt).

Anti-Boycott Laws.  The U.S. Department of Commerce is responsible for oversight of laws prohibiting individuals and entities from participating in boycotts not approved or sanctioned by the U.S. government. The Export Administration Act requires that requests to participate in such boycotts or to conduct activities in any of the boycotting countries be formally reported to the Department of Commerce and/or IRS.

For other compliance-related issues, refer to UC’s International Compliance webpage.  

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR DOING BUSINESS INTERNATIONALLY

Foreign Bank Accounts. Employees wishing to open a foreign bank account should contact the Controller’s Office at cashiers@berkeley.edu or 643-9803. Requests to open accounts must be made through the Office of the President’s Banking and Treasury Services Group by the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee. 

Real Estate Agreements. Only employees with delegated authority to sign contracts on behalf of The Regents may enter into agreements, leases, or other contracts.  Foreign affiliates or operations must submit to the Real Estate Services Office property management agreements, personal property leases, or contracts with a term longer than one year or in an amount greater than $25,000 per year. The campus then seeks approval from the University president or designee. For more information, consult the Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of Foreign Affiliate Organizations and Foreign Operations.

Articles

The US State Department's page on JORDAN may be found HERE.

Personal Safety

AS PART OF THE ONGOING EFFORTS TO COMBAT THE SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19), AUTHORITIES IN JORDAN WILL CLOSE ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES NATIONWIDE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE FROM NOVEMBER 17. A NATIONWIDE NIGHTLY CURFEW BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 2200-0600 FOR INDIVIDUALS AND 2100-0600 FOR BUSINESSES IS IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS HAVE RESUMED AT QUEEN ALIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (AMM).  ALL TRAVELERS ENTERING JORDAN MUST DOWNLOAD THE AMAN COVID-19 TRACKING APPLICATION AND COMPLETE A TRAVEL DECLARATION FORM, WHERE THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT PERSONAL INFORMATION AND OBTAIN A QR CODE. TRAVELERS MUST PRESENT PROOF OF HAVING TESTED NEGATIVE FOR COVID-19 NO MORE THAN FIVE DAYS BEFORE THEIR SCHEDULED FLIGHT. TRAVELERS ARE REQUIRED TO TEST AGAIN AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE UPON ARRIVAL IN JORDAN. INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE IS NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR ARRIVING PASSENGERS AS OF SEPTEMBER 23; ALL TRAVELERS ARE REQUIRED TO QUARANTINE AT THEIR RESIDENCE FOR A PERIOD OF SEVEN DAYS. ANOTHER COVID-19 TEST WILL BE CONDUCTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF HOME QUARANTINE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE TRAVELER. INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE VALID HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE DURATION OF THEIR VISIT. AUTHORITIES COULD REIMPOSE, ETEND, FURTHER EASE, OR OTHERWISE AMEND ANY RESTRICTIONS WITH LITTLE TO NO NOTICE DEPENDING ON DISEASE ACTIVITY OVER THE COMING WEEKS.

THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUED A TRAVEL WARNING FOR JORDAN ON JULY 20, 2017. TRAVELERS TO JORDAN SHOULD READ THE ENTIRE TRAVEL WARNING BEFORE DEPARTURE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE STEPS TO ASSURE THEIR PERSONAL SAFETY.

Note: this page contains basic risk information. For more details, please contact the Risk Services Office at risk@berkeley.edu.

If you are traveling to Jordan on University-related business, please sign up for the University’s travel insurance program by going here. For more information on the travel insurance program, please go here

Because everyone’s health is unique, we suggest seeking the advice of a medical professional before traveling internationally. Members of the campus community interested in protecting their health while abroad may schedule an appointment with the University Health Services International Travel Clinic

The quality of health care in Amman can be good, but elsewhere in Jordan it is generally below western standards, with staff and supply limitations the norm. In the event of a serious illness or injury, it is best to seek care in Amman or Aqaba. Both public and private ambulance services fall below western standards and should be used only if personal transportation is not available. If you need medication, bring enough for the duration of your stay, as medications are often in short supply. The United States Embassy has compiled this list of medical professionals in Jordan, but assumes no responsibility or liability for the ability, reputation, or quality of services provided.

Jordan suffers from occasional water shortages. Drinking water may sometimes be contaminated, especially in rural areas. To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or illness, drink bottled or purified water. Street vendors and other unregulated food distributors should be avoided. Travelers should avoid raw meat dishes and unpasteurized dairy products, which frequently harbor bacterial and parasitic pathogens.

Travelers risk contracting a number of serious illnesses in Jordan, including:

  • West Nile fever, transmitted by mosquito bites. Risk is elevated during spring and summer.
  • Sand fly fever, transmitted by sand flies from dusk to dawn. Risk is highest between April and October.
  • Meningococcal disease, countrywide and year-round, with the risk highest from November to March.
  • Schistosomiasis, transmitted by parasites swimming in freshwater bodies, year-round but especially from March to May. Highest areas of risk include the Jordan Valley, East Ghor Canal, Zarqa River, Yarmouk River, Lake Tiberius, and Jarash Spring.
  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, a viral illness new to humans, remains rare, but Jordan has reported a number of cases since 2012

Jordan has a moderate crime rate. Violent crime against foreigners is unusual, although tribal disputes in the southern city of Ma'an and on university campuses may place academic travelers at risk. Opportunistic theft in the form of pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and vehicle break-ins is increasing. To reduce the risk of theft or robbery, avoid Amman’s Hashimiyah Square at night and avoid low-income areas such as Jebal Al-Taj as much as possible. In Aqaba, Zarqa, and Madaba, be mindful in downtown areas and at tourist destinations. Also be wary while withdrawing cash at ATMs.

Foreign women may be subject to verbal sexual harassment in Jordan, but are unlikely to be touched or assaulted. Dressing conservatively minimizes the likelihood of harassment, as does traveling with a male companion. Women should avoid eye contact and resist the impulse to exhibit American-style friendliness to male strangers, as such behaviors may be interpreted as sexual invitations.

Legal/Political

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. 

The Jordanian constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press with some restrictions. Insulting the King or members of the Royal Family may lead to detainment or imprisonment. Additionally, the Jordanian government considers proselytizing to Muslims (including the distribution of religious material) illegal, and anyone undertaking these activities is subject to prosecution, imprisonment, and deportation. Please see the information below on Islam as the state religion of Jordan.

Jordanian courts may impose criminal penalties, including imprisonment, for alleged infractions that in the United States would be resolved in civil courts. The U.S. Embassy is aware of several cases involving business or financial disputes that resulted in lengthy pre-trial detention and imprisonment under local financial crimes laws.

It is illegal to use and/or distribute drugs in Jordan. Jordan has strict drug laws and enforces them readily. Drug possession/use is one of the five main offenses that falls under the umbrella of the state security court and adheres to a different set of criminal procedures than other offenses. Accused offenders can be detained for up to two weeks without charges. In addition, after being referred to the state security public prosecutor, the accused offender can be detained for an additional 15 days renewable for further investigation, as long as the extension does not exceed a total of two months. This delay can result in the Embassy not being notified about the detainment because an official arrest has not taken place.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. 

Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones): Tourists’ use of smaller drones is becoming increasingly popular. However, drones are illegal for personal use in Jordan, and persons seeking to bring any drone into Jordan must first obtain pre-authorization and approval from authorities before entry and use.

LGBTI Travelers: LGBTI status and/or conduct are not criminalized in Jordan; however, laws against adultery or breaches of modesty may be used against LGBTI travelers. Public displays of affection between individuals in general, and especially of the same sex are not considered culturally acceptable. Foreigners exhibiting such behavior or expressing themselves outside of traditional gender norms in terms of dress or appearance may face greater risk of official and societal harassment and/or be targets of violence. Gay and lesbian Jordanians frequently hide their sexuality, even from family members. Family members who discover that a relative is LGBTI may target them for “honor” crimes.