Town in Madaba Governorate, Jordan
Is Madaba safe?
Safe and calm, with low crime and a welcoming, Christian-majority town.
Is Madaba safe?
Safe and calm, with low crime and a welcoming, Christian-majority town. Taxi overcharging and sun are the main irritations.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2026-05-03.
- Homicide rate in Jordan: 1.0 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Jordan: 17.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
Safety in Madaba at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Low. Occasional petty theft, overcharging at souvenir shops and taxis, and pushy sellers near mosaic sites; violent crime against visitors is rare. |
| At night | The center is quiet but safe until about 10–11 pm. Few taxis run late, so arrange pickups in advance. |
| Solo women | Comfortable in Madaba, which is more relaxed than many towns, but dress modestly and expect stares. Use taxis at night. |
| Other risks | Flash floods in wadis, Nov–Mar; Summer heat above 38°C; Fast highway traffic |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxi drivers quoting fixed prices instead of using the meter
- Souvenir sellers claiming a 'cheap' price for mosaics, then adding fees
- Tour touts offering Dead Sea or Petra trips at inflated prices
Take care
- Wadi roads in winter storms: flash floods can close roads
- Highway driving at night: livestock and unlit trucks
- Public protests in Amman: avoid demonstrations
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Being inside Petra after closing time is an offence; tourists have been arrested.
- Drinking alcohol on the street is illegal; bars, hotels and homes only.
- Encouraging Muslims to convert to another religion is illegal.
How Madaba compares in Jordan
Quick answers
Is Madaba safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable in Madaba, which is more relaxed than many towns, but dress modestly and expect stares. Use taxis at night.
Is Madaba safe at night?
The center is quiet but safe until about 10–11 pm. Few taxis run late, so arrange pickups in advance.
What is the crime rate in Madaba?
Low. Occasional petty theft, overcharging at souvenir shops and taxis, and pushy sellers near mosaic sites; violent crime against visitors is rare. Nationally, Jordan records 1.0 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Madaba?
All emergencies 911.
More about Madaba
Going to Madaba solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Jordan Tourism Board
- Queen Alia International Airport
- Jordan Pass
- Talabat Madaba
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.