It is easy to understand the confusion over COVID testing requirements for travel. A few days ago I noticed that the Tauck homepage banner no longer includes the date of update, but, instead says, "LATEST TRAVEL UPDATES AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS (UPDATED DAILY)" Since we are scheduled to depart in a few weeks, I have been checking regularly anyway.
I just looked at the J&E entry requirements. For entry into Jordan, Tauck now only lists:
- Proof of COVID vaccination,
- Jordan Declaration Form (w/QR code),
- Proof of valid health insurance.
A COVID PCR test 72 hours prior to departure and another one upon arrival are no longer listed, so I dug a little deeper.
The CIBT ENTRY GUIDE at Tauck's link still shows both tests are required- so more digging.
UPDATE: The following sentence has been added to the paragraphs for both test requirements: "Effective 1 March 2022, the [pre-departure or on arrival] test will no longer be required."
The Royal Jordanian Airlines website still shows both tests are required.
The US State Department website Travel section has no new information
However . . .
The US Embassy in Amman website says: "Effective March 1, 2022, the Government of Jordan will no longer require travelers to Jordan to take a pre-travel PCR test nor a PCR test upon arrival."
The Embassy FAQ's confirm that:
"Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes, until February 28, 2022. On March 1, 2022, travelers will no longer need a COVID-19 test for entry."
Also, the instructions at the top of the "current" Travel to Jordan Declaration Form - Arriving by Air (not the one in Tauck's sample) now begin with, "- All travelers arriving before March 1st are required to bring a negative PCR test from the country of departure that should be done within maximum 72 hours prior to departure."
Unfortunately, we had to pay up-front when we booked our pre-flight PCR tests and the fee ($$$$) is non-refundable. I suspect the $29 ea. we pre-paid for testing upon arrival when we registered with gateway2Jordan for our entry form w/QR code is gone as well.
So much for trying to get things done early.
At least we should be able to get through Queen Alia Airport a bit faster.