Ambassador O'Neill July message for Irish Citizens in Jordan

News

Dear Irish Citizen, 

I hope you have been able to enjoy some down time in Jordan over the last number of weeks. Since the lifting of most restrictions, most people are now able to travel freely around Jordan, enjoying the cool shade of the Wadi’s or visiting the beach side town of Aqaba in the south. However you have been spending your off time, I hope you have been able to relax and feel comfortable in knowing that the Government of Jordan has done an excellent job at protecting the public from Covid-19.

However, caution is still needed. Neighbouring countries, like Israel and Palestine, have seen the surge of a second wave, causing lockdown measures to be reinstated. It is a stark reminder that we must avoid complacency and continue to take all precautionary measures in order to prevent the virus from surging amongst populations. Wearing masks in public and crowded spaces is very effective at preventing the spread of the virus, therefore, we advise all Irish citizens to continue wearing masks where required.  

Unfortunately, Jordan’s borders still remain closed. The Prime Minister announced this week that the airport will open at the end of July, but, no further guidance has yet been received. It is likely that the Jordanian government will introduce a traffic light system, which will outline safe ‘green’ countries, where the virus is under control, therefore allowing flights to and that country to Jordan. No official decision has yet been made regarding which countries will be green listed. We advise you to continue to monitor the Embassy’s Facebook and twitter pages for regular updates.   

Removal of restrictions in Ireland

The Government of Ireland has decided, that given the virus is under control in the country, that phase 5 of the reopening plan is no longer necessary, thus, the entire reopening plan will be quicker than first anticipated. Currently, Ireland is in phase 3 of the plan, allowing citizens and residents to travel anywhere in the country. Social distancing and hygiene protocols remain in place and should be followed. The plan is available at the following link:  https://www.gov.ie/en/news/58bc8b-taoiseach-announces-roadmap-for-reopening-society-and-business-and-u/?referrer=/roadmap/

The Government has also launched a Covid-19 tracker app, which is free to download on your mobile phone. The app will help us all to protect each other and slow the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland. For more information on the app, including how/where to download it, please see this link: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/da832-download-the-covid-tracker-app/

The travel advice for both entering and departing Ireland remains at avoid all non-essential travel. On July 20^th, the Government will publish its decision regarding updating the travel advise to allow visitors to Ireland, and to advise Irish citizens that it is safe to travel abroad. Like the traffic light system expected in Jordan, the Irish Government will list a number of countries where it is deemed safe to travel to/from, and that arrivals to Ireland from these countries, will not need to undergo 2 weeks of quarantine.  

Travel advice

The travel advice for both entering and departing Ireland remains at avoid all non-essential travel. On July 20^th, the Government will publish its decision regarding updating the travel advise to allow visitors to Ireland, and to advise Irish citizens that it is safe to travel abroad. Like the traffic light system expected in Jordan, the Irish Government will list a number of countries where it is deemed safe to travel to/from, and that arrivals to Ireland from these countries, will not need to undergo 2 weeks of quarantine.  

We advise all Irish nationals to exercise caution when approached by airlines or travel agents regarding air travel outside of Jordan, as no official communication has yet been made by the Government of Jordan. Currently there are flights available from Qatar Airways, Emirates and Royal Jordan to exit Jordan. However, re-entry to Jordan is still unavailable. For further information, please deal directly with the Airlines either on their website or by phone.

Anyone arriving in Ireland from overseas at the present time is required to enter a quarantine period of 2 weeks and to register the location where they will be staying (for follow up by the public health authorities). Passengers must complete a passenger locator form which can be downloaded here. 

 Government travel advice can be accessed through the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e885b2-covid-19-coronavirus-travel-advice/

Embassy Events

Although we are currently unable to hold physical events, please keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for updates on virtual events taking place in Ireland.

Other Voices Courage is livestreaming a second series of concerts each Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm via YouTube, Facebook Live and Twitter. The ten concerts, funded by D/Culture, are taking place in historic venues across Ireland. Find more information here. Catch up on the first series on the RTÉ Player. Other Voices Berlin - held on the occasion of President Higgins' State Visit in 2019 - is now available on YouTube for a limited time.

Dublin Fringe Festival will run as a 'Pilot Light Edition' on 5-20 September; more details are available here, and the full programme will be announced in August.

Dublin Theatre Festival will go ahead on a smaller scale this year, from 24 September to 11 October. More details will be announced in August.

Wexford Festival Opera (11-18 October) is postponing its main programme until 2021 but going digital this year, with closed performances to be live-streamed via RTÉ Culture, and broadcast by RTÉ Lyric FM. The programme will open with Rossini's Petite messe solennelle, and close with a concert by acclaimed soprano Lisette Oropesa; more details to follow. 

Embassy Working Hours

The Embassy is now operating, once again, from its offices in Zahran Plaza at 7^th circle. Please note that consular services are by appointment only. Should you wish to make an appointment or enquiry, please email AmmanEm@dfa.ie . Passports can only be renewed online and no paper applications are being accepted (except in case of emergency). Similarly, while VFS in Galleria Mall has reopened, we are currently not accepting any visa applications (unless in case of emergency).  

Key contacts

• https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/
• Citizens requiring information regarding passport renewals can find it through the following link  https://www.dfa.ie/passports/
• The travel advice for Jordan is accessible on the following link https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/jordan/
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @IrlEmbJordan for Embassy notifications. Our website address is www.dfa.ie/jordan
• For consular queries please email AmmanEm@dfa.ie or call 07 9971 5428. The Embassy's emergency phone number is +962 799732370

Please note that all future updates will be on our website, notification will issue through our social media.

Please stay safe during this difficult and unprecedented time,

Vincent

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