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Image by Codioful (Formerly Gradienta)

Forbidden Souvenirs List

Forbidden Souvenirs

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Encouraged Souvenirs

  • Locally grown Medjool dates

  • Locally produced olive oil

  • Dead Sea products made in Jordan

  • Herbs and spices from Jordan

  • Traditional scarves, clothing, embroidery, and bags made in Jordan

  • Handicrafts created by local artisans

  • Natural goods such as soaps and scrubs made in Jordan

  • Holy water from the River Jordan

  • Locally made ceramics

  • Hand-made mosaics crafted in Jordan

  • Hand-crafted traditional silver jewellery

  • Hand-blown glass from the region

  • Traditional tea and coffee cups

  • Locally made paintings and artwork

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From Endangered Species (CITES-regulated):

  • Products made from sea turtle shells (e.g., jewelry, combs)

  • Ivory items (from elephants or hippos)

  • Animal skins or furs (e.g., leopard, cheetah, or desert fox)

  • Feathers or stuffed birds (e.g., owls, falcons)

  • Live reptiles or reptiles in alcohol (snakes, lizards)

  • Coral and seashell products (especially red or black coral)

 

Cultural and Archaeological Artifacts:

  • Ancient coins, pottery, or statues

  • Items that resemble Roman, Nabatean, or Islamic antiquities

  • Fossils or items claimed to be "from Petra" or "from the desert tombs"

  • Any object sold as an "antique" without an official export permit

 

Other Items of Concern:

  • Sand in bottles or Petra rock fragments (removal from national parks is prohibited)

  • Religious relics or imitations (e.g., crosses, Qurans, Torah scrolls sold as “holy relics”)

  • Products made with child labor or exploitation

 

Reminder to Travelers:
"When in doubt, ask your guide or refrain from purchasing. Remember: buying these items not only harms nature and culture, it can also result in confiscation at customs or legal penalties."

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