Jordan Tourist Visa: Arrival, Jordan Pass, and Entry
Get your Jordan tourist visa on arrival or save money with the Jordan Pass. Covers visa fees, Jordan Pass benefits, Petra entry, required documents, and border crossing options from Israel and Egypt.
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Visa Types and the Jordan Pass
Buy the Jordan Pass online before arriving to save money
The Jordan Pass at jordanpass.jo bundles the 40 JOD (56 USD) visa fee with Petra entry and 40+ attraction admissions. The Jordan Wanderer pass costs 70 JOD (99 USD) and includes 1 day at Petra. The Jordan Explorer costs 75 JOD (106 USD) for 2 days at Petra. The Jordan Expert costs 80 JOD (113 USD) for 3 days. Since Petra alone costs 50 JOD, the pass saves at least 20 JOD.
Get a visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport
Most nationalities receive a single-entry visa on arrival for 40 JOD (56 USD). The visa grants a 30-day stay. Payment is in JOD cash only at the visa counter before immigration. There is no ATM before the visa counter, so exchange money at the airport bank window first. Jordan Pass holders skip the visa fee and proceed directly to immigration.
Check if your nationality is eligible for visa on arrival
Citizens of most Western countries, Gulf states, Japan, South Korea, and many others receive visa on arrival. Citizens of certain countries must apply at a Jordanian embassy in advance. The Jordanian Ministry of Interior website lists all eligible nationalities. Israeli citizens can enter Jordan at designated crossings under the peace treaty agreement.
Required Documents
Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date
Jordan requires 6 months passport validity from the date of arrival. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires within 8 months, renew it before booking flights. The passport must have at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps.
Print your Jordan Pass QR code if you purchased one
The Jordan Pass is emailed as a PDF with a unique QR code. Print one copy and keep a digital backup on your phone. The QR code is scanned at Petra and other attractions. Immigration officers accept the digital version on your phone, but a printed backup prevents problems if your phone battery dies.
Prepare proof of accommodation and return flight
Immigration officers may ask where you are staying and when you are leaving. Hotel booking confirmations and a return flight itinerary satisfy these questions. Budget travelers staying with friends or in unbooked accommodation should have a general itinerary ready.
Entering Jordan
Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport near Amman
Queen Alia Airport is 30 km south of Amman. The Airport Express bus to downtown Amman (7th Circle) runs every 30 minutes and costs 3.50 JOD. A taxi to downtown costs 20-25 JOD (use the official yellow airport taxis with meters). Jordan Pass holders go directly to the immigration counter. Others pay the visa fee at the separate visa counter first.
Cross from Israel via the Allenby Bridge, Wadi Araba, or Jordan River
The Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) near Jericho and Amman is the busiest crossing. A Jordanian visa is NOT issued on arrival at Allenby Bridge. You must have a pre-arranged visa or Jordan Pass. The Wadi Araba crossing near Eilat/Aqaba does issue visa on arrival. The Jordan River crossing in the north also issues visa on arrival. Plan your border crossing based on this distinction.
Cross from Egypt via the Aqaba port by ferry
The ferry from Nuweiba, Egypt to Aqaba, Jordan takes 1-3 hours. A Jordanian visa on arrival is available at the Aqaba port for most nationalities. The Aqaba Special Economic Zone offers a free visa for stays within the ASEZ area. If traveling beyond Aqaba, the standard 40 JOD visa fee applies unless you have a Jordan Pass.
During Your Stay
Register with police within 14 days if not staying at a registered hotel
Jordan requires all visitors to register with the police within 14 days of arrival. Hotels automatically register guests. If you stay in a private residence, Airbnb, or camping, you must register at the nearest police station. Failure to register results in a 1.50 JOD per day fine assessed at departure. Most travelers staying in hotels never need to worry about this.
Visit Petra using your Jordan Pass within its validity period
The Jordan Pass is valid for 2 weeks from first use at any attraction. Activate it at your first attraction visit. Petra is the main draw: the Treasury, Monastery, and Royal Tombs are spread across a 4 km walking route. Start early at 6 AM when the gate opens to avoid crowds and midday heat. Walking shoes with ankle support are important on the rocky terrain.
Extend your stay at the nearest police station before your visa expires
Tourist visa extensions are processed at any police station. The extension is free for the first 60 days beyond your initial 30-day stay (total 90 days). Beyond 90 days requires special permission. Bring your passport and a copy of your hotel registration. Apply at least 3 days before your visa expires. Overstaying without extension incurs a 1.50 JOD daily fine.
Practical Tips
Carry Jordanian dinars for visa fees and small purchases
The Jordanian dinar (JOD) is pegged to the USD at approximately 0.71 JOD = 1 USD. ATMs at the airport dispense JOD. Exchange offices in Amman offer slightly better rates than the airport. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. Cash is needed for taxis, street food, smaller shops, and the visa fee.
Get a local SIM card for data and navigation
Zain and Orange sell tourist SIM cards at the airport and in malls. A SIM with 10-20 GB of data costs 5-10 JOD (7-14 USD) for 30 days. Coverage is good in cities and at Petra. Wadi Rum has limited coverage. Download offline maps of Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea area before visiting.
Dress modestly outside tourist resorts
Jordan is a moderate Muslim country. Outside of resort areas, cover shoulders and knees. Women should carry a light scarf for mosque visits. Amman and Aqaba are more relaxed about dress. Rural areas and cities like Karak and Madaba expect conservative clothing. Swimwear is appropriate only at hotel pools and designated beach areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
If you plan to visit Petra (which most tourists do), the Jordan Pass saves money. Petra entry alone costs 50 JOD. The cheapest Jordan Pass (70 JOD) includes Petra entry plus the 40 JOD visa fee plus 40+ other attractions. Without the pass, you would pay 40 JOD for the visa plus 50 JOD for Petra alone, totaling 90 JOD. The pass saves at least 20 JOD and includes access to Jerash, Wadi Rum visitor center, and more.
Can I get a Jordan visa at the Allenby Bridge border crossing?
No. The Allenby Bridge (King Hussein Bridge) crossing from the West Bank to Jordan does NOT issue visas on arrival. You must have a pre-arranged visa from a Jordanian embassy or a valid Jordan Pass. The Wadi Araba crossing (near Eilat/Aqaba) and the Jordan River crossing (northern border) do issue visas on arrival. This is the most common mistake travelers make when crossing from Israel.
How many days do I need for Petra?
One full day covers the main sites: the Siq gorge, Treasury, Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, and the Colonnaded Street. Two days allows you to add the Monastery (800 steps up), the High Place of Sacrifice, and lesser-visited tombs. Three days lets you explore at a relaxed pace with detours to viewpoints and the back trails. The Jordan Explorer (2-day) pass is the best value for most visitors.
Is Jordan safe for tourists?
Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East for tourists. Crime rates against visitors are very low. The tourist police are visible at major sites. The main safety considerations are heat exhaustion at Petra and Wadi Rum during summer, flash floods in canyons during the rainy season, and the standard precautions against petty theft in crowded markets. The US, UK, and most governments rate Jordan as generally safe for travel.