Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Jordan Pass for Simplified Entry
Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival or online, but the Jordan Pass (€99 equivalent) bundles your visa waiver with entry to over 40 attractions like Petra, saving time and money. It's digital and valid for 12 months - purchase online before arrival for seamless processing at borders or airports.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Jordan, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps and visas.
Ensure it's in good condition, as damaged passports may be rejected; children need their own passports even when traveling with parents.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of over 100 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU nations, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days or obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points like Queen Alia Airport.
No prior registration is needed for short stays, but confirm your nationality's status on the official Jordan tourism site to avoid surprises.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a pre-arranged visa, apply online via the Jordan e-Visa portal (JOD 40 fee) at least 10 days in advance, providing proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds (around JOD 100/day).
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days; embassies in major cities can assist if needed, with fees varying by location.
Border Crossings
Jordan shares borders with Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia; the King Hussein Bridge and Wadi Araba crossings are popular for overland travel, with efficient processing but potential security checks.
Air entry via Amman or Aqaba is quickest; always carry your Jordan Pass for waived fees at Petra and other sites upon arrival.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote desert areas), trip delays, and adventure activities like camel trekking or scuba in the Red Sea.
Policies should include at least $50,000 in medical coverage; providers like World Nomads offer tailored plans starting at $5/day for Jordan-specific risks.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days are available at Public Security Directorates in Amman or Aqaba for JOD 10-40, requiring proof of onward travel and no criminal record.
Apply at least one week before expiration to avoid overstay fines of JOD 1.50 per day, which can accumulate quickly for longer delays.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Amman or Aqaba by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during shoulder seasons like spring or fall.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at shawarma stands or family-run spots for mansaf and hummus under JOD 5-10, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to cut food costs by up to 60%.
Local souks in Amman provide fresh fruits, nuts, and ready-to-eat meals at bargain prices, often with haggling for better deals.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for JETT buses or shared taxis (servees) for intercity travel at JOD 5-15 per leg, far cheaper than private transfers.
The Jordan Pass not only waives visa fees but also includes transport discounts to major sites, making multi-day exploration more affordable.
Free Attractions
Explore free sites like the Roman Theater in Amman, sunset views over the Dead Sea, or hiking trails in Dana Biosphere Reserve for authentic, no-cost experiences.
Many natural wonders like the trails around Jerash ruins offer free access outside peak hours, allowing you to immerse in history without entry fees.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, but carry cash (JOD and small USD) for souks, taxis, and rural areas where fees can add up.
Use ATMs at banks like Arab Bank for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high commissions on currency conversion.
Attraction Bundles
The Jordan Pass (JOD 70-100) covers entry to Petra, Wadi Rum, and more, paying for itself after just one major site visit and offering unlimited access.
Group tours via local operators can bundle multiple sites for JOD 50-80/day, reducing per-person costs for solo or small-group travelers.
Smart Packing for Jordan
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack modest, loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders and knees for cultural sites like Petra and mosques, including long pants and scarves for women.
Layer with breathable fabrics for desert heat and include a lightweight jacket for cooler evenings in Wadi Rum or the Dead Sea at night.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/F/G/J), portable charger for long desert days, offline maps like Maps.me for remote areas, and a dust-proof camera case.
Download Arabic phrase apps and ensure your phone is unlocked for local SIMs to stay connected in areas with spotty Wi-Fi.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a first-aid kit with motion sickness meds for winding roads, prescriptions, and high-SPF sunscreen (50+).
Include rehydration salts for hot climates, hand sanitizer, and a hat; avoid tap water by packing water purification tablets for hikes.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for Petra treks, reusable water bottle (insulated for cold drinks), quick-dry towel for Dead Sea floats, and JOD in small notes.
Include passport copies, a money belt for crowded souks, and a headlamp for Bedouin camp evenings without electricity.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking sandals or closed-toe shoes with good grip for rocky paths in Wadi Rum and Petra's 800+ steps, plus breathable sneakers for city exploration.
Water shoes are vital for Dead Sea mud and Aqaba snorkeling; break in boots beforehand to prevent blisters on multi-day adventures.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, lip balm with SPF, and a wide-brim hat; include wet wipes for dusty environments and a small fan for summer heat.
Modest swimwear (covering more skin) for public beaches, and aloe vera gel for sunburn relief after long days under the intense Jordanian sun.
When to Visit Jordan
Spring (March-May)
Perfect mild weather of 15-25°C with blooming wildflowers in the Jordan Valley and Dana Reserve, ideal for hiking and fewer crowds at Petra.
Shoulder season means lower prices and comfortable exploration of ancient ruins without the summer heat overwhelming your itinerary.
Summer (June-August)
Hot and dry with temperatures 30-40°C, best for early-morning Dead Sea floats or evening stargazing in Wadi Rum's cooler nights.
Peak for Aqaba's Red Sea diving, but plan indoor activities midday; festivals like Jerash Festival add cultural vibrancy despite the warmth.
Autumn (September-November)
Pleasant 20-30°C days for Petra by candlelight events and harvest festivals in the fertile north, with golden hues in the deserts.
Optimal for multi-day treks in Wadi Mujib's canyons, as crowds thin and accommodations drop 20-30% from summer rates.
Winter (December-February)
Mild 5-15°C with occasional rain, great for budget travel to Roman sites in Amman and cozy Bedouin camps; snow in the north adds scenic beauty.
Low season perks include 40% off hotels and uncrowded Petra visits, plus Christmas events in Bethlehem-accessible areas via Jordan.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Pegged to USD; cards accepted in cities but cash essential for rural areas and tips.
- Language: Arabic is official; English widely spoken in tourist spots, hotels, and by younger locals.
- Time Zone: East Bank Time (EET), UTC+3 year-round (no daylight saving).
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/F/G/J plugs (mix of European and US-style).
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, ambulance, or fire; tourist police at 550 for English assistance.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10-15% in restaurants, JOD 1-2 for guides and drivers.
- Water: Tap water unsafe for drinking; stick to bottled (JOD 0.50) or filtered sources everywhere.
- Pharmacies: Readily available in cities; look for green crescent signs. Basic meds over-the-counter.