Jordan

The Land of Petra
and Peace

Flag of Jordan

Jordan, a country in the Middle East, is renowned for its ancient history, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Home to iconic landmarks like the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea, and the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, Jordan offers a wealth of natural and historical wonders. Jordanian culture is a blend of Arab, Bedouin, and other influences, reflected in its traditional music, art, and cuisine.

The food features flavorful dishes like mansaf (the national dish of lamb and rice), falafel, and sweet treats like baklava. Known for its warm hospitality and well-preserved archaeological sites, Jordan presents a captivating destination for those seeking to explore the cradle of civilization and experience stunning natural beauty.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Jordan.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Jordan. Passports containing stamps or visas from Israel may lead to questioning at the border, though entry is generally permitted following recent normalization agreements.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from a few nations (e.g., Gulf Cooperation Council countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait) can enter Jordan with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from most other nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Jordan, though many nationalities (e.g., US, Canada, EU countries) are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at major entry points like Queen Alia International Airport.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a Jordanian visa is required unless the traveler’s nationality is visa-exempt.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; a Jordanian visa is required unless visa-exempt, but they may be eligible for a Visa on Arrival.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry; a Jordanian visa is required unless visa-exempt.
  • ID Card Entry: Only citizens of GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) can enter Jordan using a valid national ID card in lieu of a passport.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for up to 30 days (tourist visa, often issued as Visa on Arrival). Can be single or multiple entry, with validity up to 3 months; extendable for another 30 days.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days (e.g., work, study, or family visa). Valid for one year, allowing application for a residence permit with approval from the Ministry of Interior.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays for GCC nationals are limited to 90 days. Visa on Arrival allows a 30-day stay, extendable for another 30 days. The Jordan Pass (tourist visa option) waives visa fees if staying at least 3 nights.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work visas require sponsorship. Travel to border areas (e.g., near Syria or Iraq) may require special permits due to security concerns.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as Jordan may reintroduce measures like mandatory health declarations or vaccination proof.
Toll

Driving in Jordan

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Jordan has limited toll roads, but some major highways have tolls, including:
    • Desert Highway (Amman to Aqaba): A key route with occasional toll booths, especially near Ma’an.
    • Dead Sea Highway: Tolls may be collected on certain sections.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and distance traveled. For example, a standard car may pay approximately JOD 1-3 (Jordanian Dinar) per toll booth on the Desert Highway. For the most current rates, visit the Ministry of Public Works and Housing website: https://www.mpwh.gov.jo/
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is accepted at all toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Not widely accepted; toll booths are primarily cash-only.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: No e-toll system is currently implemented; payment is manual at toll booths.

Driving in Jordan

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40-60 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 100-120 km/h
  • Road conditions vary; major highways like the Desert Highway are paved but can be congested, while rural roads, especially in desert areas (e.g., Wadi Rum), can be unpaved, sandy, or affected by flash floods in winter.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, valid for up to 1 year. A local permit or Jordanian license is required for longer stays.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Jordan does not use a vignette system; tolls are collected at specific points on highways.
  • Road Safety: Driving can be challenging due to aggressive drivers, pedestrians, and livestock on roads (e.g., near Petra). Night driving is risky due to poor lighting and potential for sudden obstacles, especially in rural areas.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable in urban areas (e.g., Amman, Aqaba), but connectivity can be spotty in rural regions like Wadi Rum; use apps like Google Maps and keep an updated physical map as a backup.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 911 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire).

Useful Links

Jordan Currency

The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 JOD
  • Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 piastres; 1 JOD
  • Symbol: د.ا (often written as JOD)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, airports, and authorized money changers in major cities like Amman and Aqaba.
  • ATMs are widely available in urban areas for direct JOD withdrawals; most accept international cards, though rural areas may have limited access.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas and small establishments.
  • Credit/debit cards are accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments, particularly in tourist areas like Petra and Amman, but less common in rural regions.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases and in rural areas, as digital payments are not universal.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the JOD is pegged to the USD (1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD).
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Central Bank of Jordan website: https://www.cbj.gov.jo/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Jordan

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Jordan, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol consumption is permitted for non-Muslims in licensed venues (e.g., hotels, bars); public intoxication is illegal and can lead to fines or detention.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport; enforcement varies.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Islamic customs; dress modestly, especially in conservative areas (e.g., downtown Amman, rural villages). Avoid public displays of affection, particularly during Ramadan. Do not discuss sensitive political topics (e.g., the Israeli-Palestinian conflict).
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties including imprisonment. Public displays of affection may attract legal consequences or social disapproval.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, border areas (e.g., near Syria or Iraq), and some religious sites (e.g., inside King Abdullah Mosque in Amman). Always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially women.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits.
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over JOD 10,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, pornography, and pork products.
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Queen Alia International Airport in Amman).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Jordan Tourism Board or the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., Aqaba on the Red Sea) must allow free access within 5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is mandated but not always implemented.

Key Resources

Jordan Travel Safety

Jordan is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality, though security concerns exist near border areas. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Jordan.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets (e.g., Souk Jara in Amman) or tourist sites (e.g., Petra). Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Jordan is considered safe, with locals often eager to help. Female travelers should dress modestly, avoid isolated areas at night, and be cautious of harassment in busy tourist spots.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging due to aggressive drivers and poorly marked roads in rural areas.
    • Avoid night driving in desert areas (e.g., Wadi Rum) due to poor visibility and potential for flash floods in winter.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is generally safe in cities like Amman, but bottled water is recommended for visitors.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; street food (e.g., shawarma, falafel) is usually safe if freshly prepared.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for rural travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Minimal risk; use insect repellent in desert areas (e.g., Wadi Rum) to guard against sandflies (leishmaniasis).
  • Altitude Sickness: Not a concern; Jordan’s highest point (Jabal Umm ad Dami) is at 1,854 meters, below the threshold for altitude sickness.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: High-quality facilities like Jordan Hospital in Amman offer excellent care. Rural areas, including parts of the Jordan Valley, have limited services.
  • Pharmacies: Widely available in cities; carry essential medications for remote areas like Wadi Rum.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, though local care in urban areas is generally reliable.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 911 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Ambulance: 911 | Fire: 911 | Police: 911.
  • Tourist Police (Amman): +962 6 567 8414.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Renting a car is straightforward; a 4x4 is recommended for desert areas like Wadi Rum. Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for trails in areas like Dana Biosphere Reserve or Wadi Mujib; flash floods can occur in winter (November-March).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Ramadan customs; avoid eating/drinking in public during fasting hours. Dress modestly, especially in religious sites like Mount Nebo.
  • Air Quality: Generally good, but dust storms can occur in desert regions; monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

Flying to Jordan

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