Jordan Travel Guide

• The people: Jordanians are famous for being the most hospitable people you could ever hope to meet. Locals are almost always happy to help you and will go above and beyond to make sure you have the most amazing time in their country. You’re likely to receive lots of invitations for tea and dinner during your stay!
• The scenery: From the epic red deserts of Wadi Rum, to the lush green north and the surreal salt-encrusted terrain round the Dead Sea, Jordan is both diverse and staggeringly beautiful.
• The food: It’s not all hummus you know! Jordanian food is a wonderful reflection of the country’s rich heritage with some of the most delicious grub you’ll find in the Middle East. If you visit a local home for a meal during your stay, make sure you’re wearing your eating trousers – you’ll be fed until you literally can’t eat any more!
• The history: From the stunning ‘Lost City’ of Petra to the most well-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy, Jordan has history seeping out of its pores.

The food in Jordan is really special. You’ll find many foods traditionally eaten in other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries, which you’re probably already familiar with, (falafel, hummus, couscous and stuffed vegetables) but there are plenty of specialities that are particular to Jordan. These include shawarma (slow roasting spits of lamb, chicken or beef), which you’ll see served on every street corner in the cities, and mansaf (a unique dish made of rice, lamb and dry yoghurt called jameed). Food is often served mezze-style (as a selection of small dishes, olives and dips for everybody to share). Food is generally of very high quality and reasonably priced. If you’re eating near tourist attractions, however, you can expect to pay a lot more.

Like much of the Middle East, Jordan has a hot, dry climate. It experiences long summers and short winters. January is the coldest month with temperatures ranging from 5 to 10°C and August is the hottest at 20 to 35°C. Almost all the annual rainfall occurs between November and March.

Visa Assistance

Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.

To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Jordan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Jordan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Jordanian Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Jordan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

British-Jordanian dual nationals

If you are a British-Jordanian dual national, you can use your British passport to enter Jordan, but you must show your Jordanian passport when you leave.

Children with a Jordanian passport  

Children with a Jordanian passport, who are travelling without their father, cannot depart Jordan without a letter of permission signed by their father. They must have a letter even if they enter Jordan on a British passport.

Previous travel to Israel

If your passport has an Israeli stamp, you will not usually experience difficulties entering Jordan. If you have concerns, contact the Jordanian Embassy in the UK.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Jordan.

If you wish to also visit Israel or Palestine and re-enter Jordan, you can get a multiple-entry visa from the Jordanian Embassy in the UK.

Applying for a visit visa

You can buy a single-entry visit visa when you arrive at a Jordanian airport or the Sheikh Hussein/North Border land crossing. It costs 40 Jordanian dinars (JOD) and is valid for 3 months. Some airlines may ask you to submit a health declaration at check-in. Check with your airline.

If you’re visiting for tourism, and you will stay at least 3 nights in Jordan, you can apply for a Jordan Pass online before you arrive. A Jordan Pass costs between 70 and 80 Jordanian dinars, which includes the visa fee and gives discounted entry to major tourist sites. You should only purchase a Jordan Pass from the official website. The Jordan Pass is valid for 3 months from date of entry.

You can extend your Jordan visit visa online for up to 6 months. You could get a fine if you overstay.

Visiting Jordan for purposes other than tourism 

If you are visiting Jordan for purposes other than tourism, you must apply for your visa in advance online. This includes travel for the purposes of work or study.  

Registering with the local authorities

If you are planning to remain in Jordan for more than 14 days, you must report to the police station with a residency extension office that is nearest to your place of residence. You will be required to provide your biometrics (fingerprint and iris scan).  

Failure to report within 14 days of arrival will result in a fine of JOD 200 to be paid upon leaving the country. This rule applies to anyone who entered Jordan after 1 October 2025, but not to holders of annual residency visas, tourists, pilgrims, or transit visa holders.

Land border crossings

Jordan has  land borders  with Saudi Arabia, Israel, Palestine, Syria and Iraq.  

Saudi Arabia  

Those travelling to and from Saudi Arabia should refer to Saudi Arabia travel advice for the latest travel information including safety and security and entry requirements.   

The following three land border crossings between Jordan with Saudi Arabia are open 24 hours a day:  

• Umari (AlOmari) Border Crossing: Primary crossing, approximately 155 km from Amman  

• Mudawara (AlMudawwara) Border Crossing: Located farther east, approximately 322 km from Amman  

• AlDurra Crossing (opposite Haql): Connecting Aqaba with the Saudi city of Haql  

Entry to Saudi Arabia 

British nationals who are trying to leave Jordan via Saudi Arabia and who are travelling on British Emergency Travel Documents, Emergency Passports, or passports with less than 6 months remaining validity, should call the helplines for British Embassy Riyadh +966 (0) 11481 9100 or British Consulate Jeddah +966 (0)126225550 for advice.

Israel and Palestine  

Those traveling from Israel or Palestine should refer to Israel’s travel advice and Palestine’s travel advice.  

The three land border crossings from Israel and Palestine  are open most days from 8 or 8.30am. Closures may happen at no notice, including over the weekend.

• King Hussein/Allenby Bridge  

• The Northern (Sheikh Hussein/Jordan River Crossing) crossing  

• The Southern (Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin) crossing   

The King Hussein Bridge/Allenby crossing is not an international crossing between Jordan and Palestine or Israel. You cannot enter Jordan using the King Hussein Bridge/Allenby crossing without getting a visa beforehand. You can get a visa from the Jordanian Ministry of Interior.  

If you are travelling on a British passport, you do not need to prebook to leave Jordan via the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge.  

If you have entered Jordan using a non-British passport you may need to prebook to enter Israel or Palestine via the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. Bookings are made via Jordan Express Tourist Transport Company, at busy times they can be booked up several days in advance.  

If you wish to combine travel to Jordan with a visit to Israel or Palestine, you can get a multiple-entry visa before you travel from the Jordanian Ministry of Interior. You should also check the Israel travel advice before using the land borders to enter Israel.  

On the Jordanian side, border guards will stamp passports unless the traveller requests otherwise and tells them before they hand over their passport.  

Photography and videography are not permitted on the border crossings.  

Syria

The FCDO advises against all travel to Syria.  

Iraq

The FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq . 

Sea Crossing to Egypt  

Those traveling to and from Egypt should refer to Egypt travel advice for the latest travel information including safety and security and entry requirements.  

Ferry services operate between Aqaba and Egypt (Taba Heights and Nuweiba). Contact ferry operators directly for schedules and availability.

Departure tax

You must pay a departure tax of 10 Jordanian dinars in cash at all land border crossings. There are usually ATMs at the border.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Jordan guide.

Health screening

HIV test

You must have a HIV test if you are staying in Jordan for more than 30 days. It costs 20 Jordanian dinars to get the health certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Jordan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Drones

You must apply for approval to take a drone into Jordan at least 10 working days before you travel. If you have not received a permit before you arrive, the authorities will hold your drone at the airport. You can collect it when you leave Jordan.

Jordanians are generally warm, and welcoming and are not offended easily. However, it is a predominantly Islamic country and local customs are reflective of this.

• Greetings: Men shake hands (and sometimes kiss cheeks) with other men, but not always women.
• Conversation: Raised voices and displays of anger in public are considered unacceptable. Always try to find a way to resolve a dispute calmly and avoid discussion of sensitive subjects.
• Hands and feet: Always shake hands and pass food with the right hand. The left hand is for washing. Shoes are considered unclean. You should always remove them before entering a house and never point the soles of your feet at others.
• Dress: Jordan is a conservative country. You should dress modestly, avoiding tight or revealing clothing.
• Alcohol: It’s illegal to drink alcohol on the street but allowed in bars, clubs, hotels and private homes.
• Drugs: Possession or trafficking of recreational drugs is highly illegal and can result in a lengthy prison sentence and a heavy fine.
• LGBTQ: Jordanian law does not explicitly prohibit homosexuality but public displays of affection between homosexual couples are not usually tolerated.

Health

• Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance in place.
• Visit your GP ahead of travelling, to ensure you’ve had any vaccinations necessary and to make sure you have enough of any prescribed medication to see you through the duration of your trip.
• Take high-factor sun cream! The sun is extremely intense in this region.
• Take a first aid kit to cover minor injuries and ailments.
• If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. If you’re referred for treatment, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

Safety

• While the Middle East remains a troubled region, Jordan is a safe and peaceful destination. This is reflected in tourist numbers with many international visitors coming to this fantastic country every year.
• Crime levels are generally low and most crime is limited to pick-pocketing and bag-snatching. Take sensible precautions like keeping valuables in your accommodation safe and never carrying too much cash.
• While the vast majority of female travellers enjoy an incident-free stay in Jordan, there have been reports of women receiving unwanted male attention in more remote areas. Take care and avoid walking or travelling alone.