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JordanTravel guide

Explore Jordan visa rulesCommon scams in Jordan

Jordan is an Arab kingdom in the Middle East. Its capital is Amman. Visitors come for biblical sites, desert landscapes, the Dead Sea and the Red Sea.

Why go

  1. Visit Petra and Jerash.

  2. Explore desert landscapes on a guided Bedouin tour.

  3. Float in the Dead Sea.

  4. Dive or snorkel in the Red Sea near Aqaba.

  5. Explore biblical sites and historic mosaics.

Getting there

By air

  • Queen Alia International Airport is Jordan’s main airport, 35 km south of Amman. Allow about 45 minutes from downtown Amman or 30 minutes from West Amman to reach it.
  • King Hussein International Airport is in Aqaba.
  • Royal Jordanian is the national airline. Several foreign airlines and low-cost airlines also serve Jordan.

By land

  • Jordan shares borders with Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iraq. The source recommends entering by road from Israel or Saudi Arabia.
  • Travel between Amman and Jerusalem’s old city takes at least three hours. Border waits can take 2–12 hours, so arrive early, especially in summer.
  • As of January 2026, there are no international trains to Jordan. A weekly night train runs from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat in Saudi Arabia, where you must arrange onward road travel.

By sea

  • Ferries and speedboats connect Nuweiba in Egypt with Aqaba in Jordan.
  • For non-Egyptian passengers, the source lists about US$60 for the ferry or US$70 for the speedboat, one way. An Egyptian departure tax of US$10 or 50 Egyptian pounds is extra.

Customs

  • Entry requirements can change and vary by border crossing. Check the Jordan Tourism Board for current information.
  • The King Hussein, also called Allenby, Bridge does not issue visas on arrival. Arrange the required visa before travelling to this crossing.
  • The source states that a 10 JD departure fee applies when leaving by land or sea after a stay of two nights or less.

Getting around

  • Buses and minibuses

    JETT runs services between Amman and Aqaba, the King Hussein Bridge and Hammamat Ma’in. Private buses connect Amman with Irbid and Aqaba. Minibuses serve smaller towns but usually leave only when full. Many services formerly based at Abdali now use the Northern Bus Station, also called Tarbarboor or Tareq. At the Northern Bus Station, pay alongside other passengers. Some drivers may give false ticket prices.

  • Driving

    Drive on the right. Major cities are easy to reach by car, and highways are generally in good condition. Avoid driving outside Amman after dark. Some vehicles have poor brakes or tyres, and some drivers travel without headlights. Speed limits change often, and speed checks are common. Driving even 10% above the limit can lead to a steep fine. Take extra care on the steep, winding descent towards Aqaba. Poorly maintained oil trucks have caused serious crashes there. The Desert Highway connects Amman, Ma’an and Aqaba. The King’s Highway links places including Madaba, Kerak, Wadi Mujib and Petra. Fuel prices are set by the government and reviewed monthly.

  • Taxis and ride services

    Uber is available in Amman. At Al Qurayyat station in Saudi Arabia, taxis, Uber and Careem are available for onward travel. A driver crossing into Jordan needs the necessary permission and insurance.

  • Domestic flights

    The only domestic air route is between Amman and Aqaba. The flight takes about 50–55 minutes.

What to see and do

  • Petra

    One of Jordan’s main visitor attractions. Jordan Pass options include one, two or three days here.

  • Jerash

    See historic sights including the Arch of Hadrian.

  • Wadi Rum

    Explore desert landscapes and stay at a desert camp.

  • St. George Church in Madaba

    See its famous mosaic. Entry is not included in the Jordan Pass.

  • Bethany baptism site

    Visit a biblical site whose entry can be added to the Jordan Pass for an extra 8 JD.

  • Dive or snorkel near Aqaba

    The Red Sea has coral reefs, turtles, squid, clownfish and a sunken tank. Diving centres rent equipment and can arrange transport to a beach.

Food and drink

  • Mansaf

    Jordan’s national dish combines bread, rice and lamb with a sauce made from dried yogurt called jameed. It is often eaten on special occasions, and the source highlights Kerak for it.

  • Khobez

    A large flatbread sold in bakeries across the country. Try it freshly baked.

  • Traditional breakfast

    Common foods include fried eggs, labaneh, cheese, zaatar, olive oil and bread, with tea.

  • Falafel and hummus

    Common, low-cost foods available at places such as Abu Jbarah and Al Kalha.

  • Shawarma

    Available as sandwiches or dishes. Al-Daya’a and Reem are among the places named in the source.

  • Other local dishes

    Look for maklouba, stuffed vegetables and freekeh.

Money

Jordanian dinar (JOD), usually written as JD. One dinar equals 100 piastres or 1,000 fils.

  • Keep small notes, especially 1 JD and 5 JD. Many places have limited change.
  • Card acceptance is limited and varies between businesses. Most hotels and hostels accept cards, as do Petra ticket offices and camps in Wadi Rum.
  • Cash machines are common but may charge up to 7 JD per withdrawal. Try different machines to find a lower fee.
  • Many cash machines give 20 JD and 50 JD notes for larger withdrawals.

Typical costs

  • The source gives about 15 JD a day as a very basic budget. About 25 JD allows better accommodation, basic restaurant meals and an occasional beer.
  • A falafel or shawarma sandwich with a soft drink costs about 1–2 JD.
  • A falafel roll costs about 0.5 JD, and falafel with hummus costs about 2–3 JD.
  • The source lists hotel rooms at about 8–15 JD and dorm beds at about 5 JD.
  • Wadi Rum camps cost about 20–30 JD. Dead Sea hotels cost about 50–60 JD outside the main season.
  • A tourist beach at the Dead Sea costs about 20 JD.
  • The Jordan Pass costs 70–80 JD, depending on the number of Petra days, as of August 2025.

Language

  • Arabic is the national language, and Jordanian Arabic is the local spoken form.
  • Modern Standard Arabic is widely learned.
  • English is widely spoken, and visitors can generally get around using English alone.
  • French and German speakers are more likely to be found in Amman than elsewhere.

Staying safe

  • Jordan is relatively safe, but take normal care when travelling.
  • Road crashes are a major risk. Avoid driving outside Amman after dark.
  • Watch for poorly maintained trucks and buses, especially on steep roads towards Aqaba.
  • The source reports unreliable satellite navigation around Aqaba and the Gulf of Aqaba in 2024. Your device may show a wrong location or no location.
1 common scams in Jordan, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Wear modest clothing at religious and old historic sites.
  • Ask local people for help when needed. The source describes Jordanians as hospitable and willing to help visitors.
  • Remember that Islamic religious holidays fall on different dates each year in the Gregorian calendar.

Staying healthy

  • Road traffic accidents are the biggest health risk mentioned in the source.
  • Be careful when buying food from street vendors. Food may be unclean even when the seller means well.
  • Bottled water is the safest choice for visitors. Tap water is described as drinkable in some areas.
  • Rabies is present in Jordan. Seek medical treatment promptly after an animal bite.

Phone and internet

  • The three mobile operators are Zain, Orange and Umniah. Most of Jordan has mobile coverage.
  • Temporary mobile numbers can be bought at the airport or mobile shops for about 5 JD. Prepaid top-ups start at 1 JD.
  • Foreign visitors may need to show a passport when buying a prepaid card.
  • Near the Dead Sea, manually select your own operator’s network in your phone settings. This helps avoid unwanted connections to networks in the Palestinian Territories.

Where to stay

  • Amman has hotels across a wide range of prices. Downtown has many cheaper one-star and two-star hotels.
  • Local hotel star ratings may differ from international brand standards. A local five-star hotel may be closer to a Western three-star hotel.
  • International five-star hotels in Amman and Petra are expensive. Locally rated five-star hotels generally cost less.
  • For longer stays, furnished apartments are listed at 200–600 JD per month.

Trips to Jordan

Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.

5 nights
Jordan: Stone and QuietAmmanWadi MusaWadi RumDead SeaFrom, per person~US$1,270
 8 nights
Jordan: Roman Streets to ReefsAmmanJerashMadabaMount NeboFrom, per person~US$1,800
 10 nights
Jordan for Two, Taking It SlowAmmanWadi MusaWadi RumAqabaFrom, per person~US$2,440

Outdoor adventures in Jordan

Jordan offers desert hikes, canyon walks, Red Sea diving and floating in the Dead Sea. Wadi Rum, Dana Nature Reserve and the Jordan Trail offer varied walking landscapes, while hot springs and beaches provide gentler options.

  • Wadi Rum hiking

    HikeSouthern Desert

    Explore the desert on foot. Guided Bedouin tours are also available for exploring Jordan's desert landscapes.

    • Cost: Wadi Rum entrance: 5 JD.
    • Temperatures are high.
    • Walking is on sand.

  • Petra to Little Petra

    HikeSouthern Desert

    Follow the hiking trail from Petra to Little Petra.

  • Dead Sea floating

    More to doKing's Highway

    Visit the Dead Sea to float in its very salty water.

  • Aqaba Red Sea diving

    Scuba divingSouthern Desertnear Aqaba

    Easy A typical two-dive package takes one day.

    Book through a diving centre in Aqaba or south of the city. Centres rent equipment and can arrange car pickup and return. Almost all dives start from shore. Ahlan Aqaba Scuba Diving Center offers introductory dives, beginner courses and dives for certified divers.

    • Cost: Around 50 JD for a two-dive, single-day package.
    • There are no tides, and currents and waves are minimal in this part of the gulf.

  • Aqaba Red Sea snorkelling

    SnorkellingSouthern Desertnear Aqaba

    Contact a local diving centre to rent equipment and arrange transport to a suitable beach and back. Ahlan Aqaba Scuba Diving Center also offers snorkelling.

  • Dana Nature Reserve hiking

    Hike

    Several hikes of different lengths are available.

    Stay in the traditional village or at accommodation managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, and explore the reserve's hiking routes.

  • Wadi Mujib canyon hiking

    Hike

    Outside the rainy season.

    Explore the canyon near the Dead Sea on foot.

    • Do not hike in the canyon during the rainy season. Sudden floods can occur.
    • Canyon routes can involve some climbing.

  • The Jordan Trail

    TrekAcross Jordannear Umm Qais and Aqaba

    About 40 days for the full route.

    Walk the long-distance route from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south. Lodging is available along the route.

    • Avoid hiking through wadis during the rainy season because sudden floods can occur.
    • The Wadi Rum section has high temperatures and walking on sand.

  • Wadi Rum guided desert exploration

    More to doSouthern Desert

    Take a guided Bedouin tour to explore the desert landscape.

    • Cost: Wadi Rum entrance: 5 JD. Tour prices are not specified.
    • Temperatures in Wadi Rum are high.

  • Wadi Rum rock climbing

    ClimbingSouthern Desert

    Wadi Rum is a popular climbing area. Specific routes and climbing arrangements are not detailed.

    • Cost: Wadi Rum entrance: 5 JD. Climbing prices are not specified.
    • The rock is relatively soft.
    • Temperatures are high.

  • Wadi Bin Hammad

    Hikenear Kerak

    Easy About 2 hours for the shorter walk. Avoid rain and periods when rain is expected.

    Travel 31 km northwest of Kerak. A taxi may be needed because the wadi is away from the highway. Walk through the valley; continuing all the way to the Dead Sea may require a guide and equipment.

    • Be careful when it is raining or about to rain because sudden floods can occur.
    • The longer route to the Dead Sea may require a guide and equipment.

  • Hammamat Ma'in

    Hot spring

    Visit the natural springs and waterfalls. Some feed pools and baths, and a spa resort is nearby.

  • Umm Qais forest hiking

    HikeNorthern Jordannear Umm Qais

    Explore the oak forest reserves around Umm Qais on foot. Specific trails and access arrangements are not detailed.

  • Ajloun forest hiking

    HikeNorthern Jordannear Ajloun

    Explore the oak forest reserves around Ajloun on foot. Specific trails and access arrangements are not detailed.

  • Mount Um al Nusaylah

    HikeSouthern Desertnear Aqaba

    Try starting the climb near Domina Aquamarina III Hotel, about 1 km east of Aqaba's bus station.

  • Al-Ghandour Beach

    BeacheSouthern Desertnear Aqaba

    Visit the beach near downtown Aqaba.

    • Aqaba's public beaches can be very dirty.

Airports, metros and trains in Jordan

Airports with scheduled flights

  • AQJKing Hussein International AirportAqabaMain international airport
  • ADJMarka International (Amman Civil) AirportAmmanMain international airport
  • AMMQueen Alia International AirportAmmanMain international airport

People and safety in Jordan

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.

  • Muslim97%
  • Christian2%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal in law, risky in places

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #88 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

68% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 146 of 198 countries can visit Jordan easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required15
  • Visa on arrival131
  • eVisa3
  • Visa required49

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe46 of 46 countries
  • Americas33 of 35 countries
  • Oceania13 of 14 countries
  • Asia37 of 49 countries
  • Africa17 of 54 countries

Questions

Can I get around Jordan using only English?

Yes. English is widely spoken, and the source says visitors can get around easily using English alone.

What is the weather like?

May to September is hot and dry, with average temperatures around 32°C and some days above 40°C in July and August. November to March is cooler, with rain and occasional snow in higher western areas.

Should I carry cash?

Yes. Card acceptance varies, and small 1 JD and 5 JD notes are useful because many places have limited change.

Do local minibuses leave at fixed times?

Minibus services can be irregular. They usually leave only when full.

What does the Jordan Pass cover?

It includes entry to more than 40 sites over two weeks, with one to three days at Petra depending on the pass. Some places, including Mount Nebo and many Madaba churches, are excluded.

Can I drink tap water?

Tap water is described as drinkable in some areas. Bottled water is the safest choice for visitors.

What local food should I try?

Try mansaf, Jordan’s national dish of lamb, rice and bread with dried-yogurt sauce. Falafel, hummus and shawarma are common lower-cost choices.

What should I wear?

The source says women can wear regular clothing across Jordan. Wear modest clothing at religious and old historic sites.

Can I buy a local mobile card after I arrive?

Yes. Airport counters and mobile shops sell temporary numbers for about 5 JD, and you may need your passport.

What number should I call in an emergency?

Call 911 for police, ambulance or fire services.

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