The essentials in a table
| Situation | Visa | Cost (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival at Queen Alia airport or Aqaba, most European nationalities | Visa on arrival | 40 JOD, single entry, 30 days |
| Jordan Pass bought before arrival, 2 nights or more | Visa waived | Pass from 70 JOD, visa not charged |
| Application before departure | E-visa (official portal) | See the official portal |
| King Hussein / Allenby Bridge border | No visa on arrival | Visa to be obtained beforehand |
| Arrival via Aqaba (port, airport, borders with Israel or Saudi Arabia) | Free Aqaba economic zone visa | Free, conditions to check |
Visa on arrival: price and length
According to January 2026 guides, nationals of more than 120 countries can get a tourist visa on arrival at Amman airport, at Aqaba airport and at most land borders. Rates found: 40 JOD for one entry valid for a month, 60 JOD for two entries over three months, 120 JOD for multiple entries over six months.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your stay and have two blank pages. Citizens of the Gulf countries do not need to apply for a visa. Restricted nationalities, and holders of temporary travel documents, must apply for a visa at a Jordanian embassy or consulate before travelling.
Jordan Pass: the visa waived, and on what terms
The Jordan Pass costs 70 JOD (1 day at Petra), 75 JOD (2 days) or 80 JOD (3 days), according to the official site. It includes entry to more than 40 sites, including Petra, Jerash and Wadi Rum, and the visa. Conditions set by the official site: buy the pass before arriving in Jordan and stay at least two nights. Several third-party guides say three nights: rely on the official site, but confirm before you buy.
A few points to know: a pass bought after arrival does not waive the visa; it does not replace a visa for restricted nationalities; children under 12 enter the sites free but still need the visa. Show the QR code at the visa counter. For details, see the Jordan Pass guide.
The maths: visa (40 JOD) plus Petra alone (around 50 JOD for a visitor staying overnight according to a third-party guide, to be checked) comes to about 90 JOD, while the basic pass costs 70 JOD. It pays off as soon as you visit Petra and stay two nights. For Petra, see how to visit Petra.
E-visa and applying before departure
An online application is possible through the Ministry of the Interior's e-services portal. Allow a few days, keep the QR code and print the authorisation. It is only useful if your nationality does not qualify for the visa on arrival, or if you arrive via the Allenby Bridge.
Aqaba, Wadi Araba and land borders
Travellers who enter through Aqaba (port, King Hussein airport, the Wadi Araba crossing with Eilat, the Saudi border) get an economic zone visa, free for a month provided they leave through the same border; one guide says you must register with the zone authority within 48 hours or pay on departure. An exit tax applies at land borders (about 10 JOD according to a guide; sources differ, from 8 to 10 JOD). For a trip from Eilat, see Petra from Aqaba and Aqaba.
Before you go: the checklist
- Passport valid 6 months after your return, two blank pages.
- Jordan Pass bought before arrival and the QR code saved offline.
- Cash in dinars for the visa if you have no pass; see money and tipping in Jordan.
Going further
For arriving in Amman, see from Queen Alia airport to the centre. To plan the trip: Jordan in 3 days or in 7 days, and safety in Jordan.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa for Jordan? Yes for most travellers; it is usually issued on arrival for 40 JOD, or free with a Jordan Pass bought before arrival if you stay two nights.
How many nights does the Jordan Pass need to waive the visa? Two nights according to the official site; some guides say three, so confirm before buying.
Can you buy the Jordan Pass on arrival? Yes for the sites, but the visa is no longer waived.
The Jordan Authority editorial team, 23/10/2026.
