Intrepid travelers come to Jordan to experience the ancient ruins of Petra, the wide open spaces of Wadi Rum, heart-pumping hikes, Arab hospitality and (of course) the kunafeh.
Fortunately, Jordan makes entering a breeze for many visitors, offering a visa on arrival and the possibility of extension (yes, they already know you won’t want to leave). Since visa requirements for Jordan vary based on your country of citizenship, remember to triple check everything in advance of your trip. A good place to start? With these tips, which answer some of your questions about how to get a visa for Jordan so that you can get to planning and packing for the trip of a lifetime.
Who can enter Jordan visa-free?
Passport holders from about 10 countries – including those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – can enter Jordan visa free for stays of up to three months within a six-month period. Citizens of Lebanon can enter Jordan visa-free with a national ID card, while citizens of Yemen, Syria and Libya are also permitted to visit visa-free if they hold resident permits from the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, or a GCC or European Economic Area member state.
Who needs a visa to enter Jordan?
The majority of visitors from non-Arab countries will need a visa and a passport with six months’ validity to enter Jordan. Some travelers are required to obtain a visa at an embassy before leaving their country, but visitors from 115 countries can get a single-entry visa on arrival for JD40 (US$56). Consult the visa chart on the Jordan Tourism Board website to see which group you fall into. Rules can change, so call the Jordanian embassy or consulate in your country to confirm.
What is the Jordan Pass?
Travelers from more than 130 countries – including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia – can buy the Jordan Pass, which includes the cost of the visa to enter Jordan. If you’re a citizen of a non-Arab country and planning to visit Petra and stay in Jordan at least three nights, check to see if you qualify. The pass can be purchased online before departure. After you purchase the Jordan Pass, you’ll receive an email with a QR code. Simply show this to the immigration officers on arrival to receive your visa on the spot.
The Jordan Pass also includes entry to Petra, Wadi Rum and around 40 additional attractions. Be sure to keep the QR code in your phone and a hard copy on hand while traveling to and around Jordan.
Where can I obtain a visa on arrival?
If you’re eligible for a visa on arrival, you can obtain it at most entry points, including Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba and Sheikh Hussein Bridge near Irbid. If you enter and exit through Aqaba, the visa fee is waived thanks to the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. If you exit through another border, you will be charged for the visa.
Visas are not given at the Wadi Araba Crossing near Aqaba (except for Jordan Pass holders and travelers who’ve made prior arrangements) or King Hussein/Allenby Bridge, even for those who are eligible for a visa on arrival. If you will be entering Jordan from Israel by land at these border crossings, you must obtain your visa in advance.
How can I get a multiple-entry visa for Jordan?
If you are eligible for a visa to Jordan and are interested in a multiple-entry visa, you’ll need to apply in advance at a Jordanian embassy or consulate outside of Jordan.
This requirement is changing, however – and some visitors, including American citizens, can now purchase a multiple-entry visa for JD114 (US$160) on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport. Consult the Jordanian embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.
Can I extend my visa for Jordan?
Getting a visa extension is possible for many travelers, but it’s not guaranteed. Typically, the visa is free and can be extended one to three months. This process might move to an online format, but for the time being it’s still done in person, and you’ll have to pay a visit to the police station to request the extension before your visa expires. If you’ve overstayed your visa, you’ll need to pay a fee of JD1.5 (US$2.10) per day before you can register for the extension.
While you may hear that visa extensions can be done at any police station, some are not set up for it, so it’s best to handle this in a larger city, such as Amman. Apply for the extension at the station nearest to your hotel or residence. Officials will ask for your address, and if you are not located within their district, they may send you elsewhere.
Is there a working holiday visa for Jordan?
Jordan does not currently offer a working holiday visa.