Travel to Jordan
The Complete 2025 Guide for US & UK Visitors
Planning to travel to Jordan? This expert guide covers visas (including the Jordan Pass), Petra and Wadi Rum logistics, weather by month, smart budgets in USD/GBP, and ready-to-use 3/5/7-day itineraries—all tailored to US/UK travelers. You’ll also find transport tips, safety and dress code guidance, SIM options, and where your money goes.
Why Travel to Jordan
Jordan packs bucket-list icons and easy logistics into a compact, welcoming destination: Petra (a Wonder of the World), Wadi Rum’s Martian landscapes, the Dead Sea’s float, Roman Jerash, cool northern hills in Ajloun, and Red Sea snorkeling/diving in Aqaba. English is widely spoken in tourism, ATMs are common, and distances are manageable.
Updated October 2025: This guide includes the latest visa rules, Jordan Pass prices, and travel updates for US/UK visitors.
Jordan Visa & Entry Requirements (US/UK)
Do US/UK citizens need a visa? Types
- Yes. US and UK citizens need a tourist visa. Most travelers get Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman and several land borders. Alternately, buy the Jordan Pass in advance to waive the single-entry visa fee if you stay at least 2 whole nights (3 days). [Source: US State Dept., Jun 24, 2025; Jordan Pass FAQ, Oct 2025]. Travel.state.gov+1
Fees, validity, where to buy
- VOA fees (single-entry, tourist): 40 JOD (≈US$56) as of Oct 2025; double-entry 60 JOD; multiple 120 JOD. Pay at the airport/eligible borders or apply online via the Ministry of Interior e-visa. [Source: US Embassy Amman, Jun 2025; US State Dept., Jun 2025]. U.S. Embassy in Jordan+1
- Jordan Pass prices (Oct 2025):
Wanderer 70 JOD (Petra 1 day), Explorer 75 JOD (Petra 2 days), Expert 80 JOD (Petra 3 days). Buy online; pass is valid 3 months from purchase and 30 days from first scan. [Source: Jordan Pass, Oct 2025].
Border crossings & entry stamps (important nuance)
- Allenby/King Hussein Bridge (from the West Bank) generally does not issue visas on arrival; arrive with a pre-issued visa (Jordan Pass does not replace the visa itself at this crossing). Other crossings (e.g., Sheikh Hussein/Jordan River; Wadi Araba/Eilat-Aqaba under specific conditions) issue VOA for eligible nationalities. Always confirm before travel. [Source: U.S. Embassy Amman; Jordan Pass FAQ, Oct 2025]. U.S. Embassy in Jordan+1
Travel insurance & passport validity checklist
- Passport: Valid 6+ months beyond arrival; US quick facts confirm 6 months, UK FCDO notes the same. Insurance: Strongly recommended for medical/desert activities. [Source: US State Dept., Jun 2025; UK FCDO, 2025]. Travel.state.gov+1
Best Time to Visit Jordan
Weather by season & month, crowds, festivals
- Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) are most comfortable for hiking Petra/Wadi Rum; summer is hot (especially in the Jordan Valley/Dead Sea), and winters are chilly in Amman/Highlands. Tourism peaks in spring/fall; book Petra hotels and Wadi Rum camps early. Visit Jordan’s climate overview aligns with these patterns. [Source: Visit Jordan Climate, 2025].
When to visit Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea
- Petra: Aim for early morning entry for shade in the Siq and fewer crowds.
- Wadi Rum: Best in spring/autumn; clear nights for stargazing.
- Dead Sea: Year-round, but mild months are more pleasant for lounging and day-use pools.
Top Places & Experiences
Petra (ticketing, timings, Petra by Night, key hikes)
- Tickets (Accommodated Visitors): 1-day 50 JOD, 2-day 55 JOD, 3-day 60 JOD (Oct 2025). Non-accommodated same-day visit: 90 JOD. Buy at visitor center or online; licensed guides at the gate. [Source: Visit Petra – Fees, Oct 2025]. visitpetra.jo
- Opening hours: Example 2025 summer: 06:00–18:00; winter shorter. Check the current season before you go. [Source: Visit Petra – Opening Hours, Oct 2025]. visitpetra.jo
- Petra by Night (reimagined May 2025): runs Sun–Thu, 20:30–22:30, 30 JOD pp; you must also hold a day ticket or Jordan Pass (Petra by Night itself doesn’t include day entry). [Source: Visit Petra – Petra by Night, Oct 2025]. visitpetra.jo
- Best routes:
- Classic 1-day: Siq → Treasury → Street of Facades → Theatre → Royal Tombs → uphill to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) if fit.
- Al-Khubtha Trail (Treasury overlook—requires care and licensed local guidance).
- Back-door to Monastery via Little Petra (ticket stamping at Little Petra desk is required). [Source: Visit Petra Fees notes, Oct 2025]. visitpetra.jo
- Accessibility: Petra involves long distances and uneven steps; consider a guide, mule/cart options (rules apply). Hydrate and sun-protect.
Micro-Itinerary: Petra in 1 Day (Example)
07:00 enter; 07:30 Treasury photos; 08:30 Theatre; 10:00 Royal Tombs; 11:30 Lunch break; 12:30 climb to Monastery; 15:30 return via valley; 18:00 exit. [Link to: Petra tours page]
Wadi Rum (jeep tours, stargazing, camps; 1D/2D plans)
- Entry fee: Wadi Rum Protected Area 5 JOD (included with Jordan Pass). Pay/check in at Wadi Rum Visitor Center. [Source: Visit Jordan – Entrance Fees; Jordan Pass].
- Tours: Standard 2–4 hour jeep loops hit dunes, canyons, rock bridges; full-day adds hikes and sunset spots. Overnight Bedouin camps (traditional tents to “bubble” domes) usually include dinner & breakfast; sunrise/sunset are highlights.
- Connectivity: Expect spotty mobile data inside the desert; coordinate pick-up times and location in advance. [Source: Yesim/coverage roundups, 2025]. Yesim.app
1D plan: 10:00 Visitor Center → jeep tour (Lawrence Spring, Khazali Canyon, dunes) → 17:30 sunset → return to village.
2D plan: Day 1 jeep + sunset → camp; Day 2 short hike (e.g., Burdah/Um Fruth area) → exit by noon. [Link to: Reserve a Wadi Rum jeep + camp combo]
Amman (citadel, amphitheatre, cafés, neighborhoods)
Base yourself in Jabal Amman, Jabal Lweibdeh, or Abdoun. Visit the Citadel (city views, archaeology), Roman Amphitheatre, then café-hop and try Jordanian food (mansaf, falafel, knafeh). [Link to: Amman travel guide]
Jerash (Roman ruins half-day)
Drive ~60–75 min north. The Oval Plaza, cardo, theatres, and temples make Jerash one of the best-preserved Roman cities anywhere. Jordan Pass covers entry.
Dead Sea (day-use resorts, skin/safety tips)
Float at Dead Sea Jordan beach clubs/resorts offering day-use pools/showers. Do not get water in your eyes; limit mud mask time if you have sensitive skin, rinse well, and avoid shaving just before. [Link to: Dead Sea day-use options]
Ajloun Jordan (Ajloun Castle + Forest Reserve)
Combine Ajloun Castle (hilltop fortress with valley views) with an Ajloun Forest Reserve trail (e.g., Roe Deer or Soap House Trail). Opening hours vary by season—check the Jordan Pass Opening Hours page before you go. [Source: Jordan Pass Opening Hours; Rough Guides Ajloun Reserve]. jordanpass.jo+1
Aqaba (Red Sea diving/snorkeling)
Easy add-on for snorkeling and Aqaba diving (shore dives, wrecks like the Cedar Pride). Warm water year-round; visibility best outside winter storms.
Perfect Jordan Itineraries
Drive-time ballpark (no traffic): Amman↔Petra 3–4h; Petra↔Wadi Rum 1.5–2h; Amman↔Jerash 1–1.5h; Amman↔Dead Sea 1–1.5h; Amman↔Ajloun 1.5–2h.
3-Day Highlights (Amman, Petra or Wadi Rum)
- Day 1 – Amman & Jerash: Morning Citadel & Amphitheatre → lunch downtown → afternoon Jerash → back to Amman.
- Day 2 – Petra: Early start; classic route to Monastery; optional Petra by Night (Sun–Thu). [Source: Visit Petra, Oct 2025]. visitpetra.jo
- Day 3 – Wadi Rum or Dead Sea: If Wadi Rum: half-day jeep, late return or overnight; If Dead Sea: day-use resort, evening fly out.
5-Day Classic (Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum)
- D1 Amman city + foodie walk.
- D2 Jerash AM → transfer to Petra (overnight Wadi Musa).
- D3 Full Petra day; add Petra by Night (if Sun–Thu). visitpetra.jo
- D4 Petra → Wadi Rum jeep + camp.
- D5 Wadi Rum sunrise → return to Amman or drop to Aqaba.
7-Day Explorer (adds Dead Sea & Ajloun; Aqaba option)
- D1 Amman; D2 Jerash + Ajloun; D3 Dead Sea; D4–5 Petra; D6 Wadi Rum camp; D7 back to Amman or relax in Aqaba.
Itinerary at a Glance
| Plan | Overnights | Major Sights | Typical Longest Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day | Amman 1, Petra 1 | Amman, Jerash, Petra (+Dead Sea or Wadi Rum) | Amman→Petra ~3–4h |
| 5-Day | Amman 2, Petra 1, Wadi Rum 1 | Add Wadi Rum jeep/camp | Petra→Wadi Rum ~1.5–2h |
| 7-Day | Amman 3, Petra 2, Wadi Rum 1, Dead Sea/Aqaba 1 | Add Ajloun & Dead Sea; Aqaba optional | Amman→Ajloun ~1.5–2h |
Swap ideas: In summer heat, shorten Petra hiking and add a second Wadi Rum night or a chill Dead Sea day.
Getting Around Jordan
Renting a Car (license, deposits, norms)
- US/UK licenses are generally accepted (check your provider). A credit-card deposit is standard; inspect cars carefully and photograph panels. Drive on the right; many main roads are good, but desert roads are isolated. Speed cameras are common on highways. [Source: US State Dept. notes on road safety, Jun 2025]. Travel.state.gov
Private drivers, taxis/ride-hailing, intercity buses
- Private drivers are affordable for multi-stop days (negotiate total). Taxis/Uber/Careem work in Amman.
- JETT buses connect Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea; examples include Amman↔Wadi Rum daily at 07:30, and Petra↔Wadi Rum daily (09:00 / 17:00 directions). Check latest schedule before booking. [Source: JETT schedule, 2025]. jett.com.jo
Safety & road tips
Avoid night driving outside cities; watch for livestock; carry water. In winter, highland roads can see rain/occasional snow; slow down. [Source: US State Dept., Jun 2025]. Travel.state.gov
Costs & Budget
Typical daily costs (pp)
- Low: US$70–110 / ~£55–85 (hostel/guesthouse, local eats, public bus, Jordan Pass amortized).
- Mid: US$140–220 / ~£110–170 (3–4★ hotels, mix of tours).
- High: US$260–400+ / ~£210–320+ (4–5★, private driver, special tours).
Note on FX: JOD is pegged to USD (~US$1 = 0.709 JOD)—GBP varies; GBP figures above are rounded for Oct 2025. [Source: Central Bank of Jordan, Oct 2025].
Jordan Pass value vs à la carte
Is the Jordan Pass worth it? Usually yes if you’ll visit Petra + 1–2 other sites and stay 2+ nights.
Jordan Pass vs Paying Separately (example for first-timers)
| Item | Jordan Pass (Explorer 75 JOD) | Pay Separately |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single) | Waived (with 2-night stay) | 40 JOD |
| Petra (2 days) | Included | 55 JOD |
| Jerash | Included | 10 JOD (typical) |
| Wadi Rum entry | Included | 5 JOD |
| Total (these items) | 75 JOD | 110 JOD |
| Net | Save ~35 JOD | — |
Prices and inclusions per Oct 2025 official pages. Always verify before purchase. [Source: Jordan Pass Prices/FAQ; Visit Petra Fees; Visit Jordan Fees]. jordanpass.jo+1
Safety, Culture & Etiquette
Is Jordan safe?
Jordan remains a friendly, generally stable destination. The US advisory is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, with specific areas to avoid; the UK FCDO provides similar, location-specific guidance. Use normal city sense; avoid border zones. Check updates close to departure. [Source: US State Dept., Jun 2025; UK FCDO, Jul–Oct 2025]. Travel.state.gov+1
Dress code & cultural respect
Urban Amman is relaxed-modest; in smaller towns and religious sites, cover shoulders/above-knee, and bring a scarf for mosques. For desert hikes, breathable long sleeves/legs protect from sun/sand.
Tipping norms, photography etiquette
Tip guides/drivers (≈10%), round up in cafés, ask before photographing people; respect signs at military/police sites.
Practical Tips
Money (JOD), ATMs/cards, haggling
JOD is widely stable due to the USD peg; ATMs common in cities; cards widely accepted at hotels/major restaurants. Keep small cash for tips, tea stands, and rural stops. [Source: Central Bank of Jordan, Oct 2025].
SIM/eSIM options, connectivity coverage
At Amman (AMM) arrivals you’ll usually find Zain, Orange, Umniah counters for tourist SIMs; eSIMs from global providers work if your device supports them. Coverage is good across cities/roads; Wadi Rum interior can be spotty—notify your camp of arrival time. [Source: SleepingInAirports guide, Mar 2025; Yesim blog, 2025]. Sleeping in Airports+1
Health (sun/heat, Dead Sea do/don’t)
Use SPF 30+, hat, electrolytes; in Dead Sea Jordan, don’t dive or splash; rinse after mud; protect any cuts. Float sessions are short—follow resort guidance.
Packing list essentials by season
- Spring/Autumn: breathable layers, sun hat, light jacket, hiking shoes.
- Summer: sun hoody/hat, electrolyte tabs, sandals, high-SPF sunscreen.
- Winter: warm fleece, waterproof shell (rain possible), closed shoes.
- Always: reusable bottle, small first-aid, scarf, power bank.
FAQs (8–12)
- Is the Jordan Pass worth it for first-timers?
If you’ll visit Petra + 1–2 other sites and stay at least 2 nights, it usually beats paying separately and waives the 40 JOD visa fee. [Source: Jordan Pass FAQ/Prices, Oct 2025]. jordanpass.jo - Can I get a visa on arrival?
Yes at AMM and most international land borders; not at Allenby/King Hussein Bridge—arrive with a pre-issued visa there. [Source: U.S. Embassy Amman, 2025]. U.S. Embassy in Jordan - How much are Petra tickets now?
50/55/60 JOD for 1/2/3-day (accommodated visitors). Petra by Night is 30 JOD and runs Sun–Thu at 20:30–22:30. [Source: Visit Petra, Oct 2025]. visitpetra.jo+1 - When does Petra open?
Typical summer hours 06:00–18:00; winter shorter. Check the current season. [Source: Visit Petra Opening Hours, Oct 2025]. visitpetra.jo - What’s the Wadi Rum entrance fee?
5 JOD (included with the Jordan Pass). Pay/check in at the Visitor Center. [Source: Visit Jordan Entrance Fees; Jordan Pass]. - Is Jordan safe to visit in 2025?
Generally yes for mainstream routes; follow US Level 2 and UK guidance and avoid specific border areas. Check updates before travel. [Source: US State Dept.; UK FCDO]. Travel.state.gov+1 - What’s the dress code?
Modest in rural/religious settings (shoulders/above-knee covered); athletic modest wear is fine for hikes. - Can I drive myself?
Yes; highways are decent, speed cameras common; avoid night driving outside cities. [Source: US State Dept., 2025]. Travel.state.gov - Are there direct buses to Wadi Rum?
JETT runs routes such as Amman↔Wadi Rum and Petra↔Wadi Rum—check the day’s schedule before you go. [Source: JETT, 2025]. jett.com.jo - Do I need cash?
Cards widely accepted in cities; carry cash for tips/souks/rural stops.
