--- title: "Travel to Jordan" url: "https://wowjordan.com/en/2024/02/28/travel-to-jordan/" markdown_url: "https://wowjordan.com/en/2024/02/28/travel-to-jordan.md" type: "post" date_published: "2024-02-28T11:05:20+00:00" date_modified: "2025-10-18T12:47:26+00:00" language: "en-US" renderer_version: "3" --- # Travel to Jordan ## Content ## 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](https://wowjordan.com/2025/10/jordan-petra-tours-2026/)** (a Wonder of the World), **[Wadi Rum](https://wowjordan.com/2025/09/wadi-rum-jordan-guide/)**’s Martian landscapes, **the [Dead Sea](https://wowjordan.com/2025/04/dead-sea-jordan-guide/)**’s float, Roman **Jerash**, cool northern hills in **[Ajloun](https://wowjordan.com/2025/04/ajloun-city-jordan-guide/)**, 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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Jordan.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ### 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](https://jo.usembassy.gov/travel-to-jordan-and-the-region/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **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](https://jo.usembassy.gov/travel-to-jordan-and-the-region/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ### 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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Jordan.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ## 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](https://wowjordan.com/region/petra/) 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](https://www.visitpetra.jo/en/Petrafees) - **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](https://www.visitpetra.jo/en/Openinghours) - **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](https://www.visitpetra.jo/en/Thingstodo/75) - **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](https://www.visitpetra.jo/en/Petrafees) - **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](https://wowjordan.com/listing-category/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](https://yesim.app/blog/mobile-internet-and-sim-card-in-jordan/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **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] Planning a night in **[Wadi Rum Jordan](https://wowjordan.com/en/2024/02/19/wadi-rum-guide-jordans-desert-wonderland/)**? Read our **[Wadi Rum travel guide](https://wowjordan.com/en/2025/09/25/wadi-rum-jordan-guide/)** for jeep routes, camps and 1–2 day plans ### 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](https://wowjordan.com/2024/02/ajloun-castle/)** (hilltop fortress with valley views) with an **[Ajloun Forest Reserve](https://wowjordan.com/listing/ajloun-forest-reserve-zipline/)** 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](https://jordanpass.jo/contents/Opening_Hours.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ### Aqaba (Red Sea diving/snorkeling) Easy add-on for **snorkeling** and **[Aqaba diving](https://wowjordan.com/listing-category/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](https://wowjordan.com/2024/02/petra-by-night/)** (Sun–Thu). [Source: Visit Petra, Oct 2025]. [visitpetra.jo](https://www.visitpetra.jo/en/Thingstodo/75) - **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. Planning a night in **Wadi Rum Jordan**? Read our **[Wadi Rum travel guide](https://wowjordan.com/en/2025/09/25/wadi-rum-jordan-guide/)** for jeep tour options, stargazing, and sample 1–2 day plans ### 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](https://www.visitpetra.jo/en/Thingstodo/75) - **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** PlanOvernightsMajor SightsTypical Longest Drive**3-Day**Amman 1, Petra 1Amman, Jerash, Petra (+Dead Sea *or* Wadi Rum)Amman→Petra ~3–4h**5-Day**Amman 2, Petra 1, Wadi Rum 1Add Wadi Rum jeep/campPetra→Wadi Rum ~1.5–2h**7-Day**Amman 3, Petra 2, Wadi Rum 1, Dead Sea/Aqaba 1Add Ajloun & Dead Sea; Aqaba optionalAmman→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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Jordan.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ### 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](https://www.jett.com.jo/en/schedule?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ### 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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Jordan.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ## 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)** ItemJordan Pass (Explorer 75 JOD)Pay SeparatelyVisa 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](https://jordanpass.jo/contents/FAQs.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ## 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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/jordan-travel-advisory.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ### 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](https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/amman-airport-guide.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ### Health (sun/heat, Dead Sea do/don’t) Use SPF 30+, hat, electrolytes; in **[Dead Sea Jordan](https://wowjordan.com/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](https://jordanpass.jo/contents/FAQs.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **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](https://jo.usembassy.gov/travel-to-jordan-and-the-region/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **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](https://www.visitpetra.jo/en/Petrafees) - **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](https://www.visitpetra.jo/en/Openinghours) - **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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/jordan-travel-advisory.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **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](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Jordan.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **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](https://www.jett.com.jo/en/schedule?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **Do I need cash?** Cards widely accepted in cities; carry cash for tips/souks/rural stops. ## Classification - **Category:** destination ## Images ![visit petra, travel to jordan, visit ajloun](https://wowjordan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/63785538126611679931-1.jpg)