Entry requirements for Jordan

Visa types for Jordan

Those who want to explore Jordan individually have the choice of several visa types upon entry. The various tourist visas differ in validity, frequency of entry, and additional services. For individual travelers, two options are particularly relevant: the classic single tourist visa and the versatile Jordan Pass. Special variants for multiple entries or group travel can also be interesting in specific cases.

Single tourist visas

The classic tourist visa is the most common choice for individual travelers. It can be easily applied for upon arrival at the Amman or Aqaba airport ('Visa on Arrival') or applied for in advance as an E-Visa online. The validity is usually two months, and the stay is limited to 30 days – an extension on site is possible.

A particularly attractive option for culture enthusiasts is the Jordan Pass. This is purchased online in advance and combines the visa fee (for at least three overnight stays) with free or discounted admission to over 40 attractions across the country – including Petra, Jerash, or Wadi Rum. The Jordan Pass is ideal for those who want to discover a lot on their own and save time and money at the same time.

For flexible itineraries, visas for double or multiple entries are also available. These can be obtained online, are valid for three to six months, and allow for multiple entries into Jordan – particularly useful for travelers who wish to leave the country briefly during their trip and re-enter later.

An overview is provided in the following table: Group visas

Group visas are primarily intended for travelers who are part of fixed groups through a travel agency. In such cases, the visa fees are often handled directly through the organizer and are partially included in the travel price. For classic individual travelers who travel independently and design their itinerary, group visas are usually not relevant – but they can represent an alternative for families or small travel groups with organized schedules.

Visa fees and payment methods

Jordan makes it easy for individual travelers to decide spontaneously to travel – also regarding visa costs and payment options. Thanks to a clear fee structure and flexible payment options, entry can be planned uncomplicated and quickly settled on site.

Fee structure

The standard fee for a tourist visa for a single entry currently amounts to 40 Jordanian Dinars (approx. 51 EUR). However, those entering with a Jordan Pass and staying for at least three nights in the country completely save this fee – an attractive offer for culture enthusiasts. Discounts may also be possible under certain conditions for entries over land.

Especially for individual travelers, the Jordan Pass is worthwhile, as it not only replaces the visa fee but also covers admission to over 40 attractions in Jordan.

Payment options

The payment for the visa is as flexible as the application itself:

• Online application (E-Visa or Jordan Pass):
  Payment by credit or debit card directly during the application process.
  
  
• Visa on Arrival (at the airport or at land borders):
  Payment is possible both in cash in Jordanian Dinar (JOD) and by credit card. Currency exchange services and ATMs are available at the airport, so a spontaneous cash withdrawal is also not a problem.
  
  

If you prefer to be on the safe side, it is advisable to bring some cash in JOD in advance or ensure that the credit card is enabled for international transactions. This way, entry becomes a relaxed start to an unforgettable travel experience.

Visa application process

Applying for a visa to Jordan is straightforward and can be conveniently done online. Alternatively, the 'Visa on Arrival' remains available when entering through the international airports of Amman or Aqaba. To help you prepare well, here is a step-by-step guide for the E-Visa as well as important notes on processing times and possible delays.

Necessary documents

For the application for an E-Visa, you need the following documents:

The application is filled out online through the portal of the Jordanian Ministry of Interior or through a certified visa service provider. You then upload the required documents, choose the appropriate visa type, and pay the visa fee (approx. 98 €, including service fee). After successful review, you will receive the E-Visa by email, which you must present either printed or digitally upon entry.

For those who decide last minute, the 'Visa on Arrival' remains a practical option. It is available at Amman and Aqaba airports and costs 40 JOD (about 55 €). Important: Not all nationalities are eligible – check this in advance.

Processing times

The average processing time for an E-Visa is 4 to 10 business days. In most cases, approval occurs within a week. Those who want to be completely sure can choose an express option with some providers.

However, there are some factors that can delay the process:

• Incomplete documents or erroneous information often lead to inquiries.
  
  
• High demand during peak travel times can slow processing.
  
  
• Technical outages or system changes in the online portal.
  
  
• Security checks for certain nationalities or individual cases.
  
  
• Holidays and weekends, as applications are only processed on business days.
  
  

Our tip: Plan sufficient lead time – especially for travel during high season or if you need a special visa. This way, nothing stands in the way of your individual discovery journey through Jordan.

Visa on Arrival – uncomplicated entry for many nationalities

For individual travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, entering Jordan is particularly easy: A visa can be applied for directly upon arrival – without prior application. This so-called 'Visa on Arrival' option is available to citizens of many Western and Asian countries, including travelers from the entire EU, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries.

A requirement for granting the visa is a passport that is valid for at least six months upon entry. After arrival – for example, at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman or at Aqaba Airport – the application is made directly at the entry counter. The fee currently amounts to 40 Jordanian Dinars and can be paid in cash or, in most cases, also by credit card. The entry stamp allows a stay of up to 30 days, which can be extended on site if necessary.

The Jordan Pass is particularly attractive: Those who purchase it online in advance and stay in Jordan for at least three nights do not have to pay the visa fee. Additionally, the pass includes free or discounted admission to numerous historical sites – a worthwhile option for culture-loving travelers. Those entering and exiting through Aqaba can also benefit from the fee waiver under certain conditions.

Important to know: At the King Hussein Bridge (border with Israel and the West Bank), no visa on arrival is issued. Here, a visa applied for in advance is required. Additionally, during check-in, an outgoing or onward travel ticket may be required by the airline.

Travelers from certain countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, or Pakistan generally require a visa that must be applied for before entry. A complete list of these 'restricted countries' can be found on the pages of the Jordanian authorities. However, those coming from an eligible country and meeting the requirements can travel to Jordan easily, quickly, and flexibly with the Visa on Arrival.

Customs and Passport Regulations

For a smooth entry into Jordan, it is worth taking a close look at the applicable customs and passport regulations. These primarily involve personal items, technical equipment, and the requirements for travel documents – important points, especially for individual travelers with extensive equipment or flexible travel plans.

Electronic Devices and Personal Items

Personal electronics like laptops, cameras, or binoculars can be brought in hassle-free and duty-free, provided they are intended for personal use. Often, these devices are noted in the passport upon entry and must be taken out again when leaving. Clothing, jewelry, toiletries, or sports equipment are also allowed in reasonable quantities.

Gifts worth up to about 50 Jordanian Dinar can also be brought in duty-free. Those over 18 years old may also bring a moderate amount of tobacco products and up to one liter of alcohol. However, weapons, drugs, radios, drones, pornographic material, as well as antiques and corals are prohibited – both upon entry and exit. Cash can be brought in up to a value of 15,000 JOD; higher amounts must be declared.

Passport Requirements

Travelers need a passport that is valid for at least six months upon entry. This rule also applies to children, who must each present their own identification document. At least one free page in the passport is required to accommodate the visa and entry stamps. It is important to know: emergency passports in cream color are not accepted. Minors traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized consent form from their guardians.

Frequently Asked Questions and Issues upon Entry

Most of the time, entry into Jordan goes smoothly – provided the basic regulations are followed. However, there can be inquiries or issues at the border, especially with incomplete documents or particular personal circumstances. Those who prepare well can usually avoid such situations.

A common issue is the validity of the passport: it must be valid for at least six months upon entry. This regulation is strictly enforced, as is the requirement to have at least one free page for stamps in the passport. Passports that do not meet the requirements often result in rejection.

Individuals with a place of birth or origin from certain countries like Iraq, Syria, or Palestine may expect more intensive questioning. In such cases, it is strongly recommended to apply for an e-visa in advance to minimize possible complications upon entry. Stamps from Israel or from Jordanian-Israeli border crossings in the passport can also lead to difficulties when traveling to other Arab states.

Another aspect concerns health status: individuals with communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B/C, or HIV may be denied entry, especially for longer stays.

There may also be inquiries regarding the import of cash, electronics, or vehicles. Cash over 15,000 JOD must be declared. Technical devices such as laptops or cameras are allowed but must be taken out again upon exit. When entering with your own car, international documents and insurance are required. Missing proofs may lead to the rejection of the vehicle.

For women traveling alone: Even though Jordan is considered a safe travel destination, it is advisable to use official taxis and dress modestly in border areas. In individual cases, there may be inquiries or security notes from border personnel.

To avoid problems at the border, careful preparation is recommended: this includes current information on entry regulations, complete documents, timely visa applications, and adherence to customs regulations. Considering these points can help travelers start their adventure in a relaxed manner.

Support from Diplomatic Missions

Even though Jordan is considered a safe travel destination, it is reassuring to know that reliable points of contact are available in emergencies. The diplomatic missions of Jordan in Germany as well as the German embassy in Amman offer individual support – whether for visa inquiries, loss of travel documents, or acute crisis situations.

Anyone with questions regarding visas or entry formalities can contact the Jordanian embassy in Berlin before traveling. They also provide valuable assistance during the stay – for example, in medical emergencies, legal difficulties, or loss of identification documents. In serious situations such as natural disasters or political unrest, they can also provide important information and organize support.

Contact the Jordanian Embassy in Berlin:
Heerstraße 201, 13595 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 3699600
Email: jordan@jordanembassy.de
Website: jordanembassy.de

The German embassy in Amman is the first point of contact for travelers from Germany. During office hours, the consular team assists with all relevant concerns. In urgent emergencies – such as medical emergencies or arrests – there is also an on-call service available outside of office hours. The emergency number is available 24/7, including via SMS or WhatsApp.

Contact the German Embassy in Amman:
Benghasi Street 25, Jabal Amman, Amman
Phone during office hours: +962 6 590 11 70
Emergency number (outside office hours): +962 7 9553 4261

It is also recommended to register with the crisis prevention list (ELEFAND) of the Foreign Office before traveling. This makes it easier to get in touch and coordinate assistance in case of emergency. Having all important contact details readily available and knowing the local emergency numbers is a good preparation for any eventuality.

Regional and Seasonal Differences in Entry Regulations

Although Jordan's entry regulations are generally uniformly regulated, there are practical peculiarities in certain regions and at certain times of the year that individual travelers should be aware of – especially at border crossings or during Islamic holidays.

Regional differences are particularly noticeable at the land borders with Israel and the West Bank. While a visa can be obtained upon arrival at the Aqaba/Yitzhak Rabin and Sheikh Hussein Bridge crossings, this is not the case for the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge border crossing: a visa is strictly required in advance. Those entering via this crossing – for example as part of a combined Israel-Jordan trip – should clarify the formalities early on.

The Aqaba region has a special role: within the special economic zone around the city, simplified conditions apply. Those entering the region via Aqaba Airport or overland and exiting the same way may benefit from visa-free entry under certain conditions. It is essential to check the applicable rules in advance, as additional payments may apply if departing outside the zone.

Seasonal fluctuations do not affect the entry regulations themselves, but they do affect the process at airports and border stations. During the month of Ramadan and on major Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, there are regularly changed opening hours, longer waiting times, and limited services – also at authorities, banks, and restaurants. Authorities often close early in the afternoon, and many processes are delayed. Public activities shift to the evening hours.

Travelers should therefore build sufficient buffers into their travel planning around religious holidays and stay informed about the current dates well in advance – especially since these vary according to the Islamic lunar calendar and shift each year.

Clarifications on Misunderstandings and Misinformation

There are many rumors surrounding entry into Jordan – from false visa rules to inadmissible import practices. Those traveling on their own should not rely on half-truths or forum posts but should seek official information. For some of the common myths can quickly lead to problems upon arrival at the airport or at the border.

A common misunderstanding concerns the visa requirement: contrary to widespread belief, it is not mandatory to apply for the visa in advance. German citizens – as well as many other nationalities – can obtain the visa easily upon arrival at the airport in Amman or Aqaba and at certain border crossings. Nevertheless, applying online can be worthwhile in specific cases, such as for multiple entries or uncertainties regarding the point of origin.

Another misconception is that an identity card is sufficient for entry. In fact, a passport is mandatory – with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry. Children also require their own travel document. For unaccompanied minors, a notarized consent form is also recommended.

Additionally, the import of cash is only allowed up to a value of 15,000 JOD; amounts above that must be declared. Weapons, drugs, drones, radios, and pornographic content are prohibited, as is the export of antiques and corals. The widespread assumption that one's European car insurance is valid in Jordan is also incorrect. Anyone entering with their own vehicle must obtain temporary liability insurance locally.

To prevent misunderstandings from occurring in the first place, it is advisable to rely solely on reliable sources. These include the Foreign Office, the Jordanian embassy in Berlin, the website of the Jordanian Ministry of Interior, and the German embassy in Amman. Additionally, reputable travel portals or specialized organizers provide helpful information – but these should always be cross-checked with official information.

Those who travel prepared in this way protect themselves from unpleasant surprises – and can experience Jordan in a relaxed manner.