Jordan Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens can obtain a Jordan visa on arrival for $40, valid for 30 days. Jordan is one of the Middle East's safest and most accessible destinations, home to Petra (one of the world's greatest archaeological sites), Wadi Rum desert, and the Dead Sea , the lowest point on Earth.
United States passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Jordan ports of entry.
A visa on arrival is available at Amman's Queen Alia Airport (AMM). Pay approximately $40 USD or the equivalent at the visa desk. Passport photos may be requested (bring spares). The visa is valid for 30 days. Visitors entering Jordan for the first time at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone may receive free entry. The Jordan Pass (purchased online before arrival) includes the visa fee AND Petra entry , strongly recommended for tourists.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
1 blank page required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Passport valid for at least 6 months. Return/onward ticket. Hotel reservation or invitation letter.
Fine of 1.5 JOD per day overstayed. Must settle at airport before departure.
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date with at least 2 blank pages
Passport-size Photos
Two recent color photos (2x2 inches or 35x45mm). Bring extra copies as requirements may vary
Completed Arrival Card
Immigration arrival/departure card provided on flight or at port of entry
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservation, booking confirmation, or address where you will be staying
Return or Onward Flight Ticket
Confirmed flight booking showing departure from the country within visa validity
Visa Fee (Cash)
Payment for visa on arrival fee - bring exact amount in USD or local currency
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Cash, credit cards, or bank statements showing adequate funds for your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended coverage for medical emergencies during your trip
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A/B, typhoid recommended.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Jordan is one of the safest Middle Eastern countries. Tourist areas are secure. Avoid border areas with Syria and Iraq. Maintain awareness of regional tensions.
Money & Costs
Currency
JD Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $50 · Mid: $120 · Luxury: $350+
Tipping
Tip 10% in restaurants. Tip guides and drivers.
Practical Info
Power
Type B, C, D, F, G, J, 230V
Driving
Right side
Emergency
911 (all emergencies)
Getting There
Main Airports
Amman (AMM)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Jordan has a Mediterranean climate in the highlands and desert conditions elsewhere. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring Petra, Wadi Rum, and Amman, with warm days and cool nights. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat, particularly in the Jordan Valley and Aqaba, though nights in Wadi Rum are comfortable. Winter (December-February) can be cold and wet in Amman and Petra, with occasional snow, but is ideal for the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Ramadan timing varies and affects restaurant hours. The Jordan Festival in Amman (July) brings cultural performances.
Cultural Notes
Jordan is a moderate Muslim country with a hospitable culture rooted in Bedouin traditions. The Hashemite monarchy, claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad, provides stability in a volatile region. Hospitality (karam) is deeply valued - you may be offered tea or coffee by strangers. Dress modestly outside resort areas, particularly for women. Friday is the holy day with reduced business hours. The Palestinian population is significant, making up a majority of citizens, creating sensitivities around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Jordan has peace treaties with Israel and welcomes Israeli tourists, though politics are best avoided. Jordanians are proud of their heritage and generally welcoming to Western visitors. The call to prayer marks the rhythm of daily life.
Insider Tips
Jordan is one of the Middle East most visitor-friendly destinations, with Petra alone justifying the journey. Allow at least two days for Petra - the Treasury is just the beginning of this ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs. Wadi Rum offers surreal desert landscapes best experienced on a jeep tour with Bedouin guides and overnight camp stays. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth where you float effortlessly. Amman downtown and the Roman ruins of Jerash add historical depth. The Jordan Pass saves money by including visa and entry to most sites. The Jordanian dinar is the currency. English is widely spoken. Jordanian cuisine features mezze, mansaf (national dish), and strong Arabic coffee.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Jordan: What You Need to Know
Jordan is a moderate, pro-Western Arab monarchy with excellent relations with the United States. American citizens are among the most warmly welcomed visitors. The visa on arrival ($40 JOD equivalent) is available at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman and most land border crossings. Jordan is one of the Middle East's most stable countries and is the base for visiting the extraordinary Nabataean city of Petra.
How to Get There
Royal Jordanian flies direct from New York (JFK), Chicago, Detroit, and Washington DC to Amman (AMM). American and other US carriers connect via European hubs. The flight from New York to Amman is about 11–12 hours. Amman is a major regional hub with connections to destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
Money & Banking
Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinar (JOD) , one of the world's highest-valued currencies (1 JOD ≈ $1.41 USD). ATMs widely available. Credit cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants; cash for local vendors and taxis. Jordan is moderately expensive by regional standards. The Jordan Pass saves significantly on admission fees.
Practical Tips
Jordan's unmissable highlights: Petra (rose-red city of the Nabataeans , the Treasury, the Siq canyon entrance, the Monastery), Wadi Rum (Lawrence of Arabia desert landscape , camel treks, jeep tours, sleeping in Bedouin camps under extraordinary stars), the Dead Sea (float in hyper-saline water, lowest point on Earth at 430m below sea level), Jerash (remarkably preserved Roman city), Aqaba (Red Sea diving), and Amman's buzzing restaurant and nightlife scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Jordan?
Yes, but US citizens can easily obtain a visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and most border crossings. The single-entry tourist visa costs 40 JOD (approximately $56 USD). However, the Jordan Pass is highly recommended: it costs 70-80 JOD depending on Petra days included, covers your visa fee AND entry to 40+ attractions including Petra. If you're visiting Petra for even one day, the Jordan Pass saves money and simplifies entry. Purchase online before arrival at jordanpass.jo.
Do US citizens need a visa for Jordan?
A visa on arrival is available at Amman airport for approximately $40. Alternatively, purchase the Jordan Pass online before arrival — it includes the visa fee and Petra entry, saving considerable money.
How many days do I need at Petra?
Most visitors spend 1-2 days at Petra, but the site truly deserves at least 2 full days to appreciate its scale. Day 1 typically covers the main trail: Siq (canyon entrance), Treasury (the famous facade), Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, and the Colonnaded Street. Day 2 allows time for the Monastery (Ad-Deir), reached by 800+ steps with spectacular views, plus exploring side trails and lesser-visited tombs. Early morning and late afternoon offer best light for photography and fewer crowds. The Jordan Pass offers 1, 2, or 3-day Petra options.
What is the Jordan Pass and should Americans get it?
The Jordan Pass is an online pre-purchase that includes the visa fee and entry to 40+ attractions including Petra (which alone costs 50 JOD for one day). Most tourists visiting Petra will save money with the Jordan Pass. Buy it at jordanpass.jo before flying.
Is Jordan safe to visit given its location?
Yes, Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East for tourists. Despite being surrounded by conflict zones, Jordan has remained stable with a strong security apparatus and tourism-friendly government. The country relies heavily on tourism revenue and takes visitor safety seriously. Avoid areas near the Syrian and Iraqi borders. Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba are all safe. Political protests occasionally occur but are typically peaceful. Most travelers experience warm hospitality and feel very safe throughout their visit.
Is Jordan safe for American tourists?
Yes. Jordan is consistently one of the Middle East's safest countries. The US Embassy rates Jordan at Level 2 (exercise increased caution) primarily due to regional tensions, but tourist areas including Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba are very safe.
What is the Jordan Pass and is it worth it?
The Jordan Pass is a prepaid package including your tourist visa fee (40 JOD) plus entry to 40+ attractions. It comes in three tiers based on Petra days: Jordan Wanderer (1 day Petra, 70 JOD), Jordan Explorer (2 days, 75 JOD), Jordan Expert (3 days, 80 JOD). Since Petra alone costs 50 JOD for one day, and the visa is 40 JOD, you save money if visiting Petra. You must buy it online BEFORE arrival and stay at least 3 nights in Jordan. It covers major sites like Jerash, Wadi Rum visitor center, Ajloun Castle, and museums. For any tourist visiting Petra, it's absolutely worth it.
Are there direct flights from the US to Jordan?
Yes. Royal Jordanian flies non-stop from New York JFK, Chicago, Detroit, and Washington DC to Amman (AMM). American carriers connect via European hubs. Direct flights take about 11–12 hours from New York.
Can I visit the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine) from Jordan?
Yes. The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing between Jordan and the West Bank is a popular route. The Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin crossing near Aqaba/Eilat also connects Jordan to Israel. Crossing requires planning — check current border procedures.