Essential Visa Information for Traveling to Jordan

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 delectable kunafeh.

Fortunately, Jordan makes entering a breeze for many visitors, offering a visa on arrival and the possibility of an extension. It’s essential to remember that visa requirements vary based on your country of citizenship. Therefore, ensure you triple-check everything in advance of your trip, as changes to entry requirements are not uncommon.

Who Can Enter Jordan Visa-Free?

Passport holders from about ten 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 visa-free with a national ID card, while citizens of Yemen, Syria, and Libya are also permitted to visit visa-free if they hold a resident permit for at least six months 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; however, visitors from 115 countries can get a single-entry visa on arrival for JD40. Make sure to consult the list of approved countries to determine your requirements. Since rules can change, it’s advisable to 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 purchase 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 for at least three nights, it’s wise to check your eligibility. The pass can be acquired online before your departure, and after purchasing it, you will receive an email with a QR code that should be presented to immigration officers upon arrival to receive your visa.

The Jordan Pass also covers entry to Petra, Wadi Rum, and around 40 additional attractions. Ensure you keep the QR code accessible on your phone as well as in a hard copy while traveling around Jordan.

Where Can I Obtain a Visa on Arrival?

If you are eligible for a visa on arrival, you can obtain it at most entry points, including Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba. Additionally, if you enter and exit through Aqaba, the visa fee is waived due to the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. However, if you exit through another border, you will be charged for the visa.

It’s important to note that visas are not issued at the Wadi Araba Crossing near Aqaba, except for Jordan Pass holders and travelers with prior arrangements. If entering from Israel by land at certain border crossings, it is mandatory to arrange for your visa in advance.

How Can I Get a Multiple-Entry Visa for Jordan?

If you are interested in obtaining a multiple-entry visa, it’s necessary to apply in advance at a Jordanian embassy or consulate outside of Jordan. However, this requirement is evolving. Some visitors, including U.S. citizens, can now purchase a multiple-entry visa for JD120 upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport. Always consult the Jordanian embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information.

Can I Extend My Visa to Jordan?

Obtaining a visa extension is possible for many travelers, but it’s not guaranteed. Typically, the visa is free and can be extended by one to three months. Although this process might be transitioning to an online format, it’s currently still done in person. Travelers will need to visit the police station to request the extension before their visa expires. If you’ve overstayed your visa, a fee of JD1.5 per day is required before you can register for the extension.

While you may hear that visa extensions can be facilitated at any police station, some stations are not set up for this purpose. Therefore, it’s advisable to handle this in a larger city, such as Amman. It is best to apply for the extension at the police station nearest to your hotel or residence. Officials will require your address, and if you are not located within their district, you may be directed elsewhere.

Is There a Working Holiday Visa for Jordan?

Unfortunately, at this time, Jordan does not offer a working holiday visa.

This article was first published on May 28, 2022, and updated on November 29, 2023.