atlas•

Before you go to Jordan: what to know

Must know

  • The UK FCDO (27 Oct 2026) advises against all travel within 3 km of the Syrian border and warns of a high risk of regional escalation and airspace closures. A shooting at a church in Karak on 23 Oct 2026 caused casualties.
  • Buy the Jordan Pass (JOD 70–80) online before arrival: it includes Petra and 40+ sites and waives the JOD 40 visa fee if you meet the minimum stay (FAQ says 2 full nights, UK FCDO says 3 - plan 3+).
  • Drones need approval applied for at least 10 working days before travel; without it they are held at the airport until you leave.
  • Dress modestly outside resorts: cover shoulders and knees, especially in Amman's old town, mosques and rural areas.
  • Carry cash for taxis, small shops and Bedouin camps; Wadi Rum and Petra are largely cash-based.

Entry and visas

Most Western and many other nationalities can buy a single-entry visa on arrival at airports and the Sheikh Hussein (North) and Wadi Araba crossings (JOD 40). The fee is waived with a Jordan Pass bought online in advance if you meet the minimum stay (2–3 nights; plan 3+). Some 'restricted' nationalities must get a visa in advance. GCC citizens enter visa-free. No visas are issued at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge - get one beforehand.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • Jordan Pass ↗ optional
    Buy online before arrival (use within 3 months) · Fee: JOD 70 / 75 / 80 (1–3 days at Petra) · Non-Arab tourists eligible for a visa on arrival

Passport validity: At least 6 months from arrival.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Show your Jordan Pass (printed or on phone) at the airport visa counter to waive the visa fee.
  • Use official airport taxis (fixed fare) or the Sariyah airport bus to Amman.
  • If you leave before the minimum stay, the visa fee may be charged on exit.
  • Photography and filming are not allowed at border crossings.

Customs

  • Drones need prior approval (apply 10+ working days ahead); otherwise held at the airport until departure.
  • Narcotics and pornography prohibited.
  • Carry prescriptions for medicines; some psychotropic drugs are controlled.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: jordanpass.jo ↗, jordanpass.jo ↗, gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex

Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — works in some places

Where to exchange money

  • Licensed exchange shops in downtown Amman and Aqaba
  • Bank ATMs (Arab Bank, Housing Bank) in cities

Where not to exchange

  • Hotel desks
  • Street changers
  • Dynamic currency conversion at terminals

ATMs: ATMs in Amman, Aqaba, Madaba and Wadi Musa (Petra) accept foreign cards; few or none in Wadi Rum desert camps.

Tipping: Restaurants often add 10% service; add 5–10% for good service. Tip guides, drivers and Bedouin camp staff; round up taxi fares.

  • Dinar is pegged to the US dollar (about 0.709 JOD per USD).
  • Hotels, malls and larger restaurants take cards; taxis, small shops and souvenir stalls usually want cash.
  • Russian-issued Visa/Mastercard do not work abroad; bring USD/EUR cash or a foreign-issued card.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: international.visitjordan.com ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Bringing drones without prior approval (they are held at the airport).
  • Drugs, including small amounts; severe penalties.
  • Insulting the King or royal family, including online - criminal offence.
  • Eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight in Ramadan.
  • Public displays of affection and public drunkenness.
  • Photographing military, police or government sites.
  • Removing artefacts or stones from archaeological sites (incl. Petra).

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Alcohol is legal in licensed restaurants, bars and shops for adults.
  • Carry your passport for police checkpoints, common on highways.
  • Sex outside marriage is not prosecuted for foreigners in hotels, but discretion is expected.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Islam (Sunni majority); Christian minority of a few percent.

Clothing: Cover shoulders and knees in public; women may want a light scarf for mosques and conservative areas. Swimwear only at hotel pools, Dead Sea resorts and Aqaba beach clubs.

Etiquette

  • Accept tea or coffee when offered; it's polite hospitality.
  • Use your right hand for eating and greeting.
  • Ask before photographing people, especially women and Bedouin.
  • Bargain politely in souqs and with taxi drivers if no meter.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: international.visitjordan.com ↗

Climate

Mediterranean in the highlands (Amman shown): hot dry summers, cool rainy winters with occasional snow. The Dead Sea and Aqaba are much hotter (40°C+ in summer, warm in winter). Petra and Wadi Rum have cold desert nights in winter.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: 12°C / 4°C, cold, rainy; snow possible
  • February: Feb: 14°C / 5°C, cool, rainy
  • March: Mar: 17°C / 7°C, mild; good
  • April: Apr: 23°C / 11°C, warm; ideal
  • May: May: 28°C / 15°C, warm, dry
  • June: Jun: 31°C / 18°C, hot; Dead Sea very hot
  • July: Jul: 32°C / 20°C, hot, dry
  • August: Aug: 32°C / 20°C, hot; Aqaba 40°C+
  • September: Sep: 31°C / 18°C, hot, dry
  • October: Oct: 27°C / 15°C, warm; ideal
  • November: Nov: 20°C / 10°C, mild; first rains
  • December: Dec: 14°C / 6°C, cool, rainy

Best season: March–May and September–November; winter is fine for Aqaba and the Dead Sea.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: international.visitjordan.com ↗

What to pack

  • Universal plug adapter (Type C/D/F/G/J)
  • Sturdy shoes for Petra and Wadi Rum
  • Warm layer for desert nights
  • Modest clothing and a scarf
  • Water shoes for the Dead Sea
  • Cash in small JOD notes

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Drones without prior approval
  • Revealing clothing outside resorts
  • Any drugs or CBD products

Practical

Plugs: Type C/D/F/G/J, 230V, 50Hz

Water: Tap water is not recommended for visitors; drink bottled or filtered water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Mobile and eSIM: Tourist SIMs/eSIMs from Zain, Orange and Umniah at the airport; patchy signal in Wadi Rum.

Apps: Careem, Uber, Google Maps, Jordan Pass

Internet: Mostly open; some VoIP calling apps may be restricted.

Health: No vaccinations required for most travellers. Good private hospitals in Amman. Dehydration and heatstroke risk in summer, especially at the Dead Sea and Petra.

Insurance: Not required for entry; recommended - travel against FCDO advice may void cover.

Emergency: All emergencies 911

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.