Jordan: visa and entry rules

Jordan's borders: every crossing point

Jordan's land border crossings, grouped by the neighbour they lead to:

Three crossings with Israel. Sheikh Hussein in the north, 90 km from Amman, is open around the clock. The King Hussein Bridge, also known as Allenby, 57 km from Amman, is the closest one to Jerusalem. Wadi Araba, also known as Yitzhak Rabin, 324 km from Amman, links Aqaba and Eilat.

With Saudi Arabia: Al-Umari and Ad-Durra, the latter leading towards Haql and the coast.

With Iraq: Karama, also known as Trebil.

With Syria: Jaber - Nasib.

The King Hussein Bridge has been closed by decision of the Jordanian side, and that has happened more than once. Check the route through it before you set off.

By sea, there is a ferry to Egypt. Boats run from Aqaba to Nuweiba and Taba, which lets you reach Sinai without passing through Israel.

Driving to Jordan

Check the temporary import period and whether a carnet is required with the customs service at your point of entry.

You cannot drive your own car through the crossings with Israel - travellers change vehicles there, and that includes rental cars from the Israeli side.

Insurance is bought at the border and has to be local: policies issued outside the country are not valid.

An International Driving Permit is worth carrying alongside your national licence - both rental companies and the police ask for it.

Travelling to Jordan with a pet

An international-standard microchip is mandatory.

The rabies vaccination must be valid and given well in advance of entry.

The veterinary certificate is issued by the state veterinary service shortly before the trip.

Check the vaccination and test deadlines with your airline and with the Jordanian veterinary service before buying tickets - it is the carrier that will refuse to board an animal without the full set of paperwork.

There is no quarantine if the documents are in order.

Overstaying your visa in Jordan

A fine is charged for every day beyond the permitted period and is paid on departure.

The amount is calculated at the border as you leave. The rates changed along with the abolition of visas, so it is not worth counting on a specific figure in advance.

You need to keep track of both limits. There are two ways to overstay: to sit out more than 30 days on a single trip, or to use up all 90 days within a year. The second one is discovered on departure and takes frequent visitors by surprise.

Extensions are arranged at the police station for your place of stay before the period expires, not after.