Jordan Visa Made Easy: On-Arrival, E-Visa, and Jordan Pass Tips

(JORDAN) Jordan’s 2026 entry system gives most visitors three clear paths—visa on arrival, e-visa online approval before travel, or an embassy-issued visa—and the right choice depends on your nationality and your entry point. For many tourists, the Jordan Pass also changes the math by bundling major sites and, in eligible cases, waiving the visa fee after a minimum stay.

Jordan’s process feels simple when you plan it in order: confirm whether your passport qualifies for visa on arrival, pick the entry border that matches your plan, and carry the right paperwork and cash. Small mistakes—like arriving at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge without a pre-issued visa—can turn into a same-day trip problem instead of a vacation.

Start with the decision that matters most: nationality and border

Jordan’s visa rules split travelers into three practical groups in 2026:

• Visa on arrival eligible: Nationals of over 120 countries can typically get a tourist visa at Queen Alia International Airport (Amman), King Hussein International Airport (Aqaba), and most land borders (with a major exception).
• E-visa eligible or preferred: Travelers who want approval before departure, or who need prior clearance, can use the government portal for e-visa online processing.
• Embassy/consulate required: Restricted nationalities and travelers using emergency or temporary travel documents usually need a visa from a Jordanian diplomatic mission before travel.

One entry point breaks the pattern and deserves extra attention: the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge does not issue visa on arrival. If you plan to enter there, arrive with a valid visa or an e-visa already approved.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, that single border rule explains many last-minute entry issues—especially for travelers who planned a day trip route without checking crossing-specific policy.

The three tourist visa types and exact fees (January 2026)

Jordan’s tourist visas are commonly issued in these formats, with fees listed as of January 2026:

• Tourists most often use the single-entry visa.
• Double and multiple-entry visas are useful if you plan side trips and re-entry.

If you need more time in-country, Jordan allows extensions up to a maximum of six months after arrival, provided you register before your current stay expires. Extensions are often granted for up to an additional 60 days.

Document prep: what to carry so immigration doesn’t stall your entry

Whether you use visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa, border officers expect a coherent travel “story.” Prepare these items before you fly or drive:

• Passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, with at least two blank pages.
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host details).
• Return or onward ticket.
• Proof of funds, e.g., recent bank statements.
• Cash in Jordanian dinars (JOD) for fees at many counters, especially land borders.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for medical costs and trip changes.

If applying online or through an embassy, you’ll also need:

• A recent color passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page.
• Photo rules for formal applications: 35 x 45 mm, white background, matte finish, taken within six months, neutral expression, face occupying at least 80% of the frame.

Visa on arrival: the fastest option when permitted

For eligible nationalities, visa on arrival is usually the quickest path because you apply at the port of entry. At Queen Alia, King Hussein Airport, or eligible land borders, you typically go to the visa counter before passport control.

• The officer will ask basic questions about your trip, check documents, and stamp the visa.
• Under normal conditions, the process takes about 10 minutes, but lines grow during peak travel times.

Visa on arrival: a simple four-step routine

1. Join the visa on arrival line before passport control.
2. Present your passport and supporting documents, including hotel booking and return ticket.
3. Pay the fee, preferably in cash JOD, and keep your receipt.
4. Proceed to passport control once the visa is placed in your passport.

Two practical tips:
– Keep hotel and onward ticket confirmations easily accessible (not in checked baggage).
– Bring cash in JOD, since card acceptance is inconsistent at land borders.

E-visa online: pre-approval advantages and how to apply

An e-visa online is useful when you want authorization in hand, skip some queues, or enter via a crossing that does not issue visa on arrival. It’s also required for travelers who need prior clearance.

• Use the official Jordan Ministry of Interior e-services portal to apply.
• Apply from outside Jordan, upload a passport scan and photo, pay online, and bring the approval to immigration.
• Approvals are typically issued within a few days.
• Many e-visas are single-entry permissions valid for 30 days, though this can vary by nationality and approval outcome.

After approval, save the QR-coded authorization and keep a printed copy as a backup.

Embassy or consulate visas: necessary for restricted cases

If your nationality is restricted, or you hold an emergency or temporary travel document, a Jordanian embassy or consulate is often the only path.

• Processing commonly takes 5–10 working days, and can be longer around holidays.
• Plan appointments early and arrive prepared; officers ask about itinerary and purpose of travel.

Typical embassy application requirements:
– Completed application form and a cover letter explaining purpose of travel.
– Supporting documents and fee payment.
– Extra copies of key documents.
– Two passport photos that meet the required format.

The Jordan Pass: cost, benefits, and limits

For visitors to heritage sites, the Jordan Pass can save money and reduce friction at entry. It includes entry to major attractions (e.g., Petra, Wadi Rum) and can waive the visa fee if conditions are met.

Key points:
– The visa fee waiver applies when you stay at least two nights (three days) in Jordan and are otherwise eligible for visa on arrival.
– Travelers generally buy the pass online before arriving and present its QR code at the visa counter.
– Typical cost: 70–80 JOD, depending on package.
– Children under 12 get free attraction entry but still require a tourist visa.

Important limits:
– The Jordan Pass does not replace a visa for restricted nationalities who need embassy clearance.
– If you do not meet the two-night minimum stay, the visa fee waiver does not apply—even if you purchased the pass.

Entry points and border fees: plan routes like an immigration officer

Most travelers enter via Queen Alia International Airport (Amman)—it supports visa on arrival for eligible nationalities and handles large passenger volumes. King Hussein International Airport (Aqaba) also issues visa on arrival and suits Red Sea/southern itineraries.

Land border notes and common rules:

• Sheikh Hussein Border (north, near Irbid): commonly issues visa on arrival for eligible travelers.
• Wadi Araba / Eilat–Aqaba (south): commonly issues visa on arrival and accepts the Jordan Pass for eligible stays.
• Allenby/King Hussein Bridge: no visa on arrival — arrive with a valid visa or e-visa.
• Saudi borders (Durra, Mudawara): standard checks apply; carrying cash helps.

Budget for additional border charges:
– Jordan applies an exit tax of 10 JOD (~$14 USD) at all border crossings except airports.
– Some land crossings near Eilat include additional border fees of about $60–$65 USD, depending on the crossing.

Extending your stay and the cost of overstaying

Tourist visas can be extended, but timing is crucial. If you want to stay beyond your initial permission, register before your visa expires.

• Extensions are commonly handled at a local police station, and some services are available via Ministry of Interior e-services.
• Jordan allows extensions up to a maximum of six months after arrival, often granted in increments of up to an additional 60 days.

Overstaying penalties:
– Daily fines collected at departure are reported at approximately 1.5 JOD (~$2.10 USD) per day, with some sources indicating around 3 JOD per day.
– To avoid extra costs and departure delays, extend early.

Special travel profiles: families, dual nationals, and U.S. citizens

• United States citizens (🇺🇸): need a visa to enter Jordan, but can usually choose among visa on arrival, e-visa, or an embassy application. Choose the method that matches your planned border.
• Families with minors: carry documents that show the parent-child relationship—especially when one parent travels alone with a child.
• Dual nationals: enter and exit Jordan using the same passport consistently; switching documents mid-trip can trigger extra questioning.
• Work, study, and business stays: require the correct visa category and are not handled like tourist entries. Treat these as a pre-travel clearance project, not an arrival-day task.