Jordan
Travel Information
The cost of one entry visa for all nationalities is JD 40 (approximately $56) and for multiple entries it is JD 120(approximately $170). Groups of five persons or more arriving through a designated Jordanian tour operator are exempted from all visa charges. Certain nationalities require that any entry visa be obtained prior to travel. It is recommended that you check with the Jordanian diplomatic mission in your country prior to travel to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork for travel.
Coming to Jordan by road from Syria, you can cross into Jaber or Ramtha. Jaber is 80 Km away from Amman and is most commonly used by visitors while Ramtha 90 Km away is mainly used for cargo transport. Both borders are open 24/7 throughout the year.
There are three borders crossing between Jordan and Israel: The Allenby/ King Hussein Bridge: 57 Km from Amman, located in the southern Jordan Valley, is open Sunday – Thursday 08:00hrs – 20:00hrs for arrivals and 08:00 to 14:00 for departures and Friday – Saturday 08:00hrs-13:00hrs.
90 Km away from Amman, located in the north close to Lake Tiberius (Sea of Galilee), open 24/7 throughout the year.
Located in the south, 324 Km away from Amman, connecting the two Red Sea resorts of Eilat and Aqaba. These are open Sunday – Thursday 06:30hrs – 22:00hrs and Friday – Saturday 08:00 hrs. – 20:00hrs. At these crossings, visas for most nationalities can be obtained at the border; prior permits are not needed except for restricted nationalities. Wadi Araba Crossing closes on Islamic New Year day and Yom Kippur.
Coming to Jordan by road from Iraq through Al Karamah Border Crossing is 331 Km away from Amman and is open 24/7 throughout the year.
There are three borders crossing with Saudi Arabia from the east:
155 Km away from Amman and is open 24/7 throughout the year.
322 Km away from Amman and is open 24/7 throughout the year.
Located in the south, 349 Km away from Amman and is open 24/7 throughout the year.
From Egypt, a car ferry service operates from Nuwiebaa to Aqaba. Visas should be obtained in advance.
Royal Jordanian our national carrier, is one of many international air carriers that fly regularly into Queen Alia International Airport located 35 Km south of Amman. The average flying time from the major European cities is four hours. The easiest way to get to downtown Amman from Airport is by taxi; the journey takes 30-45 minutes and the fare is about JD 15 which is equivalent to approximately $22. However, shuttle buses to the city Centre bus station are also available, leaving the Airport every half-hour. Please contact us for more information about entry to Jordan.
Taxis are inexpensive and often the most convenient form of transport in Jordan. The white-painted "service taxis" offer transportation between fixed routes and are shared with other passengers. Private taxis are yellow; they can be taken from ranks outside larger hotels or hailed on the street. Taxis have meters, but there are typically not used after 23:00, so it is advisable to agree to cost beforehand. The same applies to long journeys. Taxi drivers are friendly and usually speak some English. Taxis in Aqaba are now green! It is customary for the female passenger to sit in the back seat of the taxi; a male typically sits in the front passenger seat. Tipping is not required, but it is customary to add about 200 fills (JD0.200) to the price of the meter price. Simply round it up.
Jordan has an excellent and expanding road network, and renting a car can be a good way to see the country. A driving license valid in your country of origin is acceptable, provided it has been valid for at least on year. Driving is on the right. Road signs on the highways are in Arabic and English. Please note that brown signs indicate a tourist site. There are plenty of petrol stations in Amman and other cities, and on most highways (except the Dead Sea/Aqaba road), but it is strongly recommended to fill up before embarking on any long journey. Lead-free petrol is available in most petrol stations in Amman. There are many car rental offices; many hotels have car rental offices on their premises.
Several companies offer charter bus and regular tours in a fleet of modern, air-conditioned coaches.
Jordan has an excellent and expanding road network, and renting a car can be a good way to see the country. A driving license valid in your country of origin is acceptable, provided it has been valid for at least on year. Driving is on the right. Road signs on the highways are in Arabic and English. Please note that brown signs indicate a tourist site. There are plenty of petrol stations in Amman and other cities, and on most highways (except the Dead Sea/Aqaba road), but it is strongly recommended to fill up before embarking on any long journey. Lead-free petrol is available in most petrol stations in Amman. There are many car rental offices; many hotels have car rental offices on their premises.
There is only one passenger train in Jordan, the Hejaz Railway, which runs twice a week between Amman and Damascus on the same track that was built by the Ottomans at the beginning of the 20th century. The train departs from Amman every Monday and Thursday at 08:00h. This historic railway makes a wonderful cultural experience, though the journey might take longer than expected.
Jordan is primarily a Muslim country, although the freedom of all religions is protected. Muslim women's clothing often covers their legs, arms, and hair. Western women are not subject to these customs, but very revealing clothing is never appropriate, and conservative dress is advisable for both men and women in the old part of Amman and outside the cities. Shorts are rarely worn by either sex, and would be out of place in the downtown Amman area. Topless sunbathing is prohibited and one-piece swimsuits are preferred, although two-pieces swimsuits are acceptable at the hotel pools.
Smoking is common in Jordan, however smoke-free accommodation is available in larger hotels. Smoking a Nargileh, the traditional water pipe or hubbly-bubbly, is an interesting experience.
Tipping is never required but always appreciated. In hotels and restaurants, 10% may be added to the bill, but a small tip for the waiters is appropriate. For hotel bellmen and porters, 500 files or 1 JD or US$ 2 is customary; in taxis, add about 200 fils to the prices of the meter.
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD) which is often called the "Jaydee". There are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 JD notes. The Dinar divided into 100 piasters (pronounced "pee-aster") or 1000 fils. The piaster is the unit most commonly used and you will usually see prices written as 4,750 (which is 4 JD and 75 piaster or 4.75 JD).
Currency can be exchanged at major banks, exchange agencies, and most hotels. There are also currency exchange facilities at Queen Alia International Airport within the terminal building. Street money-changers should be avoided whenever possible. Exchange rates are set daily by the Jordanian Central Bank.
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD) which is often called the "Jaydee". There are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 JD notes. The Dinar divided into 100 piasters (pronounced "pee-aster") or 1000 fils. The piaster is the unit most commonly used and you will usually see prices written as 4,750 (which is 4 JD and 75 piaster or 4.75 JD).
Currency can be exchanged at major banks, exchange agencies, and most hotels. There are also currency exchange facilities at Queen Alia International Airport within the terminal building. Street money-changers should be avoided whenever possible. Exchange rates are set daily by the Jordanian Central Bank.
As well as post offices, most hotels offer postal services. Post office opening hours:
Saturday – Thursday 08:00h – 17:00h, closed on Fridays.
A variety of companies provide courier services. In most cases, they offer at-your-door pick up. International courier services represented here include DHL, FedEx, TNT International, UPS, and Aramex. Saturday – Thursday 08:00h – 17:00h, closed on Fridays.
2 --- Ajloun, Jerash, Irbid, Mafraq, Umm Qays. 3 --- Karak, Wadi Musa (petra), Ma'an, Wadi Rum, Aqaba. 5 --- Azraq, As-Salt, Fujeis, Pella, Jordan Valley, Madaba, Hammamat Ma'in, The Dead Sea. 6 --- Amman. The international country code for Jordan is 962. To call a number outside Jordan, dial 00, followed by the country code, area code and the number required. The network coverage for mobile phones is excellent throughout Jordan.
Fax services are available at the Amman central Post Office and in most major hotels. Telegrams can be sent from post offices.
1212 for Jordan and 1213 or 1322 for international numbers.
Internet access is widely available at the numerous internet cafes and large hotels.
Jordan Television broadcasts in English and French on Channel 2. Daily program listings can be found in the English daily newspaper, the Jordan Times. CNN, BBC World, Euro News, and other international channels are available via satellite at most hotels.
The main English-Language daily newspaper is The Jordan Times. A weekly English-Language paper, The Star, is published on Thursdays and has a French supplement. Foreign newspapers are available at hotels and book shops.
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, the date of which varies according to the Islamic lunar calendar. During Ramadan, alcohol is not sold, except in larger hotels. Eating, drinking and smoking in public is discouraged during the hours of daylight. Most stores, banks and offices open late at 09:00, and close early at 14:00. Other businesses have limited hours.
Most historical sites and museums are open from 08:00 until 17:30. Petra opens from 06:00 until 18:00.
Most historical sites and museums are open from 08:00 until 18:30. Petra opens from 06:00 until 18:30.
Most historical sites and museums are open from 08:00 until 16:00. Petra opens from 07:00 until 16:00. Shorter working hours apply during the month of Ramadan from 08:00 to 15:30.
The electrical system is based on 220 AC volts, 50 cycles, and while most sockets are of the rounded two-pronged type, three-pin sockets are also common. Visitors from USA will need a transformer; most hotels provide one upon request.
Jordan is an extremely safe and friendly place to travel. People are very helpful especially in case of emergency. It is generally safe to walk around at any time of day or night. However, it is sensible to take obvious precautions: look after your belongings and keep valuables in the hotel safe. Lost belongings should be reported to the police.
Jordan is renowned as a shopping destination and presents an interesting blend of modern and traditional items. Browsing through souqs as well as big malls in Jordan can be a lot of fun and may turn into something of a social occasion. In small shops particularly, it is not unusual to be offered a cup of coffee or tea before getting down to business. The Souq is one of the remaining places where the tradition of bargaining or haggling over the price is still observed, so practice your negotiating skills and pick up a bargain! Shopping hours are flexible. Some shops are open from 09:30 – 13:30 and 15:30 – 18:00. Others may be open longer hours, from 08:00 – 20:00. Many shops close on Friday, but the Souq does not. Please note that while Jordan has a sizable handicrafts industry, it also boasts many modern, high-tech shopping outlets, offering the very latest trends in fashion and technology.
Water is a precious resource in Jordan and visitors are encouraged to conserve it. Hotels rated three stars and above have their own water filtering systems and their water is considered safe to drink. Elsewhere, bottled water is cheap and readily available.
Medical services are excellent in the larger cities and towns and most doctors speak Arabic and English. Larger hotels have a doctor on call and embassies can also suggest suitable medical service providers. Any hotel concierge or taxi driver will be able to direct you to a doctor or hospital.
Pharmacies can provide medication for minor ailments; some of them are open 24 hours. However, travelers are advised to bring any special medication they normally take, in case it is not available in Jordan.
Few specific facilities for the physically handicapped exist in Jordan. Although local people are as helpful as one could wish and will do their best to assist. Nevertheless, accessibility of some tourist sites in very limited and it is advisable to call ahead and inquire. The Jordanian parliament has passed a law requiring all new public constructions to provide wheelchair access, and many other improvements are also being made.
Emergency numbers: 199 and 191.
