With its ancient temples in Petra and wide-open deserts to explore, Jordan is a truly fascinating visit. Luckily, most international travelers will find the country easy to enter by obtaining a visa on arrival in Jordan. It is also relatively easy to extend the visa if you just don’t want to leave this fascinating country yet. However, visa requirements are based on the traveler’s country of citizenship, so it is best to double-check everything well before the trip.

Who needs a visa to visit Jordan?

Firstly, passport holders from around 10 countries, including those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), do not need a visa to enter Jordan. Moreover, they can stay for up to three months of a six-month period. Those from Lebanon do not need a visa and can enter Jordan using a national ID card. Visitors from Syria, Libya and Yemen can also enter without a visa if they have residence permits from the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, or a GCC or European Economic Area (EEA) nation.

However, most travelers from non-Arab countries will require a visa and their passports must have six months of validity to visit Jordan. Some have to do so at an embassy before leaving their country. However, travelers from 115 countries can organize a single-entry visa on arrival in Jordan for JD40 (US$56). Readers can check the visa chart on the Jordan Tourism Board website to find out which group they fall into. Meanwhile, things can change, so call the nearest Jordanian embassy or consulate to confirm this information.

About the Jordan Pass

Visitors from more than 130 countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK and the US can purchase the Jordan Pass. This includes the visa cost to enter Jordan. Citizens of a non-Arab country planning to visit Petra and stay in Jordan for at least three nights should check to see if they qualify for the pass.

Meanwhile, the Jordan Pass can be bought online prior to departure, after which travelers will receive an email containing the QR code. All they need to do is present this to immigration officers on arrival in Jordan and instantly receive their visas.

Having the Jordan Pass is handy, as it also includes entry to Wadi Rum, Petra and another 40 additional attractions in the country. Travelers should ensure they keep the QR code handy on their phones and keep a hard copy on hand while traveling into and around the country.

Where to obtain a visa

Those travelers eligible for a visa on arrival can obtain it at most entry points. These include Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Sheikh Hussein Bridge near Irbid and King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba. Moreover, if entering and leaving via Aqaba, the visa fee is waived due to the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. However, should travelers leave via a different border, they will be charged for the visa.

However, please note that visas cannot be obtained at the Wadi Araba Crossing near Aqaba, except for those holding the Jordan Pass, or travelers who made prior arrangements. The same counts at King Hussein/Allenby Bridge, even for travelers who are eligible for a visa on arrival. Moreover, travelers must obtain their visas in advance if they enter Jordan from Israel by land.

Have fun exploring fascinating Petra and Wadi Rum and all the attractions this fascinating country has to offer.