Israel Jordan Border Crossing: The Complete 2026 Guide

The Israel Jordan border crossing is simpler than most travelers fear, but the details matter: which terminal to use, what it costs, what hours it keeps, and what actually happens at each window. Our team handles this crossing every week on the way to Petra, so this guide gives you the honest, current picture of how the Israel Jordan border crossing works in 2026, with the fees and timing laid out plainly.

The three Israel Jordan border crossings

There are three official land crossings between the two countries, and picking the right one matters:

• Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin (south). Connects Eilat with Aqaba. This is the crossing you use for Petra and Wadi Rum from Eilat, and the one we cover in detail below.
• Allenby / King Hussein (central). Near Jericho, used mainly for travel to Amman. It has special rules and does not issue visas on arrival for most nationalities.
• Jordan River / Sheikh Hussein (north). Near Beit She'an, used for northern Jordan and Amman from the Galilee region.

For anyone heading to Petra, the southern Israel Jordan border crossing at Wadi Araba is the one that matters, and it is the most tourist friendly of the three.

What the Israel Jordan border crossing costs

Here are the real numbers for the southern crossing, with no surprises:

• Total border fees and visa: $140 per person. This single figure covers the Israeli exit tax, the Jordanian entry visa, and the return formalities. We never split it into confusing sub-charges, because $140 is what you actually pay end to end.
• Pre-payment option. On our tours you can pay the $140 in advance when you book. That lets you skip the cash exchange booth and use the fast track lane, which saves real time on busy mornings.
• Children are sometimes exempt from parts of the fee depending on age and current rules, so check when booking.

For official confirmation of visa policy, see the Visit Jordan government site, since rules can change by nationality.

Opening hours at the Israel Jordan border crossing

The Wadi Araba crossing near Eilat is generally open Sunday to Thursday and on Saturday, with reduced or closed hours on Fridays and major Jewish, Muslim, and national holidays on both sides. Hours shift around religious calendars, so the safest approach is to cross early in the day and to travel with an operator who tracks the current schedule.

This is one of the biggest advantages of joining an organized trip: you are not gambling on whether the border is open on the day you picked. Our Petra day tour from Eilat only runs on days the crossing operates, so the timing question is solved for you.

Step by step: what actually happens at the crossing

Here is the real sequence at the southern Israel Jordan border crossing, so nothing feels unfamiliar:

• Arrive and meet. You reach the terminal a short drive from Eilat hotels. With a tour, a representative meets you and hands over your paperwork.
• Israeli exit. Present your passport, pay or show the pre-paid exit portion, and pass through the Israeli side.
• Short transfer. Walk or shuttle the neutral zone between the two terminals.
• Jordanian entry. Receive your Jordanian visa, clear passport control, and meet your Jordanian guide and vehicle.
• Return. In the evening you repeat the process in reverse. The whole crossing usually takes 30 to 60 minutes each way.

What you must bring

• A valid passport with at least six months remaining. Bring the physical document, not a photo.
• Your booking voucher if you are on a tour, which speeds the meet and greet.
• Some cash in dollars or dinar for snacks, tips, and small purchases in Jordan.
• Patience on busy mornings. Spring and fall weekends see more traffic, so an early start helps.

Crossing independently vs with a tour

You can cross the Israel Jordan border crossing on your own, arrange a taxi in Aqaba, and visit Petra independently. It is possible. But the math rarely favors it: you handle the visa paperwork yourself, negotiate transport on the Jordanian side, manage timing against the border hours, and risk missing the return window.

An organized tour folds all of that into one price: border assistance, pre-arranged visa handling, a licensed Jordanian guide, transport door to door, and a schedule built around the crossing hours. For a first visit especially, it removes every variable that can go wrong. Compare the options on our complete Petra from Eilat guide.

Frequently asked questions about the Israel Jordan border crossing

How much does the Israel Jordan border crossing cost?

The total is $140 per person at the southern Wadi Araba crossing, covering the Israeli exit tax, the Jordanian visa, and return formalities. On our tours you can pre-pay this to use the fast track lane.

Which crossing do I use for Petra?

The Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin crossing near Eilat. It is the closest to Petra and the most convenient for a day trip or two day tour.

What are the border opening hours?

The southern crossing generally operates Sunday to Thursday and Saturday, with limited or closed hours on Fridays and major holidays. Hours change around religious calendars, so cross early and confirm current times before you travel.

Do I need a visa in advance?

At the southern crossing the Jordanian visa is typically issued as part of the $140 fee when you cross with a group. Rules vary by nationality, so check official guidance before travel.

How long does the crossing take?

Usually 30 to 60 minutes each way, depending on the day and the queue. Early mornings are quickest. Spring and fall weekends are busiest.

Can I cross with a rental car?

Israeli and Jordanian rental cars generally cannot be taken across the border. Travelers cross on foot through the terminal and use separate transport on each side, which a tour arranges for you.

Is the Israel Jordan border crossing safe?

The Eilat to Aqaba corridor is an established, monitored tourist route used daily by thousands of visitors. Crossing with a licensed operator adds vetted transport and on-the-ground assistance.

What happens if the border is closed on my date?

Organized tours only run on days the crossing operates, so this is handled for you. If you travel independently, always verify the schedule against Jordanian and Israeli holidays first.

Plan your trip across the border

Now that the Israel Jordan border crossing makes sense, the natural next step is choosing your Petra trip. Read our complete guide to visiting Petra from Eilat, browse all our Jordan tours, or return to the travel guide hub. Questions before you book? Message us on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 or email sales@booking-tours.com and a real person from our Eilat office will answer.