Traveling to Jordan is simple for most visitors. Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival, the main sights like Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba are a few hours apart by road, and locals are used to welcoming tourists. What catches people out is the small stuff: border fees, cash for tips, modest dress and the summer heat.
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We are the team at Booking-Tours in Eilat. We have run trips into Jordan since 2008, and our guests cross the border with us every week. This Jordan travel guide covers the practical questions we hear most, in the order you will need the answers.
Traveling to Jordan at a glance
| Key fact | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Location | Middle East, east of Israel, with a short Red Sea coast at Aqaba |
| How long to spend | One full day for Petra from Eilat or Aqaba. Several days if you want Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman and the Dead Sea |
| Best time | Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) |
| How to get there | Fly into Amman or Aqaba, or cross by land from Israel near Eilat |
| Currency | Jordanian dinar (JOD) |
| What it costs | See tour prices below. On our Israel to Jordan tours, border and visa fees are 140 USD per person in total |
| Booking tip | Pre-pay your border and visa fees on our booking form so you do not need cash at the border |
| Safety | Check your government's travel advisory shortly before you go |
Visas and border fees when traveling to Jordan
Many visitors, including US, UK, Canadian and EU passport holders, can get a Jordanian visa on arrival. The exact rules depend on your passport and on where you enter. Land crossings, Amman airport and Aqaba do not always work the same way, so check before you book flights.
Most travelers need a passport that is valid for at least six months after the trip. Bring a passport with blank pages too. If you hold a passport from a country that needs a visa in advance, apply early through a Jordanian embassy.
If you join one of our tours from Israel, the border and visa fees come to 140 USD per person in total. You can pre-pay them on the booking form. That way you skip the cash payment at the border, which saves time and stress at the counter.
Most of our guests cross at the Wadi Araba crossing, called the Arava or Yitzhak Rabin crossing on the Israeli side, just north of Eilat. Our step-by-step guide to the Israel Jordan border crossing explains each crossing, the paperwork and what happens at each counter.
The Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass is an official bundle that can include your visa fee and entry to Petra and other sites, if you stay a minimum number of nights and enter through certain points. It suits independent travelers on longer trips. It is usually not useful for a one-day visit from Israel. Rules and prices change, so read the current terms on the official Jordan Pass website.
Money in Jordan: dinars, cards and cash
The local currency is the Jordanian dinar, written JOD. It is pegged to the US dollar, so prices stay fairly stable for American visitors. You will also see prices in fils and piasters, which are smaller units of the dinar.
Hotels, larger restaurants and bigger shops in Amman, Aqaba and Wadi Musa usually take cards. Small shops, street food stands, taxis, Bedouin camps and souvenir stalls often want cash. ATMs are easy to find in cities, but less so in the desert.
Israeli shekels are not a practical currency in Jordan. If you are coming from Eilat, carry some US dollars or get dinars once you cross. Small notes are the most useful, since change can be hard to find at stalls inside Petra.
- Carry small bills for tips, water and bathrooms.
- Tell your bank you are traveling so your card is not blocked.
- Bargain politely at souvenir stalls. Fixed prices are normal in supermarkets and restaurants.
Tipping in Jordan
Tipping is part of daily life in Jordan, and many people in tourism count on it. You do not need to over-tip. You just need small cash ready at the right moments.
- Restaurants: Check the bill. Many places add a service charge. If none is added, leaving a tip is expected.
- Taxis: Rounding up the fare is common and appreciated.
- Guides and drivers: On tours, a tip at the end of the day is customary. The amount is your choice and should reflect the service.
- Horse handlers in Petra: The short horse ride at the entrance is often included in tours, but handlers usually expect a small tip.
- Hotel staff: A small tip for porters and housekeeping is normal.
Hand tips directly to the person, with a thank you. If you are on a group tour, ask your guide about local habits. We are always happy to answer that question honestly.
What to wear in Jordan
Jordan is a Muslim-majority country with a relaxed attitude toward visitors. Still, modest clothing earns you more respect and fewer stares. Covering your shoulders and knees is a good rule for men and women in towns and villages.
In Petra and Wadi Rum, practical wins. Wear comfortable walking shoes with grip, because the paths are sandy, rocky and uneven. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen matter in every season. Light, loose long sleeves keep you cooler than a tank top in the sun.
If you visit a mosque, women should cover their hair, arms and legs. Some mosques that welcome visitors lend robes at the door. On the beaches of Aqaba, swimwear is fine at hotel beaches and resorts, but cover up when you walk back through town.
Winter surprises people. Petra sits high in the mountains, and mornings from December to February can be cold. Pack a warm layer and a light rain jacket if you travel then.
Is Jordan safe? What we tell our guests (as of November 2026)
Is Jordan safe for tourists? Jordan's main tourist areas, including Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Amman and the Dead Sea, receive international visitors throughout the year. Day to day, the most common problems we see are sunstroke, twisted ankles and overpriced souvenirs, not crime.
That said, the wider region can change quickly, and border crossings can close or change hours at short notice. We cannot promise conditions on a future date. Before traveling to Jordan, read your own government's advice, such as the US State Department travel advisory for Jordan, and check it again a few days before you leave.
Our conservative advice:
- Stay in the well-traveled tourist areas unless you are with a local guide.
- Keep your passport with you at all times. You will be asked for it at checkpoints and hotels.
- Do not photograph military sites, police or border areas.
- Get travel insurance that covers the countries you visit.
- If you cross from Israel, follow the latest updates on the crossing before your tour date. We contact guests if anything changes.
Getting around Jordan
Jordan has no useful passenger rail network for visitors, so you will move by road. The main routes are the Desert Highway, which is faster, and the King's Highway, which is slower and more scenic. Distances look short on a map, but mountain roads and checkpoints add time.
Your main options
- Organized tours: The easiest option if you are short on time or coming from Israel. Transport, border help, guide and tickets are handled for you.
- Tourist buses: The JETT company runs coaches between major cities such as Amman, Petra and Aqaba. Check schedules directly, since they change.
- Taxis and ride apps: Yellow taxis are common in Amman. Ask for the meter or agree on a price first. Ride apps also work in Amman.
- Rental car: Good for confident drivers on longer trips. Expect speed cameras, speed bumps in villages and police checkpoints.
If you are short on time, a guided day trip is the most realistic way to see Petra from Eilat, Aqaba or Amman. Our complete guide to visiting Petra from Eilat and our guide to getting to Petra from Amman explain timing and routes in detail.
Planning your visit in 2027: best time, Ramadan and booking
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for traveling to Jordan. Days are warm and dry, and the walk through the Siq to the Treasury is pleasant. Summer is very hot in Petra and Wadi Rum, so start early and carry plenty of water. Winter is quieter, but cold mornings and the odd rain day are possible.
Ramadan is expected to fall around February and March in 2027, but the exact dates depend on the moon sighting. Tourist sites stay open, and hotels serve visitors. Some local restaurants close during the day, opening hours can shift, and eating or drinking in public in daylight is best avoided out of respect.
The Jordanian weekend is Friday and Saturday. Some shops and offices close on Friday, especially around midday prayers. Popular sites can be busier on holidays.
If you are traveling to Jordan 2027 is the year to plan early for spring and fall, because those dates fill first. Entrance fees, visa fees and border hours mentioned in this guide are current at the time of writing and can change. Petra's one-day entrance is 130 USD per person at the time of writing. Check the latest on Visit Jordan, the official tourism board before you travel.
Jordan travel tips from guides who go every week
These are the Jordan travel tips our guides repeat on almost every trip. They are small things, but they make a long day much easier.
- Start early. Petra is cooler and quieter in the morning, and the light in the Siq is softer.
- Bring more water than you think. Buy sealed bottled water and avoid tap water.
- Ask before photographing people, especially women and Bedouin families.
- Say no politely and keep walking if you do not want a donkey ride or a souvenir. A smile works well.
- Use your right hand to give, receive and eat. It is the polite habit.
- Accept the tea. Hospitality is a big part of Jordanian culture, and refusing every offer can seem cold.
- Try the food. Our guide to Jordanian food, from mansaf to zarb in Wadi Rum tells you what to order.
- Add a night if you can. A night in a Wadi Rum desert camp or a day at Mount Nebo and Madaba makes the trip feel complete.
A note on languages: our guides speak English. In Petra, local Spanish and French-speaking guides are free. German, Italian and Russian-speaking guides in Petra are available for a small flat fee per booking.
Comparing our Jordan tours for first-time visitors
Most of our guests start with Petra. The UNESCO World Heritage listing for Petra explains why it is the heart of most trips. Here are the tours we recommend most, based on where you are staying.
| Tour | Best for | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petra day tour from Aqaba with a horse ride and city sightseeing | Travelers already in Aqaba or on a cruise stop | Full day | from $190 per adult |
| Full-day Petra tour from Eilat with border assistance | Eilat visitors who want a guided group day | 12 hours | from $261 per adult |
| Private Petra tour from Eilat with your own guide and lunch | Couples, families and anyone who wants their own pace | Full day | from $320 per adult |
| Petra day tour from Amman with lunch and hotel pickup | Travelers based in Amman | Full day | from $360 per adult |
| Petra day tour from Tel Aviv with flights to Ramon Airport | Visitors in central Israel with only one day | Full day | from $400 per adult |
Day tours have free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time. Tours that include flights or hotels are non-refundable, so book those once your dates are firm. For a deeper comparison, read our guide to the best Petra tours from Eilat, Aqaba, Amman, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Tours that include Traveling To Jordan
Live prices and dates, hotel pickup on most tours, and a local team in Eilat that answers on WhatsApp.
Petra Day Tour from Aqaba with Horse Ride and Aqaba SightseeingFrom $190View tour
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Jordan
Is Jordan safe for tourists right now?
Jordan's tourist areas welcome visitors year-round, and most problems we see are heat and sore feet. The regional situation can change, so check your government's travel advisory before booking and again before you leave. We also update our guests if a border crossing changes.
Do I need a visa for Jordan?
Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival, but rules depend on your passport and entry point. On our tours from Israel, border and visa fees are 140 USD per person in total, and you can pre-pay them on the booking form. Always confirm the current rules before you travel.
How many days do you need in Jordan?
One full day is enough to see the main trail in Petra from Eilat or Aqaba. To add Wadi Rum, Amman and the Dead Sea, plan several days. Many guests combine a Petra day trip with their stay in Israel.
What is the best time to visit Jordan?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable walking weather. Summer is very hot, and winter can be cold and sometimes rainy in Petra. Check Ramadan dates if you are traveling in early 2027.
What should women wear in Jordan?
Loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees works well in towns and at sites. A light scarf is handy for mosques and for sun protection. Good walking shoes matter more than anything in Petra.
How much should I tip in Jordan?
Tipping is expected but modest. Check restaurant bills for a service charge, round up taxi fares and tip guides and drivers at the end of a tour based on the service. Carry small notes so you are ready.
Can you visit Jordan from Israel in one day?
Yes. From Eilat, Petra is a realistic full day trip through the crossing north of the city. From Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, our tours fly you to Ramon Airport near Eilat first, which makes a one-day visit possible.
Is traveling to Jordan worth it for just one day?
For Petra, yes. Walking the Siq and seeing the Treasury appear is a highlight of any Middle East trip. You will not see everything, but a guided day covers the main sights without wasting time on logistics.
Keep planning
More travel guides for this trip
Plan your trip
Traveling to Jordan is easier than most people expect when the border, fees and timing are handled for you. If you are staying in Eilat, our full-day Petra tour from Eilat is the trip we run most often, with border assistance and a licensed guide in Petra. You can pre-pay your border and visa fees on the booking form and arrive without worrying about cash.
Not sure which tour fits? Message us on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 (international +972 8-633-8361) or email [email protected]. Tell us where you are staying and your dates, and a real person from our Eilat office will reply. You can also browse all our Petra and Jordan tours or explore more destinations in our travel guide.
Cover photo: David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons