Jordan travel FAQ: 25 common questions answered

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival, and the Jordan Pass waives the fee if you stay three nights or more. Some passports must apply in advance. Check your own nationality's rule before booking.

March to May and September to November give mild days in Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum. Summer suits Aqaba and the Dead Sea less well; winter is cold at Petra and in the desert.

Budget roughly JD 60–120 (about US$85–170) per person per day for mid-range travel, covering a hotel, meals, transport and site entries. Petra tickets and Wadi Rum camps are the biggest single costs.

Jordan is generally calm for visitors, with heavy security around sites and borders. The everyday risks are scams in Amman, pushy sellers at Petra and heat in the desert. Check your government's advisory before you fly.

Seven to ten days covers Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea without rushing. Petra deserves two nights, and Wadi Rum at least one night in camp.

It is usually worth it. The pass bundles the visa fee waiver with Petra entry and other sites, and pays for itself if you visit Petra and one or two more attractions.

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is cheap and sold everywhere, and hotels and restaurants generally use filtered supplies.

Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees suits most places, especially outside Amman and Aqaba. Bring layers for cold desert nights and sturdy shoes for Petra's steps.

No. Petra is three to four hours from Amman by road, and the site needs at least a full day. Stay in Wadi Musa for one or two nights instead.

JETT coaches link Amman with Petra, Aqaba and the Dead Sea, shared taxis cover shorter routes, and renting a car suits the King's Highway. Carry an IDP with your home licence.

911 covers police, ambulance and fire. Save it before you travel and keep your embassy's number handy as well.

Ramadan moves about eleven days earlier each year. Opening hours shift, some restaurants close in daylight, and the Eid holidays are busy — check dates before booking.

It is mid-range by regional standards. Petra entry, Dead Sea resorts and desert camps push costs up, while food, taxis and budget beds stay reasonable.

English is common in tourism, hotels and Amman, but less so in small towns and among older drivers. A few Arabic phrases go a long way.

Types C, D, F, G and J at 230 V 50 Hz. A universal adapter covers most devices; check your appliance's voltage.

Border crossings exist, but rules and opening hours change. Check current status with your embassy and allow extra time at the crossing.

Friday and Saturday. Government offices and some shops close on Friday, while many businesses reopen on Saturday.

It is strongly recommended, particularly if you plan to hike in Petra, Wadi Rum or Wadi Mujib. Make sure the policy covers the activities you intend to do.

Mansaf, maqluba, falafel, hummus and knafeh are the staples. Amman has the widest choice; smaller towns do simpler, cheaper versions.

Yes, in hotels, licensed restaurants and some bars, mainly in Amman and Aqaba. It is less common in smaller towns and during Ramadan.

Summer days in the Jordan Valley and Aqaba can pass 40 °C, while Amman and Petra sit around 25–33 °C. Start early and carry water.

You need a 4x4 or a guided tour to reach most of the desert, and camps arrange transfers. Independent driving is possible but not advised without desert experience.

Jordanian dinars are best for daily spending, and US dollars are widely accepted for tours and hotels. Change money in Amman or at the airport.

Yes, with planning. Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea work well for older children; long drives and heat are the main challenges for younger ones.

UTC+3 all year, with no daylight saving since 2022. That keeps clocks stable for planning flights and tours.