Middle East
Jordan
Compact and rewarding: Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Amman are a few hours apart, and people are hospitable. Regional conflict (2026 strikes) and harassment of women need managing.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa10 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyJODUS$1 ≈ JD0.71Details
- Price level42%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, D, F, G, J, B230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency911All emergencies 911
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledWater is scarce, rationed and stored in rooftop tanks; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalLegal since 1951 but socially hostile; authorities censor LGBTQ+ content and other laws can be used against public affection.Details
- Internet194 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 46 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightBring an IDP (1949 convention) with your home licence; speed cameras and checkpoints are common.
Where to go in Jordan
6 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PetraTown | 4/5 | $1,410–2,260 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 52/100 |
| AmmanCapital city | 4/5 | $1,690–2,820 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 35/100 |
| Wadi RumRegion | 4/5 | $1,410–2,400 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 47/100 |
| Dead SeaRegion | 4/5 | $2,120–3,530 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | 18/100 |
| AqabaCity | 3/5 | $1,550–2,540 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 31/100 |
| MadabaTown | 4/5 | $1,270–1,970 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 58/100 |
When to visit Jordan
March–May and September–November. Summer is very hot at Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Aqaba; Amman winters are cold, sometimes snowy.
Good to know
Entry
- Most visitors buy a visa on arrival at airports; staying three nights or more, the Jordan Pass covers the visa fee plus Petra entry.
- No visa on arrival at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge from the West Bank: arrange it in advance.
- Staying over 14 days? Register with police (biometrics) or pay a fine on departure.
- Passport must be valid six months; Israeli stamps usually cause no problems.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Being inside Petra after closing time is an offence; tourists have been arrested.
- Drinking alcohol on the street is illegal; bars, hotels and homes only.
- Encouraging Muslims to convert to another religion is illegal.
Etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees, especially outside Amman and at religious sites.
- Accept tea or coffee when offered; refusing outright can seem rude.
- In Ramadan, don't eat, drink or smoke in public by day.
- Ask before photographing people, especially women.
Tipping
Expected in tourism: about 10% in restaurants (check for a service charge), tips for guides and drivers; round up taxis.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Jordan
- Jordan Pass
- Jordan Ministry of Interior e-visa
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.