If you think you’ll need to download a million documents, let us stop you right there.
In reality, entering Jordan is quite simple, as it’s a destination for many, many travelers.
But in this article, we won’t just tell you which documents you’ll need: we’ll also share a few interesting facts (though we think you may already know one of them) about this country.
What to know before traveling to Jordan
What documents do you need to travel to Jordan? Here’s the answer
This one’s easy!
As stated on the Viaggiare Sicuri website, you need two things to travel to Jordan:
- a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country;
- an entry visa.
After filling out a specific form, Italian citizens can apply for a tourist visa that allows them to stay in Jordan for up to ninety days, and it can be obtained in two ways:
- by contacting the Jordanian Consulate in Italy before departure;
- by requesting it at the destination airport.
The cost varies depending on how long you plan to stay: for example, a single-entry visa costs around €50, a double-entry visa about €70, while a visa valid for six months can cost up to €150.
This visa also requires payment of an immigration fee, except for those who hold the Jordan Pass, which, said like that, almost sounds like a VIP pass to an exclusive event.
But what exactly is the Jordan Pass?
It is an electronic pass that can only be issued to those staying in Jordan for at least three nights, and it grants free access to numerous points of interest across the country.
It is valid for up to one year after purchase, but it expires two weeks after activation; its cost varies depending on the length of your stay and, more specifically, on the number of days you plan to visit Petra (an archaeological site that may be mainstream by now, but is still incredible to see).
To give you an idea, the one-day Jordan Pass costs about €90 (equivalent to 70 Jordanian dinars).
For more information, here is the link to the official page.
What to know before going to Jordan: four interesting facts you (maybe) didn’t know
#1 Jordan is a tourist-friendly country
From visa-on-arrival counters to the Jordan Pass and warm hospitality, Jordan is definitely a tourist-friendly country.
The Jordan tourism website is well designed, functional, and a useful resource (unlike some other portals — yeah, we know).
And then there are the people: they are welcoming. Of course, there are always exceptions, but the vast majority of the people we interacted with were eager to answer questions and lend a hand.
That said, there are a few things to note before your trip regarding safety in Jordan: although it shares borders with Iraq and Syria, it has been relatively unaffected by the instability affecting the region, except for some isolated incidents in recent years. Terrorists have mainly targeted local security forces.
As a general rule, it is not advisable to travel near Jordan’s borders with Syria and Iraq, but the vast majority of visits within Jordan are trouble-free. Basically, it is important to be cautious when traveling abroad and always pay attention to your personal safety in Jordan (as in any other country).
Read also: “For Easter Monday I’m going to…” Forget the usual trips. Choose: Namibia or Sri Lanka?
#2 Jordan is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins (really?!)
Take Jerash, for example.
Located just 48 kilometers north of Amman, it is a remarkable landmark not to be missed.
The ancient Greco-Roman city was once entirely buried under sand, which helped preserve it in a remarkably intact state and in exceptional condition. It is even said that Jerash contains Greek inscriptions suggesting that the city was founded by Alexander the Great himself. Who would have thought that one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in the world would be found in the Middle East?
History enthusiasts should also explore the Amman Citadel or the huge Roman amphitheater that dominates the cityscape.
#3 Yes, you can visit Jordan during Ramadan
Traveling in Jordan during Ramadan is not very different from traveling there at any other time of year, with a few small exceptions.
As we all know, during Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn to sunset: this means that the opening hours of tourist sites, banks, shops, and restaurants may change slightly (for example, opening a bit later and closing earlier).
Alcohol is not sold (except in some large hotels and restaurants), and some venues may switch to a special Ramadan menu or buffet. As a sign of respect, you should also try to avoid eating, drinking (even water), or smoking in public during the month of Ramadan.
These are the only substantial differences: there is really no reason to be discouraged from traveling to Jordan during this period!
#4 You probably already know this one: be mindful of what you wear
One of the most important things to know before visiting Jordan is that it is a predominantly Muslim country, so modest clothing is recommended (you can save the leopard-print leggings and sequined top for another trip).
The general advice is to cover at least your knees and shoulders, and while we’re on the subject, it’s also a good idea to protect your skin with a good sunscreen to avoid sunburn during the hottest hours of the day!
Read also: 7 surprising facts about Morocco
Conclusions
In this article, we looked at which documents are needed to enter Jordan (generally speaking, just two).
Then, just to cover all bases, we shared a few insights about the country to help you get mentally prepared before departure.
Oh, by the way, did you know that we’ve organized an amazing tour that just so happens to stop in Jordan? Boom. Take a look at this link.
