Jordan travel FAQ

Jordan remains generally calm and welcoming, but the regional situation is tense as of November 2026. Check UK FCDO, US State Department or your own government's advice before travelling and follow local authorities' instructions.

The Jordanian dinar (JD), pegged at about US$1.41.

Yes for taxis, small shops and Wadi Rum; cards work in most hotels and restaurants.

Widely in tourism, hotels and restaurants.

Yes, via the Sheikh Hussein, Wadi Araba or King Hussein (Allenby) crossings. Visa on arrival is possible only at Sheikh Hussein for eligible nationalities; at Wadi Araba you need a visa in advance unless you hold a Jordan Pass, and at King Hussein (Allenby) always in advance — see visa.

It is treated, but most visitors drink bottled or filtered water.

Seven days covers the classic route — Amman, the Dead Sea, two days in Petra, a night in Wadi Rum and Aqaba or Madaba. Ten days adds Jerash, the King's Highway and Dana; two weeks lets you add the north, the desert castles and more hiking. Four or five days is possible but rushed. See our itineraries.

Almost always, if you visit Petra and stay long enough for the visa-fee waiver (at least two whole nights, per the official jordanpass.jo site). The pass costs JD 70–80 and covers the JD 40 visa fee plus Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum and more than 40 other sites. See Jordan Pass.

A candlelit walk through the Siq to the Treasury with music, narration and, since May 2025, projections on the facade. As of November 2026 the official site lists it from Sunday to Thursday, 8:30–10:30 PM local time, JD 30 per adult (children under 10 free), not included in the Jordan Pass; you also need a daytime Petra ticket. See Petra.

As of November 2026, foreign visitors staying at least one night in Jordan pay JD 50 for one day, JD 55 for two and JD 60 for three days; day visitors without an overnight stay pay JD 90. Children under 12 enter free. The Jordan Pass includes Petra.

Yes, if you possibly can. The sunset, the stars and the silence of a desert camp are the highlight of many trips. Choose a traditional Bedouin camp for atmosphere or a bubble dome for comfort; book a jeep tour with the camp. See where to stay in Wadi Rum.

Easily. The resorts are 45–60 minutes from West Amman by taxi, Uber or Careem, or on a half-day tour. Use a public beach such as Amman Beach or buy a resort day pass, and arrange your return transport in advance.

No, but it helps. A car gives freedom on the King's Highway and for the Dead Sea and desert castles; without one, use JETT coaches between Amman, Petra and Aqaba, camp transfers in Wadi Rum, and tours or drivers for the rest. See getting around.

April and October are ideal across the country; March, May and November are also excellent. Winter (December–February) is quiet and good for the Dead Sea and Aqaba but cold in Petra and Amman. Summer is hot but workable with early starts. See weather.

Sites, hotels and tourist restaurants stay open, but daytime life is quieter and you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight. Evenings are festive. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February and end around 9 March (moon-sighting dependent). See events.

Clothes that cover shoulders and knees are respectful in towns, villages and religious sites for both men and women; women need a headscarf only in mosques. Swimwear is fine at resorts and beach clubs. Bring layers — desert and mountain nights are cool.

Cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops in Amman, Aqaba and Petra. Carry cash in dinars for taxis, small shops, Wadi Rum camps, tips and rural guesthouses; ATMs are common in towns but scarce in the countryside.

Strongly recommended. Private hospitals expect payment or insurance, and adventure activities such as canyoning, diving and desert trips should be covered. Check that your policy is valid given your government's travel advice.

Only with approval obtained at least 10 working days before you travel; otherwise drones are held at the airport until you leave (UK FCDO, November 2026).

911 for police, ambulance and civil defence.

Yes. Jordanians are very welcoming to children; floating in the Dead Sea, jeep tours in Wadi Rum, snorkelling in Aqaba and exploring Petra and Jerash are big hits. Plan shorter days in the heat and bring a carrier rather than a buggy for Petra.

Moderately. Entrance fees (especially Petra) and international hotels are the big costs; food, taxis and family-run hotels are good value. The Jordan Pass cuts the cost of fees and the visa.

Yes — one long day shows the Siq, the Treasury, the Royal Tombs and, if you are fit, the Monastery. Two days is far better and costs only JD 5 more for the ticket.

By rental car or driver on the Desert Highway (about 3 hours), by the JETT tourist coach, or on a day or multi-day tour. See getting to Petra.

Wadi Rum is a well-established tourist area with camps run by local Bedouin families. Book through reputable camps, agree on the itinerary in advance and keep valuables secure.

No, but a licensed guide for the first few hours adds a lot. Hire one at the Visitor Centre or book in advance; some back trails are guided only.

Jordan uses UTC+3 all year, with no daylight-saving changes.

Yes — the UK FCDO says travellers with Israeli stamps do not usually have difficulties entering Jordan.

230 V; you will find European two-pin and British three-pin sockets, so bring a universal adapter.

Ride-hailing is reliable mainly in Amman; in Wadi Musa and around Wadi Rum, use local taxis, hotel drivers and camp transfers.