Travel advice for Jordan
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Jordan
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Jordan blends ancient grandeur with gritty charm. Petra grabs the headlines – and rightly so – but there’s much more beyond the postcards. Think roadside falafel joints that blow your mind, Martian landscapes in Wadi Rum, and the surreal stillness of the Dead Sea. Amman’s chaos is half the fun, while the slower pace in places like Madaba or Dana gives you room to breathe. To help you dodge tourist traps, navigate desert roads, and eat like a local, these Jordan travel tips will keep you sharp on the ground.
The best time to visit Jordan depends on how you feel about heat, crowds, and desert dust in your shoes. There’s no monsoon season to dodge, but timing still makes a big difference. Jordan’s climate swings from blazing hot to surprisingly cold, and some months are far better suited to ruin-hopping and canyon hikes.
Pack accordingly: sunscreen and layers go hand in hand in Jordan. Deserts get hot by day and cold by night, and city weather shifts quickly with elevation.
Jordan can feel pricey compared to its neighbors – especially if Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum are on your list (and they should be). But if you plan well and eat like a local, you’ll get good value for your dinars.
Petra alone will set you back 50 JD (about $70) for a one-day ticket. That’s the biggest hit, but it’s worth every dinar. Jordan accommodations range from bare-bones hostels to desert ecolodges and international hotels. Expect to pay a bit more in Petra, Aqaba, and at the Dead Sea, where location drives prices up.
Yes – Jordan is one of the safest and most stable countries in the Middle East. Locals are famously hospitable, violent crime is rare, and police presence is visible without being overbearing. But safety isn't just about headlines – it’s about street-level reality. Here are some safety tips for Jordan that you should know before traveling.
Jordan’s crime rate is low. Most visits go off without a hitch. But don’t confuse safe with risk-free – petty theft does happen, especially in bus stations, crowded markets, and touristy areas like downtown Amman or outside Petra’s gates.
Women traveling solo are generally safe but may encounter unwanted attention – nothing violent, but expect stares or comments, especially in rural areas. Dressing modestly helps, and so does projecting confidence.
To stay sharp:
Jordan borders Syria, Iraq, Israel, and the West Bank. That sounds intense – but inside Jordan, it’s calm. The conflict zones are heavily policed, and travelers aren’t allowed anywhere near active borders. If you’re not actively trying to go rogue, you won’t accidentally stumble into trouble.
Jordan is relatively liberal by regional standards, but it’s still conservative. A few things to keep in mind:
Probably. But unless you’re from one of a handful of countries that get in free, the process is smooth and straightforward. Most travelers can get a visa on arrival or apply online through Jordan’s e-visa portal.
Visa on arrival is available at airports and most land borders for over 100 nationalities –including the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It costs 40 JD (around $56) and gives you 30 days in the country.
Rather skip the airport queue? Get an e-visa in advance at visitjordan.gov.jo. The price is the same, and it’s usually processed in a few days. Bring a printed copy – even if you’re going digital, Jordanian officials still love paperwork.
If you're visiting Petra, Wadi Rum, and a few other major sites, get the Jordan Pass before you arrive. It includes your visa fee (if you stay at least three nights in Jordan) plus entry to over 40 sites, including Petra, Jerash, and Amman’s Citadel.
It’s a solid deal and saves time at ticket counters. But don’t buy it if you’re skipping the big sights – it won’t pay off.
Standard tourist visas can be extended once, usually for another 60 days. Head to a police station with your passport before it expires. They may ask for proof of accommodation or a reason to stay. Be polite, patient, and dressed conservatively – this helps more than you'd think.
Overstaying your visa? You’ll be fined 1.5 JD per day. Pay it before leaving or face issues at the border.
Staying healthy in Jordan mostly comes down to staying hydrated, eating smart, and avoiding sunburn and stomach bugs. Medical care is solid in cities, but patchy in rural areas – so pack any essentials and don’t take chances. One of the more practical Jordan travel tips? Bring a basic first-aid kit and stick to bottled water outside the main towns.
Amman has good private hospitals and international clinics – places like the Arab Medical Center and Istishari Hospital offer reliable care. Outside the capital, clinics and hospitals exist but standards vary. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is a smart move.
Pharmacies are everywhere, even in small towns, and staff often speak basic English. You can buy common meds without a prescription, including antibiotics, but brand names may differ. Bring anything specific you rely on – especially for allergies or chronic conditions.
You won’t need any jabs to enter Jordan, but check with a travel clinic if it’s been a while since your last boosters. Recommended:
No malaria risk in Jordan. No need for antimalarials.
Tap water isn’t reliably safe to drink – locals boil it or use filters. Stick to bottled or purified water, including for brushing your teeth. Most hotels provide this, and bottled water is cheap and everywhere.
Food-wise, Jordan’s hygiene standards are decent, especially in cities. Street food in Amman and Madaba is fair game – just aim for places with high turnover and a queue.
To avoid stomach trouble:
If you do get hit with a stomach bug, pharmacies stock oral rehydration salts and antidiarrheals, or bring your own from home.
The biggest health risk in Jordan? The heat. It creeps up on you in the desert, especially in Wadi Rum or Petra. Heatstroke is a real risk – carry water, cover your head, and don’t overdo it on hikes. Early starts and shaded breaks are your best friends.
Sunburn sneaks up fast, especially with the high altitude and dry air. Use sunscreen – even in winter – and reapply often.
Jordan doesn’t have much in the way of dangerous wildlife, but still:
Jordan, Petra @ Shutterstock
Jordan is welcoming and used to visitors, but it’s still a conservative, tradition-minded country. A bit of cultural awareness goes a long way – locals appreciate travelers who show respect and know when to dial it down. You don’t need to walk on eggshells, just know the boundaries.
Jordan isn’t as strict as some of its neighbors, but modest clothing matters – especially outside of Amman. Women should cover shoulders and knees, and tight or revealing clothes can draw unwanted attention. Men: leave the tank tops for the beach, which, by the way, isn’t really a thing here.
Jordanians are polite, generous, and take greetings seriously.
If you’re invited to someone’s home (which happens more often than you'd expect), take off your shoes and bring a small gift – sweets or something from your home country is always appreciated.
Jordan is a don’t-make-a-scene culture. Loud arguments, PDA, or drunken antics don’t go down well. Drinking alcohol is legal in many places, but being visibly drunk in public is a big no.
Food is serious business, and hospitality is a point of pride. Expect to be offered tea or coffee even if you’ve just popped into a shop.
Islam shapes daily life in Jordan, even if you don’t see it front and center. Call to prayer happens five times a day, and Friday is the main holy day – expect some shops and restaurants to open late.
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s expected in tourist-facing services.
Jerash, Jordan @ Shutterstock
Absolutely – if you're after ancient cities, desert adventures, and a warm welcome, Jordan delivers for all ages. You won’t find theme parks or costumed mascots, but kids who like climbing ruins, camel rides, or floating in salty water will be in their element. Just be ready for heat, uneven ground, and a slower pace in rural areas.
Petra is the star of the show, and yes – it’s kid-friendly if you pace it right. The main trail is walkable (or ridable by donkey, if you're feeling brave), and clambering around ancient tombs feels like real-life treasure hunting. Go early to beat the heat and crowds, and don’t try to see everything in one day.
Wadi Rum is pure adventure. Sleeping in a Bedouin-style tent, riding in a jeep across the red sand, or watching stars explode across the desert sky – all kid-approved. Desert camps range from basic to full-on glamping, so pick what suits your crew.
The Dead Sea is surreal and fun – kids love floating like corks, but make sure they don’t dunk their heads. Salt in the eyes = immediate regret. Some resorts have pools and shallow areas, which are great for younger ones.
Aqaba on the Red Sea offers beaches, snorkeling trips, and glass-bottom boats. If your kids like water, it’s a good spot to chill after temple overload.
Amman works as a base, with Roman ruins to scramble over, family-run cafés, and a few parks for down time. But traffic is wild – cross roads with care and don’t expect much in the way of playgrounds.
Jordan isn’t built with strollers in mind – think uneven pavements, stone steps, and narrow alleys – so baby carriers are your friend.
Jordanian food is family-friendly: hummus, rice, grilled chicken, flatbreads, falafel – easy wins for picky eaters. Spices tend to be mild, and locals are quick to adapt dishes if you ask. High chairs are hit-and-miss, but no one will blink if your toddler’s throwing fries on the floor.
Jordan is safe, but the usual travel-with-kids common sense applies:
Jordan Desert @ Shutterstock
Jordan’s not huge, but it packs in ancient cities, desert drama, and holy sites by the truckload. Whether you're into Roman ruins, canyon hikes, or just floating in saltwater, here’s the best places to visit in Jordan – and why it’s worth your time.
Amman, Jordan @ Shutterstock
Jordan might look compact on a map, but don’t underestimate how much ground there is to cover – or how much time you’ll want to catch your breath between canyons and crusader castles. The best trip isn’t always the most packed one. Let the landscapes – and the tea breaks – set your pace.
Ask yourself:
Jordan Trail @ Shutterstock
Planning a trip to Jordan isn’t just about plotting dots on a map – it’s about understanding the pace. Sure, Jordan’s a small country, but distances take time, the terrain can be tough, and the best experiences often come when you slow down. A well-paced Jordan itinerary lets you soak in Petra without rushing, catch your breath in Dana, and actually enjoy that mint tea in Wadi Rum instead of chugging it between stops.
Whether you're here for ancient cities, wild landscapes, or a road trip through mountain passes and Bedouin camps, the key is not to cram too much in. Give yourself room to breathe, plan smart – and leave space for the unexpected.
Your timeframe shapes your trip. A week gets you the big hitters. Ten days adds depth. Two weeks? That’s when you start finding Jordan’s quiet corners.
Jordan rewards curiosity. Go beyond Petra and you’ll find spice markets, Roman theaters, canyon hikes, and desert silence. Think about what you’re actually into – not just what looks good in photos.
Into history and ruins?
Desert and nature?
Chill and recharge?
Jordan isn’t built for spontaneous transport. Buses exist, but they’re slow and don’t hit remote places. If you want flexibility and comfort while getting around Jordan, rent a car or hire a driver.
Jordan has real seasons. They matter.
Petra hotels fill up fast in high season. Same with Wadi Rum camps and holiday weekends across the region. Book these first:
Everything else? You can book as you go. Jordan runs on WhatsApp and word of mouth – especially for local drivers, guesthouses, and last-minute tours.
King Highway, Jordan @ Shutterstock
Jordan isn’t just Petra and Wadi Rum on fast-forward. This is a country that rewards patience – where lingering over coffee with a stranger can be more memorable than checking off another ruin. If you want to actually feel Jordan, not just see it, slow down.
Start in Amman, but don’t treat it like a layover. Wander Rainbow Street at your own pace, eat your weight in hummus and knafeh, and visit the citadel at dusk when the city lights start to flicker. Head into the quieter neighborhoods – like Jabal al-Weibdeh – for galleries, shisha cafés, and life beyond the guidebook.
Take the King’s Highway south instead of the faster Desert Highway. It twists through small towns, farmland, and canyons, with detours to places like Dana, Shobak Castle, or random roadside fruit stands. The route itself becomes the experience.
In Wadi Rum, skip the day trip. Spend a night or two in a desert camp, ride out with a Bedouin guide, hike a dune at sunrise, and actually listen to the silence. The same goes for Dana Biosphere Reserve – a night here in an ecolodge or village homestay beats any five-star hotel.
Key to slow travel in Jordan?
Jordan isn’t a place where you can just tap and go – at least not everywhere. Cash is king, especially once you’re out of Amman.
Petra, Jordan @ Shutterstock
Jordan is one of the safer countries in the region, and scams are rare compared to more tourist-saturated destinations. But where there are travelers, there’s always a bit of hustle. Most of it is mild – more pushy than dangerous – but staying alert keeps things smooth.
If something feels off, walk away with a smile. Jordanians are proud but polite – firm kindness gets you further than confrontation.
Jordan’s hospitality is legendary, but being a respectful traveler means more than saying thank you. It’s about understanding the culture, supporting communities, and leaving no trace – especially in places where tourism’s impact cuts both ways.
Azraq Wetland Reserve, Jordan @ Shutterstock
Most travelers take the fast Desert Highway, but the King’s Highway is where the good stuff is – winding mountain roads, tiny towns, roadside falafel, and dramatic views over Wadi Mujib and the Dana Biosphere. It’s slower, sure, but far more scenic. Break up the drive with stops at Shobak Castle or a village café. You’ll see fewer tour buses and more of real Jordan.
Friday is the holy day, so expect closed museums, late-opening shops, and quiet streets until afternoon prayers are over. Don’t count on early transport either. It’s a great day to explore rural spots, relax in a café, or join the locals at a park or picnic site. Planning ahead for Friday means you won’t waste half a day waiting for things to reopen.
Tea in Jordan isn’t just a drink, it’s a ritual. Whether you’re in a market or a desert camp, when someone offers you tea, they’re offering hospitality – not trying to sell you something (well, not always). Sit, sip slowly, and talk. Rushing through it is rude, and you’ll miss what makes Jordan tick: warm, generous people who value connection over schedule.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Jordan
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