Apply for Jordan Visa Online: Options and Entry Requirements

Before my first trip to Jordan, I wondered: Should I apply for a visa online in advance or is the Visa on Arrival sufficient upon arrival? Especially since I wanted to combine the trip with Israel, it was important to make the right decision.

In this article, I'll give you an overview of all the visa application options, explain the differences between online visa, Visa on Arrival, and the Jordan Pass. You'll also learn when each option is worthwhile and what pitfalls to be aware of.

On my first trip to Jordan, I opted for the Visa on Arrival. On my second trip, I applied for the eVisa in advance.

Visa Requirement: Citizens of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland need a visa to enter Jordan.
Visa on Arrival: Available at entry points in Amman or Aqaba, costing approximately 40 JOD (~ $52) for a 30-day visa.
eVisa or Embassy Visa: Also around 40 JOD, the cost is the same - Advantage: shorter wait time upon entry (apply online at the Jordanian Ministry of Interior)
Jordan Pass: Combines the visa (for entry through Amman/Aqaba) with entrance to over 40 attractions, including Petra - usually worth it.
My tip: If you plan to visit Petra independently, take the Jordan Pass. For a flexible arrival through Amman or Aqaba, Visa on Arrival is also sufficient.
You do not need a visa or Jordan Pass if you book with a US travel agency (I recommend Diamir).

Options for Applying for a Visa to Jordan

2.1 eVisa or Embassy Visa Before the Trip

You can apply for the eVisa directly online through the Jordanian Ministry of Interior's website. Applying through the Jordanian embassy in Washington, D.C. is also possible.

Cost: approximately 40 JOD (~ $52)
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
No waiting at entry
You have the assurance that your visa is already in hand
More effort before the trip
No cost savings compared to Visa on Arrival

2.2 Visa on Arrival

At international airports, especially Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and Aqaba Airport, you can obtain the visa upon entry.

Cost: approximately 40 JOD (~ $52)
Payment: usually cash in Jordanian Dinar (sometimes credit card payment is possible, but not always reliable).
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Very straightforward
No preparation needed
Possible waiting times
Not available at all border crossings

2.3 Jordan Pass - Visa and Attractions in One

The Jordan Pass is a combo solution and is the most convenient option for many travelers. It includes:

The visa for Jordan (when entering through Amman or Aqaba)
Entry to over 40 attractions, including Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and many museums
Cost: starting from 70 JOD (~ $92), depending on the number of days in Petra (1, 2, or 3 days).
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Savings on entry fees (entry to Petra alone costs about 50 JOD)
Visa already included
Everything is digital and pre-organized
Must be purchased online before the trip
Only valid when entering through Amman or Aqaba
Not worth it if you're doing a group tour, as Petra is often included

Advance Visa or Visa on Arrival - Which is Better?

Whether you prefer to apply for your visa online in advance or opt for Visa on Arrival depends greatly on your travel plans and personal preference. Pricing is the same for both, around 40 JOD (~ $52).

Advantages of eVisa or Embassy Visa

No waiting upon entry
Everything is organized before the trip
Convenient if you prefer not to be spontaneous

Disadvantages of eVisa or Embassy Visa

More effort before the trip
No cost savings compared to Visa on Arrival

Advantages of Visa on Arrival

Very straightforward upon arrival in Amman or Aqaba
Flexible, in case you change your travel plans last minute
No paperwork beforehand

Disadvantages of Visa on Arrival

Possible wait times at passport control
Only available at selected airports and border crossings

My Recommendation

If you enter through Amman or Aqaba, Visa on Arrival is usually sufficient - it is simple and costs the same as the eVisa.

However: Complications can always arise - whether it's due to long lines at passport control, technical issues when paying, or stricter checks. If you want to avoid such uncertainties, the eVisa is a safer choice because you already have your visa in hand before your trip.

In my experience, the Jordan Pass is the most practical and cost-effective solution once Petra is on your travel itinerary. It provides you with both visa and attractions in one package, saving you time and money.

Practical Tips for Entering Jordan

Fees & Payment

The visa fee is approximately 40 JOD (~ $52).
With Visa on Arrival, you typically need to pay in cash in Jordanian Dinar. While there are exchange offices and often card payment options at the airport, these do not always work reliably. My tip: Keep some cash on hand.

Passport & Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry.
A standard visa allows for a stay of 30 days.
An extension is possible but must be applied for in Jordan at the authorities.

Printout & Digital Copies

Even if the visa or Jordan Pass is stored digitally: Be sure to print out the confirmation. It is helpful to have a paper document for inspections along the way.
Also, save a digital copy of your visa and passport on your phone or in the cloud.

How to Use the Jordan Pass Correctly

The Jordan Pass must be purchased online before the trip.
Download the QR code directly to your phone and also as a PDF so you can easily show it at the attractions.

Tip for Complications

Even though Visa on Arrival usually works smoothly, there are always cases of long wait times or technical issues with payment. If you want to ensure everything goes smoothly, apply for your visa online in advance or go directly for the Jordan Pass.

When Are Visa Fees Waived for Jordan?

In certain cases, you may not have to pay the 40 JOD (approximately $52) visa fee. This can save you quite a bit of money. The following options are officially regulated:

Jordan Pass

If you purchase the Jordan Pass before your trip and stay at least 2 consecutive nights (3 days) in Jordan, the visa fee is completely waived. This is almost always worthwhile, as the pass additionally includes entry to over 40 attractions - including Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum.

Group Travel with Tour Operator

If you are traveling as part of a group trip (at least 5 people) with a Jordanian tour operator (often in collaboration with US operators), the visa fee is also waived. The condition is that you spend at least 2 nights in Jordan.

Entry via Land

Also, the visa fee is waived when entering through certain land borders, such as Aqaba (Wadi Araba Crossing), provided you stay at least 2 nights in the country.

My tip: If you want to visit Petra independently, the Jordan Pass is by far the easiest solution. You won't need to worry about anything else, the visa fee is automatically waived, and you will also save on entry fees.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for the eVisa for Jordan

If you want to avoid long wait times at entry or prefer to have everything settled before departure, I recommend the eVisa for Jordan. The application is straightforward and can be done entirely online. It took me 5 minutes. After another 5 minutes of waiting, my visa was confirmed.

Note: From the moment of visa confirmation, it is valid for 3 months. Entry must occur before the expiration date.

Here I will guide you step by step through the process.

At first, it's misleading because I thought I had to create an account. This is not the case. You can start right away by clicking on "Electronic Visas":

1. Check and Prepare Your Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry into Jordan. No visa will be issued without this prerequisite.

For the application, you only need the bio page of your passport to enter the data.

2. Start Application

Enter your personal information exactly as it appears in your passport. First name, last name (grandfather and father might be relevant for non-European countries, but these fields are not included in normal name formats in our region).
Select the category Tourist Visa (Three Months, Single Entry)

3. Pay Fees

The cost for the eVisa is approximately 40 JOD (~ $57). Payment is made online through the Jordanian payment system. You can pay with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, but not PayPal.

4. Confirmation via E-Mail

After processing, you will receive the approval as a PDF via email. It arrived very quickly for me.

Be sure to print this document and also save it digitally on your phone.

Here is what the document looks like:

8. Entry into Jordan

Upon entry, you present the printout of your eVisa and your passport. This usually makes the check faster than with Visa on Arrival.

Tip: Is the eVisa Worth It?

Pricing is the same as Visa on Arrival (both cost 40 JOD). The advantage of the eVisa: You avoid long wait times and are more secure in case of problems at entry.

If you also plan to visit Petra, I recommend the Jordan Pass. It includes the visa fee (for entry through Amman or Aqaba) and entrance to over 40 attractions. After just one visit to Petra, the pass saves you significantly.

Conclusion: My Recommendation for Your Jordan Visa

The good news: Obtaining the Jordan visa is uncomplicated - whether you apply for it online in advance or only upon entry.

Visa on Arrival: Convenient and fast if entering through Amman or Aqaba. Cost: 40 JOD.
eVisa: Costs the same, but saves you waiting time and potential complications at the border. Ideal if you prefer to have everything settled in advance.
Jordan Pass: My favorite. It includes the visa fee (for entry through Amman or Aqaba) and entrance to over 40 attractions - including Petra, which costs almost as much as the pass itself. This is only worth it if you are traveling independently.

If you stay at least 2 nights in the country, you can often completely waive the visa fee - for example, with the Jordan Pass or on a group trip with a tour operator.

My personal recommendation:

Buy the Jordan Pass if Petra or several attractions are on your list.
Use Visa on Arrival if you're only staying briefly and entering through Amman or Aqaba.
Apply for the eVisa if you want to avoid long wait times or potential complications upon entry.
You do not need a visa if you book with a US travel agency (I recommend Diamir).

With this, you are perfectly prepared for your entry into Jordan - and can fully focus on the highlights of the country.

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