Translate
Overview
Jordan is a small, largely desert country in the heart of the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. Despite its modest size, it holds an extraordinary concentration of historical and natural landmarks — from Nabataean rock-cut architecture to Roman-era cities to one of the lowest points on Earth.
The country has maintained relative political stability in a turbulent region, and it has a long-established tourism industry built around heritage travel. Amman, the capital, functions as the main gateway and blends a modern, walkable urban core with layers of history stretching back millennia.
Jordan's landscapes shift dramatically: the northern highlands are green and Mediterranean in character, the Jordan Valley is agricultural and warm, the eastern plateau gives way to true desert, and the south opens into the dramatic sandstone canyons of Wadi Rum and the coral-fringed coast at Aqaba. This variety, packed into a country roughly the size of Indiana, rewards even short visits with genuine diversity.
Before You Go
Visas
Jordan's entry requirements vary by nationality, and some travelers are eligible for visas on arrival while others must apply in advance. Verify the current rules for your passport through TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official website of the Jordanian Ministry of Interior or nearest Jordanian embassy before traveling. The Jordan Pass, a tourism product that bundles an entry visa with admission to many sites including Petra, is worth researching if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations are required for most travelers arriving from standard destinations, but routine immunizations should be up to date. Consult a travel medicine clinic or your physician at least four to six weeks before departure. Tap water in cities is technically treated but many visitors and residents drink bottled water; verify locally. Pharmacies are well-stocked in Amman and major towns.
Money
The Jordanian Dinar is divided into 1,000 fils and is pegged to the US dollar, making exchange rates predictable. ATMs are widely available in Amman and tourist hubs. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and established shops, but cash is expected in souks, smaller restaurants, and rural areas. Confirm current fee structures with your bank before departure.
What to pack
- Modest, lightweight clothing; shoulders and knees covered is advisable outside beach resorts
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites with uneven terrain
- Sun protection: hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential
- A warm layer for desert evenings, which turn cold year-round
- A small Arabic phrasebook or offline translation app
Getting There
By air
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman is Jordan's primary international hub, served by Royal Jordanian and numerous international carriers. Aqaba's King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in the south handles a smaller volume of regional and some charter flights and is convenient if you are beginning your trip in Wadi Rum or diving at the Red Sea.
Overland
Jordan shares land border crossings with Israel and the Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Each crossing has its own hours, procedures, and political considerations that can change; verify the latest situation through your government's travel advisory service before planning an overland entry. Buses and shared taxis (service taxis) connect Amman to Syrian, Iraqi, Saudi, and Egyptian destinations, though schedules and availability fluctuate.
By sea
A ferry service operates between Aqaba and the Egyptian port of Nuweiba on the Sinai Peninsula. Journey times and schedules vary; confirm current timetables and booking requirements directly with the ferry operator before travel.
Getting Around
Within Amman
Amman is a hilly, sprawling city. Ride-hailing apps (Careem and Uber both operate here) are generally the most practical option for visitors. Yellow metered taxis are widely available; insist the meter is used or agree on a fare before departure. Public minibuses cover much of the city but routes can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Between cities and sites
JETT and other intercity bus companies operate comfortable, air-conditioned coaches between Amman and major destinations including Aqaba, Petra (Wadi Musa), and the King Hussein Bridge border crossing. Service taxis depart when full from specific stations in Amman and are faster but less predictable. Renting a car is efficient for travelers wanting flexibility, especially for the Desert Highway south or the King's Highway route through Madaba, Kerak, and Petra — a scenic alternative that adds significant travel time but reveals far more of the country.
Local tips
- The King's Highway (Route 35) between Amman and Petra is longer but passes through historically rich towns; the Desert Highway (Route 15) is faster
- Petra itself is navigated entirely on foot; some steep sections require time and physical effort
- In Wadi Rum, transportation is exclusively by 4WD vehicle or camel, arranged through local Bedouin operators or your accommodation
Things to See & Do
Petra
The ancient Nabataean capital carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs is Jordan's defining landmark and one of the most recognized archaeological sites in the world. The main approach through the Siq gorge, emerging at the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), is iconic, but the site extends far beyond — the colonnaded street, royal tombs, Byzantine church, and the grueling but rewarding climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) all reward exploration. Allow at least two full days to go beyond the main trail. Petra by Night, a candlelit walk through the Siq offered on certain evenings, is a popular addition; verify the current schedule and admission on arrival.
Wadi Rum
This UNESCO-listed protected area of desert valleys and towering sandstone mountains is the landscape that starred as Mars in several films. Visitors typically book a half-day or full-day 4WD tour, a multi-day camel trek, or an overnight stay at a Bedouin camp under some of the darkest skies in the region. Rock climbing, scrambling, and sandboarding are also available through local operators.
Jerash
North of Amman, Jerash contains one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities outside Italy, with colonnaded streets, temples, theaters, and triumphal arches largely still standing. It is manageable as a half-day trip from Amman.
The Dead Sea
At roughly 430 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth's surface. The extreme salt concentration makes floating effortless and swimming conventional impossible. Several resort hotels along the Jordanian shore provide private beach access with amenities; public access points also exist. The mineral-rich black mud is a traditional skin treatment. Note that the sea has been shrinking due to water diversion; the landscape reflects this.
Additional highlights
- Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qala'a): Roman temple, Umayyad palace, and the excellent Jordan Archaeological Museum occupy this hilltop overlooking downtown
- Madaba: Known for a 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land still visible in the floor of St. George's Church
- Mount Nebo: Traditionally identified as the site where Moses viewed the Promised Land; offers panoramic views across the Jordan Valley on clear days
- Aqaba: Jordan's only coastal city, on the Red Sea, is a base for scuba diving and snorkeling over reefs within close reach of the shore
- Ajloun Castle: A 12th-century Ayyubid fortress in the northern highlands, built by Saladin's forces
Food & Drink
What to eat
Jordanian cuisine is rooted in Levantine and Bedouin traditions. Mansaf — lamb slow-cooked in fermented dried yogurt (jameed) and served over rice with flatbread — is the national dish and central to celebratory meals. Mezze spreads of hummus, mutabbal (smoky eggplant dip), fattoush salad, kibbeh, and stuffed vine leaves accompany most social eating. Falafel and foul (stewed fava beans) are staple street breakfasts.
Maqluba (an upside-down rice, vegetable, and meat dish), musakhan (chicken roasted with caramelized onions and sumac on taboon bread), and grilled meats (kofta, shish tawook, lamb chops) appear widely on restaurant menus. In Aqaba, fresh fish and seafood are local specialties.
Drinks
Jordan is a majority-Muslim country with a pragmatic approach to alcohol: beer, wine, and spirits are legally available and sold at licensed restaurants, hotels, and dedicated liquor stores, primarily in Amman, Aqaba, and tourist hotels. Outside these settings, alcohol may be unavailable. Arabic coffee (qahwa), flavored with cardamom and often served unsweetened, is a gesture of hospitality; refusing it repeatedly can be considered impolite in traditional settings. Mint tea, fresh-squeezed juices, and laban (a thin yogurt drink) are widely enjoyed.
Practical notes
- Tipping is customary in restaurants where service is not included; 10% is a common benchmark
- During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is respectful to avoid; many restaurants adjust their hours
- Vegetarian travelers can eat well from mezze selections, though clarify that dishes are meat-free, as some are prepared with meat-based stocks
Practical Information
Emergency contacts
Verify current emergency numbers locally on arrival. The general emergency number in Jordan is 911 for police, fire, and ambulance as of recent reports, but confirm this is still operational. The numbers 192 (police) and 193 (civil defense/fire) have historically also been in use — check at your hotel.
Electricity
Jordan uses 230V, 50Hz electricity. The most common socket type is the UK-style three-pin (Type G), though Type C and Type D sockets also appear. Carry a universal travel adapter.
Connectivity
Mobile network coverage is good in Amman and major tourist corridors. Local SIM cards are available at the airport and in city phone shops; passport required for registration. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, many cafés, and some archaeological sites.
Useful apps and resources
- Jordan Tourism Board (visitjordan.com) — verify the current URL before travel
- Careem and Uber for ride-hailing in Amman
- Offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) for areas with limited connectivity
Hours and closures
Friday is the Islamic holy day; government offices and many businesses reduce hours or close. Petra and major archaeological sites generally remain open daily, but verify locally. During Ramadan, business and restaurant hours shift significantly.
Safety
Jordan is generally considered one of the more stable and safe countries in the Middle East for travelers, and it has a long track record as a tourism destination. Street crime targeting tourists is uncommon, though standard urban precautions — awareness of surroundings, securing valuables, not displaying large amounts of cash — apply in Amman and crowded areas.
Petty scams around major tourist sites (overcharging for transportation, misleading offers to "show you the site") do occur; agree on prices in advance and use established operators where possible. Solo female travelers report Jordan as manageable but note that verbal harassment in some public spaces is not uncommon; many choose to travel with others or dress conservatively to reduce unwanted attention.
Jordan shares borders with Syria and Iraq, which have experienced ongoing conflict. Border regions in the north and east carry elevated risk; check your government's current travel advisory for specific areas before finalizing plans. The Jordan-Israel border crossings are operational but carry specific procedures; review the current situation through official sources.
Always register with your country's embassy or use your government's traveler registration program before departure.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Religion and daily life
Islam is Jordan's official religion, practiced by the majority of the population. A Christian minority, concentrated in some central and northern towns, has been present for centuries. The Jordanian constitution guarantees freedom of worship, and religious tolerance is a stated national value. The call to prayer marks five daily intervals across cities and towns.
Dress and behavior
Modest dress is expected outside resort pools and beaches. In cities, covering shoulders and knees is advisable for both men and women, particularly when visiting mosques, religious sites, or smaller towns. At Red Sea beach resorts, swimwear is appropriate at the waterfront. Removing shoes before entering mosques and some homes is expected; follow the lead of your host.
Hospitality
Jordanian hospitality (known in Arabic as 'karam') is a genuine cultural value, not a tourism performance. Being offered tea, coffee, or a meal by strangers is common and sincere. Accepting, even briefly, is a sign of respect. Public displays of affection between couples — local or foreign — are generally kept restrained outside very tourist-focused environments.
Photography
Photograph people only with their explicit permission. Military installations, border areas, and some government buildings should not be photographed; heed any posted signs or instructions from officials.
