Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Region: Middle East / Levant
Capital: Amman
Major Cities: Amman, Aqaba, Zarqa, Irbid, Petra (Wadi Musa), Jerash, Madaba
Borders: Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea & Gulf of Aqaba, Israel & Palestine
Total Area: 89,342 sq km
Time Zone: Arabia Standard Time (AST) — UTC+3
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Language: Arabic, English very widely spoken
Religion: Islam & Christian minority
Climate: Mild winters, hot summers)
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Jordan’s crown jewel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. A magnificent ancient Nabataean city carved entirely into rose-red sandstone cliffs. The iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is unmissable.
One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Colonnaded streets, amphitheatres, temples, and triumphal arches dating back over 2,000 years.
Ancient Greco-Roman ruins overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and Syria — stunning panoramic views.
A vast, otherworldly desert landscape of towering red sandstone mountains and vast sand dunes. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made famous by Lawrence of Arabia and used as a backdrop for Hollywood films including The Martian and Dune.
Jordan’s Grand Canyon. A dramatic gorge nature reserve offering canyon trekking, swimming, and rappelling through running water. Called the “world’s lowest nature reserve.”
The lowest point on Earth at 430m below sea level. Float effortlessly in the hyper-saline waters. World-renowned for therapeutic and mineral-rich mud treatments
Jordan is very welcoming to tourists. Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and at major land and sea border crossings.
Visa on Arrival
The primary international gateway. Located 35km south of Amman city centre. Serves all major international airlines and is the hub of Royal Jordanian Airlines.
Serves the southern Red Sea resort city. Handles regional flights and growing European charter traffic.
Three crossings — Sheikh Hussein Bridge (North), King Hussein/Allenby Bridge (Central, near Amman), and Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin Crossing (South, near Aqaba/Eilat).
Durra and Mudawwara crossings — regularly used by travellers on the overland route.
Karameh/Trebil crossing in the northeast — mostly used for commercial transport.
Jaber/Nassib crossing — currently operating but check travel advisories before using.
Regular high-speed and conventional ferry services across the Gulf of Aqaba operated by AB Maritime. Journey time: 1 hour (fast ferry) to 3 hours (conventional). Recommended to book in advance during peak season.
The most common and convenient option in Amman and major cities. Metered by law — always insist the driver uses the meter. Starting fare approx. JOD 0.25.
Operate in smaller towns and on shared routes — negotiate fare before boarding
Comfortable, air-conditioned intercity coaches connecting Amman to Aqaba, Petra, and the Syrian border. Most popular with tourists and business travellers.
Very affordable shared minibuses running fixed routes within and between cities. Inexpensive but less comfortable and unpredictable schedules.
Available in Amman but routes can be confusing for tourists. Careem or yellow taxis are easier.
Sun City Camp, Wadi Rum — Luxury desert camp with a private bubble tent for stargazing — one of the most unique stays in the world.
JOD 60–130/night (USD 85–185).
JOD 20–40/night.
JOD 70–200/night.