🇯🇴 Jordan visa requirements

Most Western passports get you 30 days on arrival. Some others need pre-approval.

Who gets Jordan visa-free, and who doesn't?

Good news for many. If you hold a passport from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, most EU countries, or most Latin American countries, you can get a visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) or any other major border crossing. This typically grants you 30 days of entry. Don't confuse this with visa-free; you still pay a fee at the border.

For citizens of a few countries, like China, India, or Pakistan, you'll need to apply for your visa in advance. This can be done through a Jordanian embassy or consulate in your home country. Some nationalities might require specific prior approval, so it’s always best to check the Ministry of Interior’s website or contact the Jordanian embassy in your region if you're unsure. The online eVisa system is expanding its reach, but not all nationalities are covered yet.

Jordan stay limits and hidden costs

That 30-day visa on arrival is your standard entry point. It's usually a single-entry visa. If you plan to leave Jordan and re-enter, you’ll need a new visa and pay the fee again. This is where people get caught out. Many budget travellers try to do day trips to Israel or Palestine and expect to come back on the same stamp. That won't work.

Overstaying your visa is where things get expensive. While Jordan is generally lenient, don't push it. For the first few days over your 30-day limit, you might just get a stern warning and a small fine. However, after a week or two, penalties can escalate. Expect fines of around 1.5 JOD per day of overstay. If you overstay significantly, you could face detention or deportation. Always ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and blank pages.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp?

Officially, Jordan’s tourist visa doesn't permit employment or remote work activities that could be construed as earning income within the country. However, the enforcement of this for digital nomads is… inconsistent. Most remote workers operating on a tourist stamp don't face issues, especially if they're discreet, staying in short-term accommodation, and not advertising their services locally.

The authorities are more concerned with people trying to establish long-term residency or engage in formal employment without the proper work permits. As long as you're not drawing attention, paying your bills, and planning to leave within your visa duration, you're unlikely to encounter problems. Just don't expect to register a business or open a local bank account with just a tourist stamp.

What’s new with Jordan’s entry rules?

Jordan has been rolling out an eVisa system over the past few years. This aims to streamline the application process for eligible nationalities before arrival, potentially saving time at the airport. You can check the official eVisa portal to see if your nationality is supported and apply online. Fees are generally similar to the visa on arrival, around 40 JOD for the standard 30-day tourist visa.

There haven't been massive shifts in visa-free access for major Western blocs recently. The core policy of 30-day visas on arrival for most European and North American citizens remains. Keep an eye on the official Ministry of Interior website for any updates on eVisa eligibility or changes to border crossing procedures, as these can be adjusted with little notice.