Jordan

What awaits travellers in Jordan?

A classic route starts in Amman, runs via the King's Highway through Kerak and Madaba, or the direct Desert Highway, roughly 234 km south to Petra, continues around 100 km further into the Wadi Rum desert, and from there either to the Red Sea at Aqaba or back via the Dead Sea to Amman.

This page summarises Jordan's regions, the best time to travel, entry requirements (as of September 2026), health matters, and the structural security risks.

Sources: Jordan Tourism Board · Federal Foreign Office (Germany)

What kind of destination is Jordan?

Jordan borders Syria to the north, Iraq and Saudi Arabia to the east, Israel and the West Bank to the west, and has a short coastline on the Red Sea at Aqaba in the southwest. The country covers around 89,300 km² and has around 11.5 million inhabitants (as of 2023).

The Jordan River, which flows into the Dead Sea, forms part of the western border; a geological rift runs the length of the country from the Jordan Valley in the north to the Gulf of Aqaba in the south. Between Amman, at roughly 770 to 850 m elevation, and the Dead Sea, more than 440 m below sea level, lies barely 55 km of driving distance across more than 1,200 metres of elevation change.

The population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, alongside a small Christian minority concentrated mainly around Madaba, Kerak and Amman. Since the 1940s, Jordan has taken in several major waves of refugees from Palestine, Iraq and Syria; a significant share of today's population has Palestinian roots.

Which regions of Jordan are worth visiting?

Amman

Amman is built across several hills at roughly 770 to 850 m above sea level and is the starting point for almost every trip to Jordan. The Citadel on Jabal al-Qal'a has been continuously inhabited since the early Bronze Age, around 3,000 BC; surviving structures include the Roman Temple of Hercules from the 2nd century, the Umayyad Palace from the 8th century, and a Byzantine church.

At the foot of the neighbouring Jabal al-Joufah lies the Roman Theatre, seating around 6,000 people, built between 138 and 161 AD under Emperor Antoninus Pius; its semicircular tiers are arranged across three levels with 44 steps. The old town around the souk and the Rainbow Street neighbourhood capture present-day Amman between bazaar and cafe culture.

Petra

Petra was the capital of the Nabataeans in the 3rd century BC and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Access runs through the Siq, a gorge roughly 1.2 km long and in places just 3 m wide, leading to the most famous facade, the 39.5 m-high tomb of Al-Khazneh ("the Treasury") from the early 1st century AD. Well over 800 further monuments, tombs and a Roman theatre lie in the wider basin beyond it.

A complete circuit, including the climb to the Monastery, Ad-Deir (around 800 steps), takes a full day; a second day is worthwhile for the less-visited side valleys. On four evenings a week (Sunday to Thursday), "Petra by Night" opens the path to the Treasury by candlelight, with a separate ticket.

Wadi Rum

The Wadi Rum desert, a mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, lies around 100 km south of Petra and is known for its red sandstone cliffs, dunes and rock carvings more than 12,000 years old; as the "Valley of the Moon" it served as the backdrop for "Lawrence of Arabia" and several science-fiction films. Jeep tours with Bedouin guides visit Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon and the Um Frouth rock bridge.

Most visitors stay overnight in one of the many Bedouin camps, in tents under an open, star-filled sky; Wadi Rum lies in a zone with little light pollution. From here it is about 60 km, roughly an hour's drive, to the Red Sea at Aqaba.

Aqaba and the Red Sea

Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city and gateway to the Gulf of Aqaba, a narrow arm of the Red Sea with year-round warm water, ranging from around 21 °C in February to 28 °C in August. Of the 23 coral species endemic to the Red Sea, 11 have been recorded off Aqaba; the reefs here are considered more resilient to coral bleaching than other parts of the Red Sea.

Diving and snorkelling centres are mainly located south of the city near the Marine Park; in 2026 a stretch of coastline was additionally designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the Aqaba Marine Reserve. Wreck dives, such as to the Cedar Pride, a freighter deliberately sunk in 1985, round out the offering.

The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea lies around 55 km west of Amman, a bare hour's drive away, and at a water level of roughly 440 m below sea level (as of 2025, currently dropping by more than 1 m a year) is the lowest point on Earth. Salinity of up to 33% lets bathers float with almost no effort; mineral-rich mud is used for spa treatments at hotels along the shore near Sweimeh.

International hotel chains such as Kempinski, Mövenpick, Holiday Inn and Marriott run resorts with their own beach access directly on the shore; day visitors pay an entry fee at independent beach clubs for loungers and showers.

The King's Highway: Jerash, Madaba, Kerak

North of Amman, around 48 km away, lies Jerash, home to one of the best-preserved Roman ruined cities outside Italy: of once more than 1,000 columns, around 56 still stand, the oval forum covers 7,200 m², and the Cardo Maximus, the main colonnaded street, runs the length of the site.

South of Amman, the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in Madaba houses a Byzantine mosaic map from the 6th century, roughly 10.5 by 5 m and made up of 700,000 to 800,000 tesserae; it depicts Jerusalem, the Jordan River and the Dead Sea. Nearby lies Mount Nebo, from which, according to tradition, Moses looked out over the Promised Land, with a panoramic view across the Jordan Valley.

The Crusader castle of Kerak, built from 1142 onward at roughly 900 m elevation, is one of the largest Crusader fortifications in the Levant, with 16 towers and a length of around 220 m; it sits along the scenic but slower King's Highway, an alternative to the direct Desert Highway to Petra.

Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority · Jordan Tourism Board · Wikipedia

When is the best time to visit Jordan?

Highlands: Amman and Petra

Average daily highs and lows, and monthly rainfall. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station MARKA INTL (7 km, 779 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station MA'AN (37 km, 1069 m), auf 898 m umgerechnet. Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020.

Amman and the higher-lying Petra (898 m) stay cool through winter, with lows of around 4 to 6 °C in January and occasional frost on clear desert nights; most rain falls between November and March. In high summer (June to August), daytime highs in Petra climb to 34–37 °C with virtually no rainfall.

The Red Sea: Aqaba

Average daily highs and lows, and monthly rainfall. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station EILAT (6 km, 13 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020.

Aqaba on the Red Sea is noticeably warmer than the highlands year-round: daytime highs are still around 22 °C in January, and climb above 41 °C in July and August. That makes even the winter months suitable for a beach holiday on the Red Sea, while desert tours in Wadi Rum should be shifted to early morning or evening in high summer because of the heat.

The fasting month of Ramadan shifts around 11 days earlier each year; during this period, many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day. The Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha and the tourist high season around Easter bring higher prices and busier sights, particularly in Petra.

Sources: Jordan Tourism Board

What do you need to enter Jordan?

• Switzerland, Germany, Austria: Visa required, either as an e-visa in advance via eservices.moi.gov.jo or as a visa on arrival at Amman or Aqaba airport, costing 40 JOD.
• Jordan Pass: A combined ticket covering numerous sights including Petra; it includes the tourist visa, provided you book online before arrival and stay at least three nights in the country.
• Land border from Israel/the West Bank: Entry via the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Bridge) is subject to its own rules; short-notice closures and changed opening hours are possible, according to Germany's Federal Foreign Office.
• Other nationalities: Different rules apply; the relevant authority is the Jordanian immigration service or the appropriate Jordanian embassy.

A return or onward ticket is generally not checked on entry, but it is advisable to carry one. For longer stays of more than 14 days, an HIV test can be required according to healthytravel.ch; this requirement does not apply to Jordanian nationals or to holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Sources: Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) · Federal Foreign Office (Germany) · healthytravel.ch, Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine

What vaccinations and health precautions does Jordan require?

Medical care in Amman is of a good standard, partly private; in Petra, Wadi Rum and along the King's Highway it is more basic, with larger hospitals found only in Amman or Aqaba. Travel and medical evacuation insurance is advisable, especially for desert tours and water sports in the Red Sea.

The most common complaints are travellers' diarrhoea and sunburn; in the desert and at the Dead Sea it is important to drink enough water, since the highly saline water of the Dead Sea itself must never be drunk and stings on contact with eyes or open wounds.

Tap water should not be drunk outside Amman; bottled water is available everywhere. For diving in the Red Sea, a medical fitness-to-dive check before the trip is recommended.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) · healthytravel.ch, Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine

What is the security situation in Jordan?

Because of the proximity to conflict zones, the foreign ministries point to the risk of short-notice airspace closures, flight cancellations and border closures, for example at the King Hussein Bridge to Israel/the West Bank and along the Dead Sea Highway.

In the tourist centres themselves, the three foreign ministries mainly flag petty crime, traffic risks and occasional demonstrations linked to the Middle East conflict, with no targeted attacks on travellers reported in recent years. Avoiding US facilities and demonstrations is recommended as a precaution.

Sources: Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA (Switzerland) · Federal Foreign Office (Germany) · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA)

How do you get to Jordan and travel around the country?

Amman has year-round nonstop connections from several European hubs, including Frankfurt, London, Paris, Amsterdam and Vienna, operated among others by Royal Jordanian and Lufthansa; the longest nonstop route from Amman runs to Dallas–Fort Worth at around 13 h 55 min, operated by Royal Jordanian. From the Middle East, Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi serve as additional connecting hubs.

A domestic flight also connects Amman and Aqaba, the only route within Jordan, operated by Royal Jordanian. For round trips, a rental car or private driver is the most common option, since public buses between tourist destinations are infrequent and slow; JETT long-distance buses serve the main routes of Amman–Petra and Amman–Aqaba.

To drive yourself, you need an international driving permit in addition to your national licence; traffic and signage largely follow European standards, though driving style in the cities is more dense than many visitors are used to.

Sources: FlightConnections · Jordan Tourism Board

What money do you need in Jordan and how do you pay?

Credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and for the Jordan Pass; markets, small food stalls and Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum usually require cash. US dollars are sometimes accepted at tourist businesses as well, typically at a less favourable rate for visitors than the dinar.

Entry prices for Petra are significantly higher for day visitors who are not staying overnight in Jordan than for travellers who spend at least one night in the country; the Jordan Pass bundles the visa and the main entry fees into a flat price and is worthwhile for most round trips.

Tipping (baksheesh) is common but not obligatory: around 10% is customary in restaurants, unless a service charge is already included on the bill; drivers and guides appreciate a small extra in cash.

Sources: Wikipedia

Where is the best place to stay in Jordan?

Wadi Musa near Petra offers the widest range, from simple guesthouses to five-star hotels, many with views into the valley; those who want to be at the entrance early stay within walking distance of the visitor centre. In Aqaba, most hotels sit directly on the beachfront promenade or in the quieter districts south of the city near the dive centres.

In Wadi Rum, accommodation ranges from simple shared tents to "luxury bubbles" with glass domes for stargazing; overnighting at a camp is part of most desert tours and is booked through the jeep tour operators.

What do you eat in Jordan?

Mezze open almost every meal: hummus, mutabal (smoked aubergine puree), fattoush salad and fresh flatbread are all part of it. Maqluba, an "upside-down" dish of rice, vegetables and meat, along with grilled skewers (kebab, kofta), round out the main courses.

Meals often end on a sweet note with knafeh, a warm dessert of cheese and sugar syrup topped with pistachios; sweet tea with mint or sage, and strong, cardamom-spiced coffee (qahwa), are central to Jordanian hospitality.

Tap water in Amman is considered hygienically treated, though many travellers still prefer bottled water; outside the cities, bottled water is the safer choice.

What culture and customs shape Jordan?

Conservative dress is appreciated outside hotel grounds and beaches, for both women and men alike: shoulders and knees covered. In mosques, women additionally cover their hair, and shoes are removed before entering.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day is unwelcome; many restaurants outside the hotels remain closed during daylight hours. Alcohol is served in hotels, tourist restaurants and bars, while public consumption is strictly limited.

The right hand is traditionally considered the "clean" hand for eating and greeting; eating or handing something over with the left hand is best avoided. Photographing military and police facilities, as well as people without their consent, should also be avoided.

What experiences are worth having in Jordan?

• Petra on foot: The full circuit including the Monastery, Ad-Deir, takes a whole day; "Petra by Night" leads to the Treasury by candlelight on four evenings a week, ticket 30 JOD in addition to the day ticket.
• Wadi Rum: Half- or full-day tours in an open jeep to Lawrence's Spring and Khazali Canyon, combinable with camel riding, climbing or a sunrise balloon flight.
• Dead Sea: Floating in the salt water and mud treatments at the hotel beaches near Sweimeh; avoid eye contact with the highly saline water.
• Diving and snorkelling in Aqaba: Reefs and wrecks such as the Cedar Pride, a freighter sunk in 1985, with year-round water temperatures of 21 to 28 °C.
• Jordan Trail: A roughly 650 km long-distance trail from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south, walkable in stages of a few days or as a complete through-hike of 36 to 40 days.

For a day trip from Amman, Jerash with its Roman ruins, about 48 km to the north, or Madaba with its Byzantine mosaic map and Mount Nebo, about 30 km to the southwest, are both good options.

Sources: Jordan Trail Association · Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority

How do you travel responsibly in Jordan?

For tours through Wadi Rum and stays at Bedouin camps, it is worth choosing a local operator whose income benefits Bedouin families in the region directly; many camps are run by local families. Single-use plastic can be reduced with a reusable water bottle and refill stations available at hotels.

Sources: Jordan Trail Association

Which countries combine well with Jordan?

Egypt and the Sinai lie just a short ferry crossing away from Aqaba to Nuweiba across the Gulf of Aqaba, making them an easy addition without a major detour. Travellers exploring the Gulf states typically combine Jordan with the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia via a flight of a few hours.

Who is Jordan a good fit for, and who might it suit less well?

Families benefit from short driving distances between the main destinations and family-friendly experiences such as floating in the Dead Sea; for very young children, the long walking days in Petra and the summer desert heat can be a challenge.

Anyone who checks the current assessments from Switzerland's FDFA, Germany's Federal Foreign Office and Austria's BMEIA before travelling, and avoids the border regions with Syria and Iraq, stays within the established tourist routes; uncertain or very risk-averse travellers should reassess the situation shortly before departure.

Worth combining

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Turkey