The Jordanian Authorities have announced changes in the border crossing and visa requirements for entering Jordan via the Arava Border Crossing next to Eilat and Aqaba, since January 1, 2016. The changes might be confusing, but it is important to note that all of our tours to Petra continue to operate with minimal changes. This article is designed to keep you up to date with the changes in the border crossing and visa requirements and will be updated regularly with new information.
Last updated: April 2019
Border crossing and visa situation until now
Until now, the situation has been as follows:
- At the Arava Border Crossing, most nationalities have not been required to pre-arrange a visa (visa is granted on the spot) and the visa has been issued without charge. The fees for crossing the border are fees to the Israeli and Jordanian authorities which total $65 per person.
- Tours from Eilat to Petra, as well as many tours from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to Petra, cross via the Arava Crossing as the border crossing fees here are cheaper than the two northern crossings (Allenby and Sheikh Hussein/Beit Shean/River Jordan), and the journey to Petra is quicker.
- At the Beit Shean Border Crossing (AKA Sheikh Hussein/River Jordan), visas are also issued to most nationalities without charge, but border crossing fees are higher, a total of $107 per person
Border Crossing and Visa situation Since January 2016
Since January 1, 2016 the changes are as follows:
- The Arava Border Crossing does no longer issue visas to individual travelers. Tourists traveling on our tours will be able to receive a visa at the border for a $60 fee plus the existing $65 border crossing fee including assistance. Our tours to Petra will continue to operate.
- The Allenby and Beit Shean crossings will have the same procedures and pricing as before.
How our tours to petra will operate Since January 2016
- Tourist Israel is one of the leading operators of tours from Israel to Petra, and as such we are happy to announce that we will continue to operate tours to Jordan every day as before.
- All tours operate with no scheduling changes. Tours which previously crossed at the Arava Crossing will continue to do so, but for those who have not pre-arranged a visa in their country (no requirement), there will be a $60 border fee.
- The schedule on our website is updated, please review our tours to Petra from Israel and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with our team who are happy to help.
