Entering Jordan via Land Borders with Israel

It is relatively easy to enter Jordan from Israel, and it is a cheaper alternative to flying. Many people who are visiting Israel opt to see Jordan with a tour. If that is the case, although they will pass through a border crossing, the experience tends to be a bit smoother with no need to coordinate transport since it is already taken care of. Sometimes transportation from the border can be tricky.

Those crossing the border into Jordan from Israel are required to have a visa. Visas can be purchased at the border if crossing at Jordan River Border Crossing or the Wadi Araba Border Crossing, while they need to be pre-arranged for the Allenby Border Crossing (near Jerusalem). Anyone with a valid passport can obtain a visa at any Jordanian embassy or consulate abroad.

Each border crossing charges a border fee of 230 NIS.

Still, entry via the land borders is generally simple and there are transportation options to Jordan’s major tourist sites.

Entering Jordan via the Allenby Border Crossing

The Allenby, or King Hussein Border Crossing, is located between Jerusalem and the Jordanian capital of Amman.

• On the Israeli side, you pass through an airport-style security terminal
• Lines for crossing from Israel into Jordan tend to be very long
• A visa is required and cannot be purchased at the border. Travelers should make arrangements beforehand to obtain a visa to enter the country. (There is a Jordanian embassy in Ramat Gan)

Useful Information
The Allenby Border Crossing is open from Sunday to Thursday between 08:00 and 17:00, Friday between 08:00 and 15:30, and closed on Saturdays. It is closed on Yom Kippur and the first day of the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice.

Transport at the crossing

• You will have to take a 15-20 minute bus ride from the Israeli side of the crossing to the Jordanian side. The bus costs 5 JD and 1.5 JD per bag
• On the Jordan side, a taxi journey from the border to Amman takes about an hour and costs 25-35JD
• There are also buses and minibuses available to Abdali Station in Amman

Entering Jordan via Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba Border Crossing

The Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing is located between Eilat and the Jordanian city of Aqaba. It is also called the Wadi Araba Crossing and is used frequently by travelers taking tours from Eilat to Petra and Wadi Rum.

Useful Information
The Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing is open 7 days a week between 08:00 and 20:00. It is closed on Yom Kippur and the first day of the Muslim New Year.

Transport at the crossing

• To Aqaba - Taxi from the Wadi Araba (Yitzhak Rabin) border to Aqaba costs approximately 10 JOD.
• To Petra - A one-way taxi directly from the border to Petra typically costs 60-75 JOD, most commonly around 70 JOD.

Entering Jordan via the Jordan River Border/Sheikh Hussein Crossing

The Jordan River Border Crossing is located in the north of Israel near the city of Beit She’an. It crosses the River Jordan into the center of Jordan.

Useful Information
The Jordan River Crossing is open 7 days a week. On Sundays through Thursdays from 8:30 to 18:00, on Fridays from 8:30 to 16:00, and closed on Saturdays. They close on Yom Kippur and the first day of the Muslim New Year.

Transport at the crossing

• There are very few transportation options from this crossing
• Taxi - A taxi to the city of Irbid costs about 20 JD. There are buses to Amman from this location. You can take a taxi directly to Amman, but the price tends to be extremely high because the driver knows you may not have any other options