It is relatively easy entering 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, while they need to be pre-arranged for Wadi Araba Border Crossing and for 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 fee. The price depends on which country and which crossing you are departing from.
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 17:30, and Friday and Saturday between 08:00 and 15:30. It is closed on Yom Kippur and the first day of the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice. If crossing into Jordan, travelers are also required to pay a fee of 178 NIS. If crossing the opposite way, Jordan’s fee is 8 JD. Please note border crossing time may change due to covid regulation.
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. If crossing into Jordan, travelers are also required to pay a fee of 105 NIS. If crossing the opposite way, Jordan’s fee is 10 JD. Please note border crossing time may change due to covid regulation.
Transport at the crossing
- To Aqaba – A taxi ride to Aqaba costs about 10 JD
- To Petra – A taxi ride directly to Petra costs around 70 JD one-way. But, if you take a taxi to Aqaba, taxis from there only costs about 30 JD to Petra. There is also a minibus to Petra from the Aqaba bus station for 5 JD and the trip takes about 1.5 hours
Please note that from January 1, 2016 crossing via the Arava Crossing is only possible for independent travelers who have pre-arranged a visa in their country ($60). Please note that our tours from Eilat to Petra are continuing to operate with no need to pre-arrange your visa (visas can be arranged by us for members of our group).
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 Shean. 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 7:00 to 20:00 , on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 to 18:30 They close on Yom Kippur and the first day of the Muslim New Year. If crossing into Jordan, travelers must pay a fee of 105 NIS. If crossing the opposite way, Jordan’s fee is 8 JD. Please note border crossing time may change due to covid regulation.
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
