Jordan

Jordan is a Middle Eastern country bordered by Israel, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Despite its small size, it serves as an important aviation gateway to the Levant region and offers some of the world's most remarkable historical and natural attractions, including the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea, and the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum.

The country has two commercial airports. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman handles the vast majority of international traffic and serves as the hub for Royal Jordanian, the national carrier. King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba provides access to the Red Sea resort area and is popular with charter flights from Europe.

Jordan's strategic location makes it a convenient stopover between Europe, the Gulf states, and Africa. The country is known for its safety and stability, making it one of the most accessible destinations in the Middle East for tourism.

International Gateway

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
AMM	Amman	Main international hub	Royal Jordanian, Emirates, Qatar Airways
AQJ	Aqaba	Red Sea gateway	Royal Jordanian, charter carriers

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

Jordan's primary airport, located 35 km south of Amman. Named after Queen Alia, the third wife of King Hussein. The airport underwent major expansion in 2013 with a modern terminal designed by Foster + Partners.

Facilities:

• Single terminal with two concourses
• Duty-free shopping and restaurants
• Airport Express bus to Amman (every 30 minutes)
• Taxis and ride-hailing services (Careem)
• Car rental agencies

Flight time from AMM:

• London: 5 hours
• Dubai: 3 hours
• Cairo: 1.5 hours
• Istanbul: 2.5 hours

King Hussein International Airport (AQJ)

Serves the resort city of Aqaba on the Red Sea. Smaller than AMM but useful for travelers heading directly to Aqaba, Wadi Rum, or Petra (90 minutes by road). Popular with European charter flights, especially during winter months.

Flag Carrier

Royal Jordanian (RJ) is the national airline and a member of the Oneworld alliance. Headquartered in Amman, it operates from AMM to destinations across the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Asia.

• Hubs: AMM
• Key routes: London, Paris, Chicago, New York, Dubai, Bangkok
• Fleet: Modern fleet including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus aircraft
• Alliance: Oneworld (partner benefits with British Airways, American Airlines, Qatar Airways)

Other Airlines Serving Jordan

Middle Eastern carriers:

• Emirates — Daily flights from Dubai
• Qatar Airways — Multiple daily flights from Doha
• Etihad — Flights from Abu Dhabi
• Gulf Air — Service from Bahrain
• Saudia — Flights from Saudi Arabia

European carriers:

• Lufthansa — Frankfurt and Munich
• Turkish Airlines — Istanbul (multiple daily)
• Air France — Paris
• British Airways — London Heathrow

Low-cost options:

• Ryanair — Seasonal European routes to AQJ
• Wizz Air — Service to select European cities
• flydubai — Dubai connection

Visa on Arrival

Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Amman (AMM) and Aqaba (AQJ) airports:

• Single entry: 40 JOD (approximately $56)
• Validity: 30 days (extendable at police stations)
• Requirements: Passport valid for 6 months, return ticket, hotel booking

Countries eligible: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, EU states, and most others. Check the Jordan Ministry of Interior for the complete list.

Jordan Pass

The Jordan Pass is highly recommended for tourists. It combines:

• Visa fee waiver (if staying 3+ nights)
• Entry to 40+ attractions including Petra
• Valid for 12 months from purchase

Prices:

• Jordan Wanderer (1-day Petra): 70 JOD
• Jordan Explorer (2-day Petra): 75 JOD
• Jordan Expert (3-day Petra): 80 JOD

Purchase: jordanpass.jo (must be bought before arrival)

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
• Israeli stamps are not an issue (Jordan has peace treaty with Israel)

Visa Not Required

Citizens of most Arab countries can enter without a visa.

Official information: Jordan Ministry of Interior

Domestic Flights

Royal Jordanian operates a short flight between Amman and Aqaba:

Route	Frequency	Duration
AMM ↔ AQJ	2-3 daily	45 minutes

Useful for saving the 4-hour drive, though most travelers prefer road transport for the scenery.

Car Rental

Recommended for flexibility, especially for visiting:

• Petra (3 hours from Amman)
• Wadi Rum (4 hours from Amman)
• Dead Sea (1 hour from Amman)
• Jerash (45 minutes from Amman)

Notes:

• Drive on the right
• International driving permit recommended
• Roads are generally good
• Fuel is moderately priced
• Major rental agencies at AMM airport

Buses

JETT Bus (jett.com.jo) operates comfortable intercity services:

• Amman to Petra (Wadi Musa): 3.5 hours, daily
• Amman to Aqaba: 4 hours, multiple daily
• Amman to Dead Sea: 1 hour

Local buses: Inexpensive but slower and less tourist-friendly.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

• Careem (now owned by Uber) is widely used in Amman
• Yellow taxis available but negotiate fare beforehand
• Airport taxis to Amman center: approximately 25-30 JOD

Organized Tours

Many visitors book guided tours that include transportation, particularly for:

• Day trips to Petra
• Desert jeep tours in Wadi Rum
• Dead Sea excursions

Peak Season (March-May, September-November)

Best weather for sightseeing. Comfortable temperatures for exploring Petra and Wadi Rum. Spring brings wildflowers; autumn has clear skies.

• Temperatures: 20-30°C (68-86°F)
• Higher prices and more crowds
• Book accommodation in advance for Petra

Summer (June-August)

Hot, especially in Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and the Jordan Valley. Petra can exceed 35°C (95°F).

• Best for: Red Sea diving in Aqaba (water remains pleasant)
• Avoid: Midday sightseeing at outdoor sites
• Lower prices and fewer tourists

Winter (December-February)

Mild in the Jordan Valley and Aqaba. Cooler and occasionally rainy in Amman and Petra. Snow possible in highland areas.

• Temperatures in Amman: 5-12°C (41-54°F)
• Aqaba remains warm: 15-20°C (59-68°F)
• Good for combining beach and sightseeing

Ramadan

During the Islamic holy month (dates vary), expect:

• Reduced restaurant hours during daylight
• Shorter business hours
• Special evening atmosphere at iftar
• Respectful dress and behavior appreciated

Historic Sites

Destination	Nearest Airport	Travel Time	Known For
Petra	AMM or AQJ	3hr / 1.5hr	UNESCO World Heritage, Nabataean city
Jerash	AMM	45 min	Roman ruins, second only to Pompeii
Madaba	AMM	30 min	Byzantine mosaics, Mount Nebo nearby
Kerak Castle	AMM	2 hr	Crusader fortress
Umm Qais	AMM	2 hr	Roman Decapolis city, Sea of Galilee views

Natural Wonders

Destination	Nearest Airport	Travel Time	Known For
Dead Sea	AMM	1 hr	Lowest point on Earth, mineral-rich waters
Wadi Rum	AQJ	1 hr	Desert valley, Bedouin camps, film location
Aqaba	AQJ	10 min	Red Sea diving, coral reefs, beach resorts
Dana Biosphere Reserve	AMM	3 hr	Hiking, wildlife, eco-tourism

Cities

Amman — The capital, built on seven hills (jabals). Modern city with ancient Citadel, Roman amphitheater, vibrant downtown, and excellent restaurants. Most international visitors spend at least one night here.

Aqaba — Jordan's only coastal city, on the Red Sea. Beach resorts, diving, and duty-free shopping. Gateway to Wadi Rum and southern Petra access.

Money

• Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD), locally called "JD"
• Exchange rate: 1 JOD = approximately $1.41 USD (fixed rate)
• Cards: Accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in cities
• Cash: Essential for smaller establishments, taxis, and tips
• ATMs: Widely available in cities; some at tourist sites
• Tipping: 10% at restaurants; small tips for guides and drivers appreciated

Electrical

• Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
• Plug types: B, C, D, F, G, J (varied—bring universal adapter)
• Note: Many hotels have multiple socket types

Connectivity

• Mobile networks: Zain, Orange, Umniah
• SIM cards: Available at airport arrivals; bring passport
• eSIM: Supported by Airalo and other providers
• WiFi: Free at most hotels and many cafes

Safety

Jordan is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East for tourists.

• Low crime rate
• Friendly and hospitable culture
• Tourist police available at major sites
• Avoid border areas with Syria
• Check government travel advisories for current information

Cultural Notes

• Dress: Modest clothing recommended, especially at religious sites
• Alcohol: Available in hotels, licensed restaurants, and Christian areas
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people
• Greetings: "Marhaba" (hello) and "Shukran" (thank you) appreciated
• Friday: Weekend day; some businesses closed

Health

• Water: Drink bottled water
• Sun protection: Essential, especially at Petra and Wadi Rum
• Pharmacies: Well-stocked in cities
• Medical care: Good private hospitals in Amman

Useful Phrases (Arabic)

• Hello: Marhaba / As-salaam alaikum
• Thank you: Shukran
• Yes / No: Na'am / La
• How much?: Bikam?
• Please: Min fadlak (to male) / Min fadlik (to female)

• Tourism: Visit Jordan
• Jordan Pass: jordanpass.jo
• Visa Information: Jordan Ministry of Interior
• Royal Jordanian: rj.com
• JETT Bus: jett.com.jo
• Petra Information: visitpetra.jo
• Aqaba Tourism: aqaba.jo