Dreaming of the ancient city of Petra , the vast landscapes of Wadi Rum , and floating in the Dead Sea? For Israeli citizens, Jordan is a breathtaking neighbor, full of history and adventure.
But navigating the entry process can be confusing. Do you need an eVisa? What is the Jordan Pass? Can you get a visa at the border?
The rules are different depending on which border you use. This Jordan eVisa from Israel guide will answer every genuine, real-world question, save you money, and help you avoid the common pitfalls so your trip is smooth and stress-free.
Do Israeli Citizens Need a Visa for Jordan?
Yes, but it's not as simple as a "yes" or "no."
For Independent Travelers: Yes, you need a visa. However, you can get this as a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at most borders, or as a Jordan eVisa online.
For Tour Groups: If you are traveling with a registered Jordanian tour operator as part of a group, you can often enter visa-free.
But for 99% of tourists, there is a much better, cheaper, and smarter option: The Jordan Pass.
"What is the Jordan Pass and Is It a Visa?"
This is the most important part of this guide.
The Jordan Pass is NOT a visa. It is a tourism package created by the Jordanian government. However, if you buy the Jordan Pass before you arrive and stay a minimum of three consecutive nights (4 days), it waives the 40 JOD visa-on-arrival fee.
The Jordan Pass also includes:
Entry to over 40 attractions, including:
Petra (1-day, 2-day, or 3-day pass)
Wadi Rum
Jerash
Amman Citadel
...and many more.
The basic Jordan Pass (70 JOD) is cheaper than just paying for your visa (40 JOD) and a 1-day Petra ticket (50 JOD) separately.
The Verdict: Buying the Jordan Pass is the cheapest and smartest way to enter Jordan. You buy it online, and you get your "visa" (the VOA) for free when you arrive.
"Should I Get the Jordan eVisa or the Jordan Pass?"
This is the central confusion for travelers. Let's clear it up.
Conclusion: Do not buy the eVisa. You will pay 40 JOD for the visa, and then you will have to pay another 50 JOD to enter Petra.
Buy the Jordan Pass instead. For just 20 JOD more, you get the visa and entry to Petra and 40 other sites. It's a massive saving.
Critical: Which Border Crossing Can I Use?
This is where most travelers make mistakes. The rules are different at each border.
1. Yitzhak Rabin / Wadi Araba Border (Eilat to Aqaba)
Best for: Most tourists, especially those going to Petra and Wadi Rum.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) Available? YES.
Jordan Pass Accepted? YES. Show your Jordan Pass, and your 40 JOD visa fee is waived.
Verdict: This is the easiest, most recommended border for tourists.
2. Jordan River / Sheikh Hussein Border (North, near Beit She'an)
Best for: Travelers exploring northern Jordan (Jerash, Amman).
Visa on Arrival (VOA) Available? YES.
Jordan Pass Accepted? YES. Show your Jordan Pass, and your visa fee is waived.
Verdict: Also an excellent, easy option for tourists.
3. Allenby / King Hussein Bridge (Central, near Jerusalem)
WARNING: DO NOT USE THIS BORDER.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) Available? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
This is a crossing, not an official border. It's primarily for Palestinians and special travel.
You cannot get a visa on arrival here. You must have a pre-approved visa (like an eVisa) before you arrive. Even then, complications are common.
Verdict: Avoid this border at all costs for a first-time tourist visit. Use Yitzhak Rabin or Sheikh Hussein.
What About Flying into Amman (Queen Alia Airport)?
This is the easiest option of all.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) Available? YES.
Jordan Pass Accepted? YES. Simply show your Jordan Pass to the immigration officer.
How to Get Your Jordan Pass?
Choose Your Package: Select the "Jordan Wanderer" (70 JOD for 1 day in Petra), "Jordan Explorer" (75 JOD for 2 days), or "Jordan Expert" (80 JOD for 3 days). The 70 JOD package is perfect for most travelers.
Fill in Your Details: Enter your name, passport number, and email. The details must exactly match your passport.
Pay the Fee: Pay with a credit card.
Download and Print: You will receive the Jordan Pass as a PDF with a QR code. Print a copy and save a digital copy to your phone. You will show this QR code at immigration and at every site entrance.
FAQ
Q: "I bought the Jordan Pass. Do I still need to pay an exit fee?"
A: Yes. The Jordan Pass does not cover the exit fee (which is paid to Israel or Jordan, depending on the border). This is a separate border tax.
Q: "What is the '3-Night Rule' for the Jordan Pass?"
A: To get the visa fee waived, you must stay in Jordan for at least 3 consecutive nights. If you buy the pass but stay only 2 nights, they will charge you the 40 JOD visa fee at the border when you leave.
Q: "Do I need to print my Jordan Pass, or is my phone okay?"
A: PRINT IT. While the digital QR code should work, systems can be down. Having a printed paper copy is a critical backup. Also, save the PDF to your phone so you don't need an internet connection.
Q: "My name on the Jordan Pass is slightly wrong. What do I do?"
A: This can be a problem. Your name must match your passport. If it's a major error, you may need to buy a new pass. Double-check your details before you pay.
Q: "I'm only going to Petra for one day. Should I still get the pass?"
A: Yes!
Without the pass: 40 JOD (Visa) + 50 JOD (Petra) = 90 JOD
With the pass: 70 JOD (and your visa is included, assuming you stay 3+ nights). The pass saves you 20 JOD even on a short trip.
Q: "What currency do I need at the border?"
A: It's best to have Jordanian Dinar (JOD) as soon as you cross. If you don't have the Jordan Pass, you will need to pay the 40 JOD visa fee. There are exchange offices at the border, but it's good to have cash.
Your Final Checklist for Crossing into Jordan
[ ] Israeli Passport (or other passport).
[ ] Printed copy of your Jordan Pass PDF.
[ ] Digital copy of your Jordan Pass PDF (saved on your phone).
[ ] Credit card and some USD or JOD for border fees.
[ ] Hotel booking confirmation (as proof of your stay).
[ ] Confirmation of which border you are using (and that it's not Allenby).
Conclusion: The Jordan Pass is Your Golden Ticket
For Israeli travelers, Jordan is an incredibly accessible and rewarding destination, if you know the rules.
Forget the eVisa. Avoid the Allenby Bridge. The simple, golden-ticket solution is to buy the Jordan Pass online in advance and cross at Yitzhak Rabin (Eilat) or Sheikh Hussein (North).
This one simple step saves you money, covers your entry to Petra, and waives your visa fee, leaving you free to enjoy one of the most magical places on Earth.
