The US says reconsider travel because of terrorism and armed conflict, noting heightened risk in Zarqa. The UK advises against travel within 3km of the Jordan-Syria border and warns of regional tensions.
Go for big-ticket archaeology and desert landscapes with simple, point-to-point travel. Most first trips link Amman, Petra around Wadi Musa, Wadi Rum and either the Dead Sea or Aqaba. It is straightforward to organise, but you need to plan around heat, driving and regional border advice.
Why Visit Jordan?#
Jordan is compact enough for a one-week loop, but dense with headline sights and easy add-ons.
Petra, done properly. Give Petra a full day and start early through the Siq for the Treasury light. Push on to the Monastery and the high viewpoints, and walk beyond the main strip to quieter tombs.
Wadi Rum nights. Spend a night in a Bedouin camp or a desert bubble, then explore Wadi Rum by jeep and on foot. Short hikes like Lawrence’s Spring and the Khazali Canyon add rock inscriptions, sunrise and stargazing.
Dead Sea float. Float in the Dead Sea and try the mineral-rich mud, then rinse off at Sweimeh resorts or the public Amman Beach. Plan sun protection, and avoid shaving beforehand because the salt stings.
Roman Jerash. Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy, with the Oval Forum, colonnaded streets and the Temple of Artemis. Walk the Cardo Maximus to get the scale.
Dana hikes. Hike parts of the Dana Biosphere Reserve between desert lowlands and high sandstone cliffs. The Dana to Feynan route is a classic, and community-run ecolodges keep things simple.
Aqaba reefs. Finish in Aqaba for Red Sea snorkelling and diving. The Japanese Garden and Marine Park beaches are mentioned as easy snorkel spots, and dive centres run two-dive days.
Things to Watch Out For#
Border zones. Avoid border areas with Syria and Iraq, and follow official advice.
Heat. Summer heat and dehydration are major risks, so start early.
Flash floods. Flash floods can hit wadis from late October to April.
Roads. Avoid night driving outside cities because lighting is poor.
Petra touts. Expect pushy animal handlers and “free” rides that need tips.
More in Is Jordan Safe?.
Who Is Jordan For?#
Couples
Families
The Dead Sea, Aqaba reefs and short Petra tours work well, but expect long walks and higher costs.
Backpackers
Hostels in Amman and Wadi Rum camping help, but Petra fees bite and transport takes effort.
Digital Nomads
Amman has reliable cafés, coworking and steady internet, but living costs are middling regionally.
Foodies
Go for mansaf, mezze and Amman falafel, plus market stalls and bakeries.
Adventure seekers
Wadi Rum is built for jeep safaris, climbing and treks, then add Aqaba diving or snorkelling.
Party animals
Nightlife is mostly small-scale in Amman and Aqaba, with bars and live music.
Nature buffs
Beyond Petra and Wadi Rum, Dana Biosphere Reserve offers hiking and quieter wildlife watching.
What you need to get in#
Most visitors, including citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the EU, can buy a single-entry tourist visa on arrival for JD 40 at Queen Alia airport in Amman and at most land borders. If you are visiting Petra, the Jordan Pass bought online before arrival can waive the visa fee, but a minimum stay applies. No visas are issued at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge, so arrange one in advance if you plan to enter there.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least six months.
Proof on request
You may be asked for onward travel, accommodation and sufficient funds.
If you leave by any land border, a JD 10 departure tax is charged in cash. Drones need advance approval, otherwise customs holds them until you leave. Visa and border rules can change with little notice, so see Jordan visa guide.
When to go#
The short answer is March to May and September to November for mild days at Petra and Wadi Rum.
| Months | What it is like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| March to May | Peak season with 18-28°C days in Amman and Petra | Comfortable hiking everywhere, so book Petra hotels early. |
| June to August | Dry and hot, Petra and Wadi Rum hit 32-36°C | Start at dawn, hydrate and plan shade for midday. |
| September to November | Second peak with fading heat and pleasant October weather | November brings first rains and flash-flood warnings in canyons. |
| December to February | Cool and wet in the highlands, sometimes snowy | Dead Sea and Aqaba stay mild at about 20-23°C days. |
The northern highlands are cooler and wetter than the Jordan Valley and Aqaba. More detail, month by month, is in the best time to visit Jordan.
The classic trips and what they cost#
Most first trips run north to south in a simple line, with Amman for arrival, Petra for at least one full day, then Wadi Rum. After that, add the Dead Sea, Aqaba, Jerash, or Dana depending on time.
Prices are per person, with two sharing mid-range rooms, and don’t include international flights.
| Trip | Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | Amman (1), Wadi Musa and Petra (2), Wadi Rum (1), Dead Sea (1) | JOD 450-650 ($630-920) mid-range, or JOD 250-350 ($350-500) budget |
| 7 days | Amman (2), Wadi Musa and Petra (2), Wadi Rum (1), Aqaba (1), fly out via Dead Sea day (0) | JOD 650-900 ($920-1,270) mid-range, or JOD 350-500 ($500-700) budget |
| 10 days | Amman (2), Dead Sea (1), Dana (2), Wadi Musa and Petra (2), Wadi Rum (1), Aqaba (1), Amman (1) | Varies |
Day to day, backpackers spend JOD 28-42 ($40-60), mid-range is JOD 50-85 ($70-120), and comfortable travel starts at JOD 92+ ($130+). More detail is in Jordan travel costs. More in Jordan itineraries.
Buy the two-day Explorer pass even if you think one day is enough. It is JD 5 more, and the Monastery and trails do not fit comfortably in one day.
Jordan in a nutshell#
- Capital: Amman is the capital, and the usual arrival base.
- People: About 11 million people, mostly Muslim. More in Jordan demographics.
- Language: Arabic is the official language, and English is widely understood among upper and middle classes. See Arabic.
- Money: The currency is the Dinar (JOD), written JD locally.
- Daily budget: Expect about JOD 28-85 per person per day ($40-120). Real prices are in Jordan travel costs.
- Electricity: Electricity is 230V, 50 Hz. Plugs are types C, F and G, see Jordan plug types.
- Driving: Driving is on the right, and speed cameras and checkpoints are common.
- Emergencies: Police 191, ambulance 199, fire 199, and 911 as a single emergency number. More on the Jordan emergency page.
Don't forget to bring#
Modest clothes
Dress modestly in smaller towns and at religious sites, especially during Ramadan. Cover shoulders and legs in public spaces outside resorts.
Sun and heat kit
Heat and dehydration are the main risks, especially in Petra and Wadi Rum. Bring sun protection and plan early starts.
Warm layer for nights
Winter nights near Petra can be near freezing, and Wadi Rum has big day to night swings. Desert camps hand out heavy blankets from November to March.
Cash for small spends
Cards work in Amman and tourist areas, but taxis, markets and smaller towns often need cash. Keep small notes for tips.
Plug adapter
Bring an adapter that covers plug types C, F and G. Power is 230V, 50 Hz.
SIM for navigation
Tourist SIMs are easy to buy at airports and shops for roughly $1-7. Coverage is solid in cities and on main highways, but weaker in rural and desert areas.
Drones need advance approval, otherwise customs holds them until you leave.
Good to know before you land#
- Hospitality: Accept offers of tea or coffee, even if it is just a sip.
- Greetings: Shake hands with the right hand, and some people avoid opposite-gender handshakes.
- Ramadan: Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours in conservative areas.
- Tipping: Service charge and sales tax are often added, otherwise tip about 10%.
- Taxis: In Amman, insist on the meter or use Careem or Uber to avoid tricks.
- Bargaining: Bargaining is common in markets, so start lower and stay polite.
Plan the rest of your trip#
More Jordan guides#
Jordan travel guide · Best time · Costs · Itineraries · Safety · Visas
First time in Jordan FAQs#
Is Jordan safe for tourists right now?
Jordan is mostly safe for tourists, but you must stay alert because of regional conflict, road risks and flash floods. Avoid the Syria and Iraq border zones, and follow local advice. For details, see Is Jordan Safe?.
Do I need a visa for Jordan?
Many nationalities can buy a single-entry visa on arrival for JD 40 at airports and most land borders. The Jordan Pass can waive the visa fee if bought before arrival, but a minimum stay applies, and no visas are issued at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge. Full rules are in Jordan visa guide.
How many days do I need for a first trip to Jordan?
One week is a solid first trip, and 1-2 weeks lets you add Jerash, Dana and more time in Aqaba. The common backbone is Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and a Dead Sea float.
How much money should I budget per day in Jordan?
Expect about JOD 28-85 per person per day ($40-120), depending on accommodation and transport style. Petra and the Jordan Pass are usually the biggest one-off costs.
When is the best time to visit Petra and Wadi Rum?
March to May and September to November have the mildest days for walking. Summer is doable with dawn starts and hydration, while winter is cooler and wetter in the highlands.